Why can't everyone wear black? - HOC Blog (2024)

Why can't everyone wear black? - HOC Blog (1)

BLACK IS FOR WINTERS… BUT LOOK WHAT WE’VE FOUND FOR SPRINGS, SUMMERS AND AUTUMNS:

Sometimes people worry that having their colours done means they have to throw out all their old clothes. When you see a House of Colour consultant, you’ll realise that’s not how we roll. We’ll never tell you what to wear. What we love is watching the delight on your face when you discover the colours of your season – and see for yourself how many there are and what a difference they make. (And if you haven’t had yourcolours doneyet, read on. We’ve got a real treat in store.)

We’re going to show you right now what we mean, using the colour black. Black’s an interesting one. It’s the darling of the High Street, particularly at the moment, with little black numbers all over the place. But it only really works for people who are Winters. And that is the exciting bit! It means Springs, Summers and Autumns have their own fabulous versions of black.

What are they?

WELL, SEE FOR YOURSELF.

Have a look at Ali in this photo (right). Ali is a Spring and is in black on the left and in her Spring colours on the right

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Can you see the difference? There’s a natural vibrancy to Ali on the right, which seems to be missing in the photo on the left.

That’s the thing with black. Scientifically speaking, it absorbs all the light that comes at it. Which means it can drain all the colour from your face – unless you are a Winter of course.

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Now have a look at Maria (left), who is an Autumn.

When you look at the second photo, can you see how the colours illuminate Maria’s face and of course they tone with her Autumn colour drapes.

The black takes over, doesn’t it? Luring your gaze away from all those other gorgeous colours – the ones that give Maria a healthy glow and make her look fabulous.

So if you’re not a Winter and you wear, say, black trousers, people will be drawn to look down at the heavier colour and away from your face. And that’s a shame, because your face is you – and we want your audience to see just how great you look.

DISCOVER YOUR GORGEOUS VERSION OF BLACK

The good news is that every season has some wonderful deep neutrals – their version of black. They’ll lift all the other colours inyour palette, makingthem look elegant and expensive:

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If you are a Summer,you’ll look fantastic in French Navy, Smoked Grape or Rose Brown.

Chocolate and Bright Navy work brilliantly forSprings

Autumnsare spoilt for choice with Dark Brown, Dark Olive, Warm Navy and Deep Bronze.

Wintershave other options too, like Charcoal, Indigo and Navy.

Of course people who are Winters like Holly (right) can look great in black.

MAKE-UP: YOUR FINISHING TOUCH

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If you are are not a winter butblack is an essential and permanent lifestyle aspect of your wardrobe, make-up is another brilliant way to express the colours of your season. It’s even more important then that your make-up is perfect for your natural colouring.

Hannah (left) showing thedifference that perfect make-up in your seasonal pallette will make.

Why can't everyone wear black? - HOC Blog (2024)

FAQs

Does black work on everyone? ›

Take note – Black only works really well if it's YOUR colour. Black is considered Cool, Deep and Bright. This doesn't work as well for people with Warm, Light or Muted colouring. So, if you have Warm, Light or Muted colouring you should definitely avoid black close to your face.

Why do some people only wear all black? ›

Those who often go for "all black," that is, wear all black, are subconsciously trying to protect themselves from feelings they think they can't control. It is not uncommon for them to become easily overwrought and may struggle to overcome anxiety and focus on their daily tasks.

Why not to wear black clothes? ›

Black absorbs. Scientifically we know black absorbs heat and that areas of very dark coloured rock or soil actively contribute to global warming by collecting and storing heat.

What is the psychology of wearing black clothes? ›

Research in colour psychology suggests that those who wear all black find a sense of 'togetherness and certainty'. A survey states: ”Throughout all our survey black came first or second in most 'good' traits (for example – confidence, intelligence, and sexiness) and barely figured in the bad traits.”

What skin tone does black not look good on? ›

Warmer skin tones are known as Springs & Autumns, and they should stay away from wearing black next to their face as it will create flaws on the face thus prompting the wearer to look older. Cooler skin tones, like Winters, are safer wearing black next to their faces.

What skin tones look bad in black? ›

Light Skin with Cool Undertones

Be careful when wearing too much Black or Navy, which can easily overwhelm. Or, look for clothing that is pastel in color, which will perfectly complement your very pale features.

Is it okay to wear all black casually? ›

Keep It Casual

Black is always associated with formal wear. So, this can make a jarring when worn with any outfit that is closely associated with both day or evening wear, but isn't technically formal wear.

Is it rude to wear all black? ›

As a general rule, "wearing black is totally acceptable, as the hue is very versatile," Sabatino affirms. However, you should avoid wearing white unless you are told otherwise.

What is the psychology of the color black? ›

Black Color Psychology

In color psychology, black's color meaning is symbolic of mystery, power, elegance, and sophistication. In contrast, the color meaning can also evoke emotions such as sadness and anger.

Who was not allowed to wear black clothes? ›

It would be quite a challenge to always be mindful of what shades you are wearing, right? But that's exactly what happened to Bollywood's evergreen superstar Dev Anand. He was asked not to wear black suits in public.

What color to wear for protection? ›

Dark or bright colors

Darker colors absorb more UV than lighter colors like whites and pastels. This means the UV rays are less likely to reach your skin. But bright colors such as red can also absorb UV rays. The more vivid the color, the greater the protection—a bright yellow shirt is more protective than a pale one.

What does an all black outfit say about you? ›

Many people believe that black clothing accentuates or slims their figure. Others, associate black with seriousness, tenacity or power and wish to convey those messages or attitudes to people.

How does wearing black affect your mood? ›

Apparently wearing black can also affect your mood by making you sadder and less motivated. Yes, there are heaps of benefits to dressing in black. It tends to be slimming, it's a way of showing respect at a funeral and, if you're planning to commit a burglary at night, it's a great way of doing so undetected.

What does black symbolize? ›

Evil, death, grief, mourning, the occult. Mystery, bleakness, heaviness, depression, rebellion, fear.” A color of many sentiments.

Do some people not look good in black? ›

Expert color consultants, whatever those are, say only one in five people has the proper skin tone to pull off black clothing. For the other four in five, black clothes emphasize bags under the eyes, make wrinkles look darker and deeper, and can even create the appearance of fissures or dark spots in irises.

Does black make you look younger? ›

Don't go back in black

'It's not a color, and it absorbs light, which is the reason it pulls away from people's faces. Generally, it's a good one to avoid as we get older,” said Venables in the same interview. Black can actually make you look like you have more wrinkles.

Does black make you look slimmer? ›

Wearing black makes you look slimmer, science says. Neuroscientists say it's in the way our eyes see the colors. From the tips to the trends, the laws to the faux pas, fashion is always changing, but one rule remains the same: Wearing black makes you look skinnier.

Why is black the most flattering color? ›

The color black has an enticing beauty to it. It is also associated with prestige, power, intelligence, glamour, and luxury. Black clothes give the impression of elegance, confidence, and sophistication.

What skin tone can wear black hair? ›

Black hair is always best suited to those with olive or darker-toned skin as it will complement your tone without looking washed out. Dark hair with a slight undertone of blue is fabulous against olive skin while jet-black hair will always look stunning against dark skin tones.

Which skin Colour is more attractive? ›

Tan is 'In': Study Finds Light Brown More Attractive than Pale or Dark Skin – Missouri School of Journalism.

Is wearing all black classy? ›

Wearing all black might seem daunting since black can sometimes be seen as boring or “gothic.” However, black is usually considered a chic, fashion-forward color for both masculine and feminine outfits, and wearing all black is a great way to make a statement.

Can a girl wear all black? ›

You have heard often that senior women shouldn't wear black because it would enhance the wrinkles. People say that blondes look great in black. Black is a classic.

How do you wear all black and not look emo? ›

Wear a coloured hat, mittens, scarf, or any other accessory to complement your black on black outfit. A pop of colour is always fun, and it'll make you look less goth and more friendly.

Is it disrespectful to wear white to a funeral? ›

As a neutral color, white should not be considered inappropriate at most North American funerals. Though you should ask the family hosting the service when in doubt, plain, neutral colors are generally acceptable for memorials. Wearing white in conjunction with other dark tones is absolutely appropriate.

Is it okay to wear black to a funeral? ›

Black is the traditional color most people think of when it comes to funeral clothing, especially in Western cultures. In color psychology, black often symbolizes death or mourning. Black is still a safe choice for funerals.

What does the color black say about a person? ›

Black as a favorite shade is said to represent a strong-willed and determined character, someone who is not afraid to go after what they want and usually seeking power and prestige. You can be demanding at times, perhaps, but black as a color choice is a timeless decision.

Is black the color of depression? ›

Black is the hallmark color of sadness. In western cultures, this is one of the sad colors associated with mourning, hence why people wear black to funerals and when they are in mourning. Black also brings up feelings of sadness and fear.

Does black color absorb negativity? ›

The color black also absorbs negative energy. In fact, it really absorbs both negative and positive energies, creating a neutrality that is refreshing during stressful times.

Does black hair dye look good on everyone? ›

Black hair is always best suited to those with olive or darker-toned skin as it will complement your tone without looking washed out. Dark hair with a slight undertone of blue is fabulous against olive skin while jet-black hair will always look stunning against dark skin tones.

Can any skin tone wear black? ›

Black, while extremely dark, is a solid option so don't feel like you should avoid it. In fact, it's one of those rare “colours” where even if it is close to your skin tone, wearing an all-black outfit can still look great.

Does black suit every skin tone? ›

Don't listen to the erroneous notion that black looks good on everyone. It markedly does not. Extremely fair people can look washed out and cadaverous in a deep black. If you have pale skin and dark hair, you can pull this off, but those with red or blonde should typically avoid going with a stark black.

Does black hair make you look younger? ›

Soft Black

Harsher black tones can bring out a lot of contrast and wash you out. Soft black can help skin look smoother and therefore more youthful.

What is the most attractive hair color on a woman? ›

Which hair colour do women think is the sexiest? Most women think brunette hair is the sexiest, as 25% of those polled favoured this option. Womens' second preference is blonde, which was voted as the sexiest hair colour by 19.6% of women. Again, red took third spot, accounting for 11.8% of womens' votes.

What skin tone looks best with black hair? ›

Deep, rich dark skin tones match well with silky, shiny black hair. True black works well with warmer complexions. You can also look for black shades with blue undertones to bring out the radiant glow of your cheekbones.

Does black look good on pale skin? ›

Avoid blacks

For pale skin owners, black makes too harsh of a contrast, taking away all the natural blush in the skin.

What color looks best on pale skin? ›

The best outfits for pale skin often rely on colors like emerald green, navy and bold shades of blue. If you like to incorporate watches or other pieces of jewelry into your outfit, choose cool metals like platinum or silver rather than gold or copper.

What is special about black skin? ›

Humans with dark skin pigmentation have skin naturally rich in melanin (especially eumelanin), and have more melanosomes which provide superior protection against the deleterious effects of ultraviolet radiation. This helps the body to retain its folate reserves and protects against damage to DNA.

What season looks best in black? ›

Winter is the only season for which black is a color. A Winter can still shine in pure black and pure white whereas other seasons look best when using these “colors” in small doses or not at all. If you feel that black overpowers you, but your overall coloring is cool, then you may fit better into Summer.

How can I look attractive on black skin? ›

skin care essentials 6 Skin Care Tips for Darker Skin Tones
  1. TIP #1: CLEANSE GENTLY. Darker skin can look ashy when it's stripped of moisture. ...
  2. TIP #2: MOISTURIZE THE RIGHT WAY. ...
  3. TIP #3: DON'T OVERDO IT WITH EXFOLIATING. ...
  4. TIP #4: LOOK OUT FOR DARK SPOTS. ...
  5. TIP #5: GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP. ...
  6. TIP #6: WEAR A BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF DAILY.
Mar 5, 2021

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