BLACK doesn’t take SUMMERS off
5 Black Summer Outfits (Because Personal Style Doesn't Have a Season)
Every Summer it happens.
The weather warms up, store windows fill with white linen and bright colors, and somewhere along the way we're told it's time to pack away the black clothes.
I never got that memo.
Or maybe I did. I just ignored it.
Because black doesn't take summers off.
If black is part of your personal style in January, why should it disappear in July?
5 Black Summer Outfits (Because Personal Style Doesn't Have a Season)
Every Summer it happens.
The weather warms up, store windows fill with white linen and bright colors, and somewhere along the way we're told it's time to pack away the black clothes.
I never got that memo.
Or maybe I did. I just ignored it.
Because black doesn't take summers off.
If black is part of your personal style in January, why should it disappear in July?
The trick isn't avoiding black.
It's changing how you wear it.
Black in Summer isn’t The Problem
When people say, "I can't wear black in summer," they're usually talking about comfort, not style.
And comfort has more to do with fabric, silhouette, and how you build an outfit than it does with color.
On those cooler summer mornings, breezy evenings, or rainy days, black feels exactly right. I simply reach for lighter fabrics, easy silhouettes, and pieces that let me move. The color stays. The weight of the clothes changes.
vintage track tank via 6 ft Closet Vintage; Ivy Potter vintage asymmetrical skirt; Caddis Mabuhay readers
This week's styling rack was proof that black can be anything but boring.
Five outfits.
Five different moods.
what’s on The Styling Rack?
tissue thin cotton racerback tank by Park Vogel (this one’s a vintage piece) similar here
Marie Adam Leenaerdt one shoulder, similar here
vintage TopShop mens graphic tee. similar here
MM6 campshirt. similar here
Mayle tuxedo short shorts. similar here
Vintage wrap skirt. similar here
EASY
Black denim and a black tank.
The outfit I throw on when I don't want to overthink getting dressed. Simple, comfortable, and proof that an all-black outfit doesn't have to feel heavy in the middle of summer.
UNEXPECTED LOVE
An avant-garde one-shoulder top paired with a vintage black skirt with white topstitching.
These two pieces shouldn't make sense together—and that's exactly why I love them.
The top feels modern and architectural. The skirt feels collected, vintage, and full of character. The contrast between those two personalities is what makes the outfit interesting.
It's definitely coming into consideration for our upcoming Montreal trip.
MENSWEAR, OF COURSE
A black camp shirt buttoned all the way up with black tuxedo short shorts.
I love a good menswear outfit esp in the summer. Buttoning the shirt to the top gives the outfit intention, while the shorts keep it feeling like summer.
OVERSIZED + OVERSIZED
Soft pleated drawsting pants and an oversized graphic tee.
Oversized doesn't have to mean sloppy.
When the fabrics are light and the proportions are intentional, it becomes one of the easiest, airiest outfits to wear on a summer day.
THE WILD CARD
A thrifted black leather mini dress I found in Paris.
Most people would probably save a leather mini dress for evening or maybe a special occassion.
I do the opposite.
I would (only) wear it during the day with red leather moccasins and a teal leather bag. It takes a piece that might feel "too much" at night with heels and gives it a completely different personality.
That's my favorite kind of styling…taking a piece people expect to go one direction and wearing it another.
HOW to wear : COLOR
love a bold piece but never reach for it? in this STYLE 101 post, I’m sharing five easy outfit formulas to help you style that bold, colorful piece you love…from pairing it with black or white, to tonal dressing, stripes, bold prints, and even red. modern, wearable ways to wear color with confidence.
There are so many good ways to wear color. It’s one of the most joyful pieces in a wardrobe…and yes, sometimes the most intimidating. So I’m breaking it down into five simple outfit formulas. No overthinking. Just real ways to make that bold piece work.
how to wear color
THE EASIEST >> back to black or back to white
L : resale mens oversized leather jacket, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt & black leather boots
R : Y3 for Adidas tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Adidas pink sneakers, neon green socks
THE SECOND EASIET >> go tonal. meaning pair back to another shade in the same color family.
L : boys NYC souvenir tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons sneakers
R : steven alan shrunken button up, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Mayle knee hi high heel boots, Topologie puffer bag + bungie strap
WITH A STRIPE stripes are such a versatile pattern. they give solids more interest, they mix & ground other patterns nicely and they do the same with bold bright colors. chk out below…
Ralph Lauren stripe sweater twin set, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Mayle knee-hi high heel boot
WITH A BOLD GRAPHIC PRINT pair bold with bold for something truly unique
Christopher Kane frankenstein graphic tee, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons sneakers
WITH THE COLOR RED color with color. red works well with blue(s), pink, orange, reds
Adidas track jacket, Sunnei royal blue maxi skirt, Comme des Garçons Play sneakers
the FALL DENIM edit 2025
It all started with a coat.
My camo coat by Paul Smith has barely seen the closet this season — it’s been my go-to for everything. Somewhere between wearing it again and realizing how good it looked with denim, I fell down the denim rabbit hole. Consider this my fall edit: four pairs + one outlier that are getting real rotation.
It all started with a coat.
My camo coat by Paul Smith has barely seen the closet this season — it’s been my go-to for everything. That says something cause I have easily five go-to outerwear pieces for fall
Somewhere between wearing it again and having some real fun pattern-mixing moments, I fell down the denim rabbit hole. Consider this my fall edit: four pairs + one outlier that are getting real rotation.
#1. Judi Rosen Stovepipe Jeans
Also known as the Stovepipe, Judi Rosen’s cult-favorite straight leg is made entirely of organic denim sourced from Japan and Italy — and that’s what gives them their magic fit. They sculpt, they lift (yes, the butt-lifting kind of lift), and they somehow feel structured without strangling your shape. Think classic lines, extra-high rise, and a cut that makes your legs (and confidence) look a mile long.
As Vogue put it:
“They’re the stuff of peachy dreams: sculpting and lifting your bum to the heavens as only a sturdy, extra-high-rise style can... they make me feel alive.”
Vogue called them “the stuff of peachy dreams,” and they weren’t wrong.
#2. Levi’s 501 Originals
The forever classic — this time in a washed-out black that reads soft grey. I went for a 32" length (two inches longer than usual) for more shoe options — and at 5'3", it’s the perfect way to play with proportion. They tuck easily into a boot but still break cleanly with loafers or sneakers.
#3 DL1961 WHITE Cropped High-Rise
White denim in fall? Yes, absolutely….my favorite color in the fall & winter. full stop. The cropped cut keeps it modern, and with heavier knits or boots, it feels intentional — not summer leftovers. And the color? Crisp and bright against all the seasonal layers.
GAP coulottes, JCrew Crewcuts checkerboard hoodie similar here, Rachel Comey suede western boot
#4 GAP Denim Coulottes
I actually bought these for the camo coat — the cropped length just works. And boots season? These were made for it. Gap nailed the denim here: super soft, but not flimsy, and genuinely comfortable. I sized down because they were sold out in my size — lucky I did, they fit perfectly. So size down!
Ruti the-off-duty-cargo jeans, vintage cotton cardi similar here, Loeffler Randal olive green knee high boot similar here
#5 Ruti Wide Leg Denim Cargos
A camo/cargo girl at heart, I can’t get enough of these. They look structured but are surprisingly so nice & soft, and that deep dark denim feels polished without being stiff. The wide, full leg is flowy and perfect under my 3/4-length camo coat, while the pocket details give serious “I mean BUSINESS” energy.
The Thread That Ties It All Together
Each pair holds its own, but the through-line is the camo coat. It’s been the anchor — the unexpected hero that makes evenmy classic straight leg denim feel new again. Sometimes one great piece (thank you, Paul Smith 🖤) pulls the whole season into focus.
Watch the full Fall Denim Edit 2025 on YouTube for styling videos, outfit combos, and fit notes.
Shop my denim edit and fall favorites over on ShopMy.
Drop me a comment and let me know what denim you’re digging right now! Would love to hear!
transform 1 SKIRT Into 5 totally DIFFERENT OUTFITS
Let’s talk versatility, because who has time for a closet full of pieces you only wear once? I’m sharing how you can take one skirt and create five completely different looks
Pangaia hoodie, Anitian maxi skirt, Tyler the Creator sneaks
Let’s talk versatility, because who has time for a closet full of pieces you only wear once? I’m sharing how you can take one skirt and create five completely different looks—all stylish, wearable, and perfect for women who want to feel confident without overthinking their outfit.
I chose this maxi skirt by Anitian for this challenge because of it’s color & print and the elastic waist for extra versatility Here’s how I styled it:
how to style a maxi skirt
The Ørder double layer cropped sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator sneaks
1. chic & casual
My favorite way to start! Keep it simple: pair your skirt with a unique sweatshirt (this one’s by a local designer) and fun sneakers. Swap in a tee when the days get warmer. It’s the kind of look that feels deliberate and stylish
This is your go-to outfit for coffee dates, errands, or casual Friday at work.
Tip: Choose a sweatshirt that’s interesting / unique in shape, features a standout graphic, or (hand)made from a local designer—it’s an easy way to give the outfit your signature touch.
2. work-ready elegance
C: Rachel Comey pink paisley blouse, R: Mayle cropped jacket, leather sash, LD Tuttle pumps
Take the same skirt to the office by pairing it with a blouse and pointed flats or heels. Or layer over with a blazer and minimal jewelry for polish. Suddenly, that casual skirt is totally work / meeting-appropriate.
Pro move: easily pull up the elastic waist maxi to above the chest for a midi version.
3. edgy & modern
When in doubt I always reach for one of my graphic tees. Pair your skirt with a graphic tee or blazer or color! and chunky boots. This is the outfit for gallery openings, evening drinks, or weekend strolling.
Style hack: Mix textures—soft skirt + rugged leather or denim creates visual interest without extra effort.
4. going glam
Turn up the femininity. Pair your skirt with a silk cami or avant garde number and strappy heels. Here I have it with my Giorgio Armani silk blouse & white PVC sandals by Melissa. Add a bold lip, statement earring (yep just one!), and a clutch. Voilà! A skirt that worked for daytime now shines at night.
Secret: I love a hem or skirt with movement and one that falls to the ankle to show off your shoe…cause gurl, we all know…the devil is in the details.
CHEAT CODES for when you don’t know WHAT TO WEAR
It’s not about having more clothes—it’s about having a few reliable tricks that get you from “ugh, what now?” to “okay, I look good” in five minutes flat.
How to Get Dressed When You Have No Idea What to Wear
We all have those mornings. You’re standing in front of your closet, coffee in hand, mentally scrolling through everything you own, and somehow nothing feels right. It’s not about having more clothes—it’s about having a few reliable tricks that get you from “ugh, what now?” to “okay, I look good” in five minutes flat.
These are my personal cheat codes—the quick fixes that always work when my brain hasn’t caught up to my day yet.
1. lean into your ELEVATED BASICS
When in doubt, start with your best foundation pieces. Think of them as your style constants—the good trousers, the sharp button-down, that on trend or well cut tee, the jeans that never let you down.
The trick is in the mix: 1. pair on of your fave classic tops with one of your fave classic bottoms (pic above for reference!) or 2. great time to grab that unique, don’t-know-what-to-wear-with-this piece (or even avant-garde piece!) & ground it with an elevated basic top or bottom (preferably in black). It’s easy math that somehow always adds up to put-together.
If you need to beef up your elevated basics collection, check out my ShopMy page for recommendations.
2. go MONOCHROME
L: Free People oversized tee, Madewell maxi skirt, Caddis sunnies, vintage bangles C: Mai cashmere vneck swtr, Dolce & Gabbana pencil skirt, Antipast socks, Dr Marten shoes, Fjälraven backpack R: vintage cotton cardi, Adidas trackpant, Caddis Mabuhay pink readers, vintage clear lucite cuff
Color matching is the fastest way to look intentional, even when you’re anything but. Choose one color—any color—and wear it head to toe. The effect is bold & intentional.
Don’t overthink the tones; slight variations actually make the outfit look richer. And yes, neutrals count. A lineup of charcoals, creams, or navies feels & looks quietly powerful and never dated…hello The Row!
3. The ONE & DONE
Sacai romper, fur sandals from CDMX, Gucci sunnies, vintage white cuff
Sometimes the answer is: stop trying. A jumpsuit, a dress—anything that’s a complete fit in one move—is your instant exit from the panic scramble or decision fatigue.
The key …
4. build your PERSONAL LOOKBOOK
Here’s the move that changed my mornings: start taking selfies when you do like your fits. Create a folder on your phone…mine’s called ‘feelin it’.
Next time you’re standing there blankly, open the folder and scroll through. You’ll find your answer in seconds—proof that you’ve already solved this problem before.
STYLE is just SYSTEMS
Style doesn’t have to be a daily reinvention. Once you know what works for you, it’s just about running the right system on the right day.
These cheat codes are the shortcuts—small, repeatable moves that take the stress out of getting dressed. Try them this week and see how much mental space you get back.