This summer, instead of focusing on color-packed looks, lean into breathable black clothes and accessories. Think go-to black denim shorts, floaty black dresses, and fisherman sandals for a day by the beach, linen blazers for cool evenings, and bucket hats that will help keep your face from soaking up too much sun. When it comes to styling the inky shade, festive textural takes—like raffia bags from Loewe, Hereu, and Marni to Toteme’s smocked swimsuit—add an element of contrast to any head-to-toe black look. Not to mention that the dark hue is perfect for any and all occasions, whether you’re beach bound, about to be the best-dressed guest, or commuting to and from the office.
Still not sold? Consider this: Black clothes tend to hide sweat better than peppy pastels or light neutrals like gray or tan anyhow. Here, shop eight summer-ready looks, all featuring black clothes and accessories on the market now.
The Resort-Ready Look
An all-black swimsuit is an incredibly chic item to wear this summer—and every summer. Toteme’s smocked floral take is at the top of our shopping list. For a resort-ready look, style the swimsuit underneath a Tory Burch tunic and Faithfull the Brand’s black linen cargo pants. Simple sandals from The Row are masterfully minimal, while Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s raffia tote is right on theme.
The Elegant Evening Ensemble
We can assume that your summer social calendar is already in full swing. While the obvious answer to this season’s soiree dressing is an LBD, let us introduce you to the statement black top and pants from Tove and COS. Complete the look with Khaite’s embellished kitten heels and Ferrgamo’s woven black top-handle bag. This is one surefire way to ensure your spot on any best-dressed guest list.
The Weekend Wardrobe
On the weekends, nothing is more appealing than easy elegance. Enter The Row’s Caroline oversized button-up and H&M’s breezy linen tank top. To contrast the look ever so chicly, style the duo with Mango’s ecru denim midiskirt. Meanwhile, fisherman sandals from Emme Parsons are a summertime staple.
The Trendsetter
A trendy suit vest adds a depth of formality to any summertime look, especially when styled alongside another closet classic: the cargo pant. The addition of Adidas Sambas needs no further explanation, and the same goes for DeMellier’s Santorini basket bag. Other essential accessories include all-black sunnies from Khaite x Oliver Peoples and John Hardy hoop earrings.
The Delightful Daytime Look
Whether you’re dressing for a warm sunny day in the city or packing for a weekend getaway, Ganni’s poplin midi-dress is a minimalist must-have. To layer over top, J.Crew’s Emilie cardigan is a chic choice. Meanwhile, raffia accessories, like Marni’s Tropicalia tote and Totême’s bucket hat, are fabulously festive. Sleek slip-on-style sandals from Aeyde are barely there but in the best way possible.
The 9-to-5
Yes, you can wear jeans to the office, especially when they’re as polished as Frame’s Le Palazzo pair. To err on the side of formal, Everlane’s striped blazer is the perfect finishing touch. Mary Janes from Le Monde Beryl and Dragon Diffusion’s woven tote makes for easy (and effortless) commuting.
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The Chic Cocktail Attire
At your next cocktail party, opt for JW Anderson’s sultry silk midiskirt instead of an obvious little black dress. Pairing the sleek staple with an Agolde tank top keeps the look cool yet still chic, while strappy heeled sandals from Proenza Schouler add some welcome elevation (literally). The Row’s Half Moon bag is a wardrobe mainstay regardless of the season.
The Beach to Bar
No summer capsule wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim cutoffs–and Agolde’s baggy Stella shorts are this season’s star. Styling-wise, go from beach to bar courtesy of Zara’s oversized linen shirt, an Evarae bikini, and a pair of Loewe Anagram slides. Like the cult-verified Prada raffia tote, the brand’s bucket hat is just as good.
