How to Wear Black in the Summer

Many of you have shared with me that you are uncomfortable when you wear black in the summer. A dark color usually associated with the colder months, black clothing can seem hot and heavy when the temps rise. I’m a fan of the color black all year round, and actually regularly wear it in the warmer months. I wanted to share my tips on how to wear black in the summer without looking out of season or being uncomfortable.

Hi, my name is Alison Gary, and for 20 years, I've been offering real-life style advice here at Wardrobe Oxygen. Before starting Wardrobe Oxygen, I spent a decade as a personal stylist, personal shopper, apparel trainer, and visual merchandiser. I believe fashion is a form of armor to get through life, which we can all agree has become more difficult as of late. I hope to make your life easier by providing simple ways to add style on your terms and your budget. And today we're talking about how to wear black in the summer and how to style it to look seasonally appropriate.

How to Wear Black in the Summer

How to Wear Black in the Summer

More Black, Less Fabric

Black absorbs the sun, so it can make you warmer even faster. I find the best way to wear black in the summer is keep it for the smaller pieces in your wardrobe. Camisoles and tanks, shorts that are 5” or shorter, sleeveless dresses that are midi length or shorter. I posted about the dress I wear all summer long a little while back, and you can get a similar style in black off Amazon. It's a perfect example of how to wear black in the summer while staying chic and comfortable.

A black maxi dress, cropped pants, or lightweight jacket may seem practical, but they scream cooler months (and may make you scream with how hot you will feel in it!).

Balance Black with a Lighter Color

When you ponder on how to wear black in the summer, you might be assuming it has to be head-to-toe—but that's not the case at all! My favorite color pairing for summer is black with tan. Pair a black sundress with tan or nude-to-you sandals, a tan straw hat or bag, or a tan or light brown leather belt or purse. Tan is a summer color, and it lightens the feeling of black while still keeping the look polished.

Black also looks very smart with white. A black top with white shorts or jeans and nude-to-you shoes, a black cami topped with a white blazer, a black shirtdress with a white belt. The look is clean and crisp, and the white makes the combination effortlessly summery.

I recommend that when styling a black and white outfit, try to have the white be the primary color (white pants with a black tank, white skirt with a black blouse). If the primary color is black, choose a summer fabric (cotton, linen, eyelet) and be sure the shoes are summery (open toe, sandal, etc.) so the look is seasonally appropriate. If you need help styling white, check out my post, “How to Wear White After Labor Day and Look Stylish.”

Keep Black on Top

A huge thing to consider when figuring out how to wear black in the summer is the colors you pair it with. Black pants and skirts scream fall and winter. Consider black tops with bottoms in light neutrals (tan, khaki, white, cream, chambray, olive) or watercolor brights (yellow, turquoise, orchid, candy pink, Kelly green) to give a summery feel. Again, if the largest part of the look is the summery color, the black will look seasonally appropriate.

Steer Clear of [Most] Black Shoes

I do love to wear black in the summer, but that doesn't typically include my shoes. Unless they’re delicate, I don’t recommend black shoes in summer. The effect is heavy, and even if it’s a pair of sandals, the look can skew fall. I highly recommend a tan or nude-to-you color of sandal, which elongates the leg and goes with most everything.

For dressy occasions, consider switching out your black heels for a pair in a metallic finish. This tip is extra essential when wearing a black outfit, as a black shoe can make the entire look very heavy and wintry.

Choose Lightweight Fabrics

While white jeans will look summery, black jeans scream winter. Same fabric, but the color makes a major difference.  When wearing black in the summer, try to stick to lighter-weight fabrics that will balance the darker color. Linen, cotton, voile, gauze, and silk all catch summer breezes and give a summery vibe even in a dark color.

Go for Relaxed Yet Tailored

When you're figuring out how to wear black in the summer, stick to tops that structured but not restrictive. This will be your breezy blouses, loose and breathable palazzo pants, or lightweight midi dresses. Clothing that still has shape to it, but doesn't feel like will cling to you as soon as you start to sweat.

Plus, baggy naturally reads comfortable, which is perfectly fine for a relaxed summer day. The age-old rule is that you can pair baggy with fitted, and vice versa. So if you're wearing wide-leg palazzo pants, pair it with a camisole. Or if you're wearing a loose blouse, try it out with a pair of white shorts. You can wear relaxed clothing and still look refined.

You can find a handful of options in my post, “Going Out Tops for Grown-Ass Women.” Many of the tops are versatile and easy to wear in more casual settings.

Use Accessories to Add Contrast

If black in the summertime still feels too intense, try cooling the look down with accessories. It doesn't have to be anything too bold, as you saw in my white-jeans-black-camisole outfit above, I used a few blue tones and hints of white to add depth without distraction.

It can be something as simple as a pair of earrings, a fun belt, a scarf around the neck, or a statement necklace. Ultimately, mix and match accessories and see what makes you feel the most comfortable.

I've got plenty of posts for you to browse through if you need some curated inspiration, just check out my accessories archive.

Keep Layers Intentional

Instead of asking “How do I wear black in the summer?” you may be wondering, “How can I layer in the summer?” Many women like the idea of breathable pieces and clean cuts, but also enjoy having a light layer to add over top.

You can wear layers in the summer, especially if it's in the beginning or the end of the season where transitional temps making getting dressed a little trickier. But rather than finding any layer in your closet, fabric matters.

Cotton button-downs, short-sleeve denim jackets, and lightweight dusters can elevate a black summer outfit while still feeling breathable and comfortable. You can find a few more tips and pieces in my post, “Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe for Grown-Ass Women.”

Now that you know how to wear black in the summer, it can make incorporating the color much easier than before. What are some of your go-to tips and tricks? Share them down in the comments below, I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts!