woman is wearing beautiful, all-black outfit
Photo: Clarke Sanders

It is widely believed that black clothing isn't appropriate for the summer. Every fashionista knows that black color attracts and absorbs sunlight, converting it into heat energy. Therefore, wearing light-colored tees and jeans feels like a much better alternative to the classic black dress, even if it is little. But what if you aren't a big fan of white or fun colors? 

Summer does not automatically mean you have to pack away all your favorite black pieces into the compression vacuum bag! Many fashion ways will allow you to wear the all-black outfits even when the hottest heatwave hits your city.

#1: Pick a Comfortable Material...


Summer fashion is all about the right material, especially when it comes to dark clothes. Natural materials like cotton, linen, and thin silk will allow your skin to breathe freely and you won't break a sweat in your total black summer outfit.

The floor-length linen dress paired with open black sandals sounds like a comfortable and relaxed alternative to thick denim jeans, isn't it? And stay away from synthetics, even though they can look absolutely fantastic. It is best to pick some summer-appropriate, sustainable clothing and accessories for your outfit. Leather and suede are a summer-no-no, they are too heavy and stuffy.

beautiful woman in an all-black outfit is posing on the street for the camera
Photo: Shobhit Bajpai

#2: Add Various Textures...


Simplicity is always welcomed in the summer, yet, when it comes to black and dark clothing, simplicity can turn out to look boring. To avoid any dullness in your summer total black look, try to incorporate various textures in your outfit. As I mentioned before, linen is superb for hot days and it has one of the most authentic, cross-cross textures, ideal for modern cottagecore styles.

Another option may be the textured muslin, which is both soft and chunky, it is a great material for black summer blouses, dresses, and bed wear. The v-neck black lace dress, beautifully decorated with thin lace, will add some texture to your look and it is thin enough for the summer.

#3: Colorful Accents, Bold Accessories...


The all-black outfit, boosted-up with a few vivid accents, technically, isn't a total black outfit anymore. But those little accents can take your look to a whole new level. Pick a simple black bandage dress or strappy jumpsuit with embroidery decorations.

Colorful hats, bags, or footwear in the same color palette will accomplish your summer look. You can go further and dilute the blackness of your clothing with a few daring accessories. Colorful bold necklaces, chunky bracelets, and earrings are going to accentuate black outfits beautifully.

beautiful woman in an all-black outfit is posing on the street for the camera
Photo: Murilo Bahia

#4: What About Dark Prints?


If colorful prints aren't an option for you, then you might find darker alternatives to them. Monotone floral, animal, or geometric prints look stylish and elegant in an outfit, especially when paired with simple accessories and darker colors. Go for a loose animal print blouse with skinny jeans or a short floral dress with black sandals. Dark tie-dye print, mixed with brighter colors, is another beautiful alternative to the neon summer colors.

#5: Flash a Little Skin...


When the sun is relentless, don't hesitate to showcase a bit of skin, as it can be both empowering and refreshing. Mesh fabrics, crop tops, and strategically placed cutouts are not just enduring trends but also your allies in navigating the summer heat with style. Consider incorporating mesh fabrics into your wardrobe for a playful yet sophisticated look. Mesh not only adds a touch of intrigue to your outfit but also allows air circulation, making it an ideal choice for those sweltering afternoons.

For a touch of elegance and a sun-kissed glow, embrace off-shoulder dresses and blouses. Not only do they add a feminine allure to your look, but they also expose your shoulders to the warmth of the sun. Off-shoulder styles are perfect for both casual outings and more formal occasions, offering a stylish way to stay cool while making a chic fashion statement.

Need some extra ventilation? A front or back-slit skirt or wide-legged pants is going to let your skin breathe. 

Let's summarize...


Black is a timeless color that can be worn all year round, even in the summer heat. By following these tips, you can stay cool and stylish in black all summer long. So go ahead and experiment with different looks and find what works best for you. Stay cool in the summer heat!

Lots of love,
Liz