Psychology of Clothing Colors: Black
Black is certainly one of the most unique and interesting “colors” that one could choose to wear. After all, it is in and of itself produced by an absence of light, and thus differs greatly from just about every other color in the spectrum. As an aside, black also happens to be exceptionally popular in the world of men’s fashion. Because it is such an important color in fashion, we dedicated an entire article on how to effectively use black on your clothing. This article is part of our 1o-part series: The Psychology of Color in Men’s Fashion.
Equal parts elegant and mysterious, there are a variety of reasons why “black-tie” and other dress codes utilize the color so heavily. Learning about the psychology behind black and why people wear it can be a good usage of time for those who tend to wear the color on a regular basis, and is essential knowledge for business professionals. Consider the following, all examples of why black and fashion go hand-in-hand.
The Color of Formality
It’s no secret that black is the most commonly-worn color for most formal occasions. Funerals, weddings, black-tie galas and other events all heavily rely on black as a base color, and for good reason. Black connotes elegance, as well as a certain degree of respect that is absent in many other colors. People who wear black on a regular basis (in the correct manner) often give off an air of sophistication, which is perhaps why the color is so popular amongst those who embrace formal business dress. The black suit, for example, is an essential piece in men’s fashion, and every fashion-forward individual should own at least one.
Slimming Qualities
Perhaps the most important reason why so many people consider black is because it very often causes them to look more slim than they actually are. The slimming qualities associated with black are quite well-documented, and the results can be astounding in certain cases. This is especially true for those who wear fitted items such as black slacks, which can not only make people look slimmer, but taller as well. As a result, those who are already exceptionally thin must be careful with how much black they wear, as it can cause people to look overly slim when worn without thought. Still, a great deal of people find black to be one of the most effective tricks in the book for putting together an ensemble that makes them look slim and fit.
Wearing Black Effectively
There are a variety of things that are important to keep in mind when setting out to wear black in an effective manner. For one, you should always avoid wearing black with large amounts of brown, as clashing almost always occurs in such a case. Try not to reinvent the wheel with black; slacks and dress shoes are perfect vehicles, as is the all-important black suit. Keep in mind however a black suit and white shirt combination creates a strong contrast – something not everyone can pull off. This strong contrast looks best on men who have a fair skin and dark hair – a complexion that mimics the outfit. Fair skinned men on the other hand your be better off wearing a charcoal suit rather than black.
If you tend to dress casually, you can get a lot of mileage out of wearing a solid-black fitted tee with a pair of dark-washed designer jeans. Finally, “black-tie” events are perfect for incorporating the color into your neckwear, with black bow ties being especially effective. Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns such as polka dots as well.
Your Bows-n-Ties.com Team