The Audacity of Black in Summertime
How to make the non-color feel like the rational hot weather choice
Is there anything that feels more rebellious than head-to-toe black in the dead heat of July? When everyone else is just starting to rip the tags off their floral sundresses and tie dyed bikinis, wearing all black can present as a palate cleanser…or if not done with care, like a lead balloon.
As someone who struggles with summer dressing due to the lack of styling capabilities of teensy clothing and minimal layers, black has been tugging at my heart lately. It can be a way to convey ‘otherness’ that feels special. Actually the exact opposite of how black can feel ‘part of the crowd’ in winter. Personally, it has the ability to free me from the pressure (put upon myself by myself and myself only) to create specialness through layering, during a time of year when layering is just not rational!
So today, leaning into black for summer. And - extremely important! - how to ensure the black feels summery, and not just like we are wearing black during summer, in five ideas.
The Sheer T-Shirt
Playing with sheer is less intimidating in black. It’s barely-thereness is less obvious in a dark color. And therefore can make us more secure in attempting the trend. The best iteration I’ve found is this Helmut Lang t-shirt pictured below. I’m still wearing a bikini top under it (on the hunt for a good visible bra…for a future letter maybe!) but the crewneck and half sleeves give me enough coverage to enjoy this! Pairing back to a black bottom tones down the top, which in turn allows sheerness to just float away and become a featherweight summer choice.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fcc3a273f-dc79-4817-a075-5fd6ab568a3f_768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F55bf5298-2012-439a-80c3-d36a49c93ce1_768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fda588529-d4a6-4db7-9785-78cfbae284c0_768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fd947ed55-e592-4945-8414-431d30c2cf84_768x1024.jpeg)
A Bubble Skirt!
Bubble skirts abound and I felt a strong draw to try this bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncey, fun fun fun fun fun idea. Black being the superior choice for such a voluminous, statement garment. White could easily read diaper and the drama is taken down a notch by keeping the whole outfit in non-colors. Technically cheating on this one because I’m wearing a navy sleeveless sweater. But I didn’t have a black one and I feel like this telegraphs the same thing. No sense in buying to buy. PLUS - black and navy together are always a YES. How lovable is she!? So joyful for a sunny day! And the cotton poplin a clear summer fabric. Her hem is basically a more exaggerated version of the Tory dress from our recent mini dress newsletter (and pictured below) but I’m enjoying her as a separate. I also plan to pair her with a vintage t-shirt and K.Jacques. I’ll probably be skipping when you see me on the Avenue.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F8e5ec2a7-48b9-4965-ba14-27362be493dd_768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9984f47e-cd4c-4f24-ae6b-dc1d87bc4a84_768x1024.jpeg)
The pants (and shorts)
The summer workhorse pants that still make you feel dressed despite the weather are undoubtably these. Or a medium weight cotton canvas or chino that can handle repeat wear amidst the steam of the city. Black is great because it hides the debris that inevitably will smudge your hem as you exceed your 10k steps, eat alfresco and crowd onto an afternoon train home.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F46a0e35b-8be6-452e-b291-6f5aaaadc898_768x1024.jpeg)
In today’s same, same but different: a full tailored short in cotton will hold up and look like a million bucks when you are just not in the mood to wear a dress.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9fecd713-d4bf-4559-b93a-92722b6a6d4a_768x1024.jpeg)
What makes an LBD summery?
Well most obviously, it’s going to be your fabric choice. A heavy wool or even a crepe can look claustrophobic on an 85 degree day. Opt for cotton or linen, naturally. Or silk if the silk manages to give you a little hint of the season….
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff8ed695a-7752-4ce4-a92b-2193297e965c_768x1024.jpeg)
I’m specifically talking about this Isabel Marant silk dress with ikat intarsia below which is so old it was purchased at Barney’s! RIP. I don’t even think its truly my style, but honestly it is just so flattering that every time I go to put it in the closet clean out pile, I hesitate and hang her back up. Now, why include her here? Two reasons: the shape has casual summer cocktails written all over it. I last wore it to a cocktail party at Le Sirenuse 2019 (did I mention it packs well?) and when I look back at the pictures, I am so pleased. Even though the rest of the crowd was in print and linen and color, I felt great in it. It’s about time it gets invited to another party. Maybe I’ll take her out to dinner next week.
I digress. The second reason she feels like the perfect summer LBD is because of her ikat intarsia, or the pattern woven into the fabric. It gives summer print…without actually being a summer print. Fab for those who need a bit of a break from the myriad of prints they have amassed due to their RealReal addiction (who, me!?)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F53358824-a199-4140-b801-a131d21fca1d_768x1024.jpeg)
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Faff3f25f-5bd8-44dc-8b1f-469bdd5ca70d_2908x2426.png)
We’re all Carolyn Bessette heads
And finally, a slinky, jersey column skirt and drapey tank ala 90s New York. Lets face it, we’re all being served Carolyn Bessette Kennedy on the Instagram discover page lately. Oh you’re not? Sorry, you will now. The algorithm is reading, unfortunately. But the clean lines and airiness of her 90s style are top of mind these days.
I have to thank one of my clients for piquing my curiosity about a gathered column skirt. She has a vintage Donna Karan version of this skirt that I thought we should edit last summer because of it’s lack of hanger appeal (embarrassing since I am usually very attuned to these things and can see past sadness on a hanger!) but she insisted she try it on to show me why it was a necessary staple. And on, it gave her so much length (she is 5ft…maybe). I was blown away. So here to tell you that you should definitely try on this skirt shape, at the very least. It feels so elegant on the body but is a glorified t-shirt. Meaning it’s stretchy and comfortable. The gathering at the waist makes it feel less like my stomach is a focal point. AKA it’s flattering. And I can really move in it. Something that always drives me away from pencil shaped skirts. The matching tank is a fantastic cut: not too tight, not too low cut, doesn’t fall off my shoulders. Just a real winner all around. And on sale, to boot!
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F34659855-9da2-4cff-bd02-46e47ccb3c53_768x1024.jpeg)
And there you have it. Black for summer, that is in no way moody or sad or out of sync with the season. Stay cool out there.
Yours TRULY,
Becky
Would love to see some options mixed with white. There is something so summery and classic about black with white accessories. Like I’m on a boat in the Mediterranean!
So cute on you, Becky! That long IM dress is to die for. Wish it was in navy! I think I have a bias against black since I had my colors done after wearing it for decades and being so comfy in it! but it really washes me out when it is adjacent to my Celtic skin.
Black in summer always makes me think of chic NYers who do fashion so well. (SF girlies are you with me on this? Anyone out there who lives in the SF Bay Area and gets dressed up still? Hello?)
I am still on the hunt for the perfect navy drawstring pants ala The Row but not The Row. In the meantime, I have PLENTY of other pant options - LOL! Happy Father's Day to all of the amazing dads out there!