Simple Summer Style: Black is Back

Summer is my favorite season for so many reasons, but one is that I don’t have to bundle up in a million layers like I do during the long, cold Maryland winters. It’s time to pack away the scarves and pull out tank tops and sundresses, which are two of my favorite things! There are endless possibilities for a great summer wardrobe, but today I want to talk about how to easily pull off one fabulous trend…wearing black. 

Typically, we think about white and bright colors for the summer months, and those are awesome too in their own ways. We tend to remember that old rule about wearing white {shoes, specifically} from Memorial Day to Labor Day and may be tempted to leave our darker colors in the closet. But the truth is, black is pretty much universally flattering. It’s slimming, and when styled purposefully, it can direct attention away from one part of the body and to another instead. 

Here are 3 ways to rock black with confidence this summer:

1. A FLIRTY SUNDRESS

Opt for something fun and patterned to keep it from looking too formal, like a Little Black Dress. Plaids and polka dots lighten things up and mixing in some white or another color will keep things casual.

Dress: Mossimo for Target, Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohls, Sunglasses: Target

Since it is summer after all, go ahead and bare those arms in a sleeveless style with a full skirt, and look for lightweight fabrics that move freely. You want to balance the darker color with a fabric that won’t be too hot and uncomfortable for outdoor excursions. With fit & flare style sundresses like these, I like to add a belt to create definition and emphasize the smallest part of the waist {not the “mama pooch”!}

Dress: Old Navy, Belt: Pick Your Plum, Sunglasses: Target

2. SLEEVELESS TOP AND JEANS

Keep things cool and casual with a button-down sleeveless top paired with your favorite jeans. Again, a print helps keep things from being too fussy, and adding a summery accessory like a fun floppy hat makes your outfit instantly ready for the boardwalk. As with the sundresses, a lightweight, swingy fabric is a must…otherwise you’ll look and feel stuffy. Have a little fun by adding a pop of color in the form of bright flats and/or lipstick!

Top: Express, Jeans: Express, Red Flats: Old Navy, Hat: Walmart, Sunglasses: Target

3. WITH A SKIRT AND CONVERSE

‘Tis the season to not take things too seriously, so get playful by pairing a solid black tank and a skirt with your favorite pair of Chucks. Break up the black by adding a long statement necklace {bonus points if it has a summery theme, like this nautical anchor one}, and bring in some color with other accessories, like my multi-colored bracelets from Bead for Life.

Tank: Old Navy, Skirt: Old Navy, Necklace: Julie Vos, Bracelets: Bead for Life, Converse: Kicks USA

Converse are absolute classics, always in style, whether you pair them with jeans, skirts, dresses, or anything else your heart desires. For summer, I like the slip-on version so I don’t even have to worry about tying or untying them when I’m ready to head out the door. Although I do have a pair of black ones, I prefer lightening up this look with my grey pair, which is also neutral enough to match any outfit.

Tank: Old Navy, Skirt: Old Navy, Necklace: Julie Vos, Bracelets: Bead for Life, Converse: Kicks USA

What do you say? How do you incorporate black into your summer wardrobe? Which of these looks is your favorite?