How to wear black this summer: 8 Style Panel tips for brightening fashion’s favourite shade

Date June 17, 2014

While black is as synonymous to winter as white with summer, that doesn’t mean the dark shade should be taboo for the warmer season. Summer naturally calls for brighter hues and season-appropriate prints, but thanks to this season’s A-list designers (i.e. Gucci, Giambattista Valli, Altuzarra) and celebrity style (we’re looking at you, Lorde!), the universal shade is definitely open to being worn all year long. However, it is inevitable to feel the need to stay away from the shade during the warm months of summer due to its heat-absorbing characteristics. So how do you stay cool without feeling like you’re drenched in sweat going from point A to B? Fear not, because this week, we challenged our Style Panel to share with us their tips on how to wear black this summer.

When it comes to wearing black in the heat, Style Panel members can agree that it’s all about choosing the right fabric and pieces. Jill Lansky of The August Diaries and Leonie Markhorst of The Signature Bow took on the challenge head-on wearing black head-to-toe in two different crop top ensembles. While Lansky played with a more structured, lady-like look, Markhorst kept things cool and chic pairing her outfit with an asymmetrical midi skirt. If you’re hoping to tackle this trend for the office environment, BornLippy’s Melanie Morais has the solution for you: silk pants. The breathable material will allow you to stay cool, while maintaining a professional look. And if you’re looking to be more stand-out, Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog’s monochromatic floral jumpsuit is the perfect statement piece to feeling cool and stylish this summer.

Question 108: How do you wear black in the summer? Read the answers now! »

Leonie Markhorst, 26
Vancouver, BC | The Signature Bow

Black outfits are usually my go-to, regardless of the season. While it is definitely a heat-absorbing shade, I feel like it at least makes me think I look cool. The key to staying cool is choosing the right garments. Stay away from polyester and always opt for more natural materials like cotton. And if you dare to bare (at least a little) – embrace the cropped top trend!

Leonie’s wearing: T-shirt, H&M. Skirt, Zara. Heeled Sandals, Le Chateau. Bag, Zara. Sunglasses, Le Specs.

Jill Lansky, 26
Vancouver | The August Diaries

There is nothing chicer than black on tanned skin. To avoid burning up in this heat-absorbing shade, be sure to leave slivers of skin open. My favourite way to do this is with a crop top and high-waisted skirt.

Jill’s wearing: Top, Zara. Skirt, 424 Fifth. Shoes, Steve Madden.

Kira Paran, 29
Edmonton | Northern Style Exposure

I know most of us don’t associate black with summer, but I honestly feel that if you keep the fabric light weight, you can still achieve that summer look. Showing a little skin doesn’t hurt either. My rule to keeping it classic: only show arms or legs.

Kira’s wearing: Jumpsuit, Forever21. Sandals, Madewell. Bag, Pour la Victoire. Belt, J.Crew. Necklace, Custom Monogram.

how to wear black this summer barbara — Photography by Trevor Negin

Barbara Ann Solomon, 25
Toronto | Barbara Ann’s Style Blog

Wearing darker shades during the summer months is all about balance. From the texture to fabrics to the cut, dressing head-to-toe in black takes some extra care to keep the look fresh and seasonally appropriate. I love the jumpsuit this year, and when I found this monochromatically-gradated floral print, I knew it would be the perfect playsuit to take me anywhere this summer. I’ve kept my makeup light with a bold lip and continued the black and white theme in the accessories department.

Barbara’s wearing: Jumpsuit, Topshop. Platforms, Jeffrey Campbell. Backpack, Camden Market in London, England. Watch, Movado.

Melanie Morais, 25
Calgary, AB | BornLippy

Wearing black may seem a tad heavy in the heat of summer when you’re walking around the city, especially if it’s a 9-5 look. The key to staying cool is all in the materials. Try to go for fabrics that can keep you cool yet still professional. These black pants are made of silk so they’re breathable and don’t cling to the body. These pants can keep you cool during the day and warm at night. Score!

Barbara’s wearing: Shirt, Joe Fresh. Pants, Club Monaco. Heels, Zara. Bag, Roots.

Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

I love wearing black all year round and the key to making this happen is finding pieces with fabrics suitable for the season.

This spring, I’ve been wearing these trousers often, simply because they are as comfortable as joggers, and also the fabric is thin and breathable making them conducive to the warmer temperatures. Pairing these trousers with a short-sleeve striped top effortlessly transitions this outfit from daytime to evening.

Becky’s wearing: Trousers, Topshop. Top, Garage Clothing. Heels, Le Chateau. Handpiece, Kate Hewko. Sunglasses, Michael Kors.

Sasha Xiao, 25
Toronto | Sasha’s Satisfashion

Although black is always considered as a classic shade, it could also get a little tricky during the summer. Yes, floral is very summer. Yes, neon calls for the summer heat. This doesn’t mean we have to leave black alone though. I’d totally wear black on a hot summer day, but I’d be very careful with choosing the materials. I generally lean more towards breathable and sheer fabrics like lace, silk and so on.

Sasha’s wearing: Top, Haight & Ashbury. Sleeveless blazer, Zara. Shorts, Urban Outfitters. Sunglasses, BCBGeneration.

Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents

I love me some black (especially when it comes to coffee), but when it comes to wearing black in the summer I take mine with a heavy dose of cream. During the summer months I do still wear black, but I like to break it up and keep it away from my upper body (like my shoulders or back that would get really hot under the sun). Usually I’ll opt for little bits of black mixed in with prints, or some little black shorts, or a great pair of black ballet flats like these ones from Calvin Klein. It’s hard to quit cold turkey isn’t it?

Kayla’s wearing: Blazer, Forever 21. T-Shirt, Target. Jeans, Joe Fresh. Flats, Calvin Klein. Bag, Forever 21. Sunglasses, Joe Fresh. Bracelet, Alex and Ani.