Colour revival: a guide to escaping the all-black wardrobe trap

One outfit at a time

Until online shopping from foreign countries became easily accessible, I resorted to mostly black clothing. Fortunately, I had my complexion on my side: black is my best neutral. So, I could be noticed for the right reasons. But not everyone can pull off black, and the result is the all-black styling NPCs you see everywhere.

If you are feeling overly reliant on black clothing, you’re not alone! I see people resorting to all black clothing because is one of the “easy ways” to create outfits, the other is resorting to only neutrals. But unlike the neutral NPC, the all-black NPC has a different origin story, which can be explained by both psychological and emotional factors.

If this resonates with you, here are some insights into this phenomenon, along with tips to incorporate more color into your wardrobe. If I could do it, so will you from now on.

Cultural considerations of black clothing

Cultural and historical context: black is associated with mourning in many cultures, but it also symbolizes elegance and timelessness, which contributes to its appeal. Understanding these cultural nuances can provide deeper insight into your choice of color.

Aesthetic minimalism: in modern fashion, black also represents simplicity and efficiency, appealing to people who wish to reduce decision fatigue in their daily life.

How to introduce colour

Familiarise with the color wheel: utilize the color wheel to find complementary or analogous colours that don’t feel jarring once you transition from your all-black wardrobe; this will help you discover colours that pair well with black.

Mood boards: create a mood board featuring the colours you like, including combinations. This is a useful, visually active method to experiment with colour without having to buy colourful clothing just yet.

Baby steps: if the idea of bright colours seems scary, start with darker or muted colours like navy, burgundy, or olive green. Those will help you transition from black into bolder colours.

Psychological benefits beyond your mood

Personal growth: overcoming the dependence on black can reflect personal growth or a desire for change, symbolizing a break from one's comfort zone or past identities.

Time perception: wearing different colours makes your wardrobe more diverse, which can psychologically extend the perceived lifespan of your clothing items, reducing the feeling of repetition.

Practical tips

Closet audit: before incorporating new colours into your wardrobe, evaluate what you already have. You may be surprised to learn that certain items in your wardrobe that can be used as a foundation to introduce colour.

Sustainable fashion: add color responsibly. Invest in a few high-quality, well-crafted pieces in colours you like and will wear and often, don’t go into a fast fashion haul of cheap coloured pieces you might hardly wear.

I hope this article helps you not only diversify your wardrobe, but also engage with clothes in a way that promotes your personal development and emotional well-being. And if you still, need help, I’ll be right here.