Black Before Labor Day

For many of us New Yorkers, our closets can become a black pit of wonderfulness. In the summer, I switch off from wearing white to black depending on my mood and of course, where I am heading. When it is sweltering outside, I will, god forbid, wear color all of a sudden. On an ongoing rotating basis, I will stick to black before labor day.

Style tips on wearing black

The first step is to acknowledge that the cards are stacked against you. Black and black fibers retain heat, therefore you will be hot.

The good news is, air conditioning.

The second step is to go outside your comfort zone. Black is no-nonsense, all-purpose New York uniform. But wearing black cutoffs and a tank top just won’t cut it. Experiment with unconventional shapes, lengths, and fabrics. You can get away with wearing less while still making an impact.

Wear bright accessories

Add a pop of color on your feet, or a bright bag. Keep a stack of colorful things in your closet and pull them out when you want that minimal look.

Wear it at night

Don the lbd in the evenings. You won’t be disappointed.

Tune out the noise, and don’t despair if your monochromatic wardrobe is devoid of floral prints and khakis. If us New Yorkers can make a coin laundry machine in our buildings’ basement feel like a luxury amenity, we can definitely make black work in the summer. While all your friends are complaining about their whites getting trashed, you will stay fresh in all black while the summer heat turns up.

Beyond the cultural implications, black just makes sense in city life. It’s the most versatile, low maintenance color you can buy in a dirty ass city that’s short on closet space, but long on work hours and social obligations.

Who has time to do laundry anyway?