Blacks & Charcoal

The black wardrobe, revisited

Black has been the most-worn colour in luxury fashion for so long that Harper's Bazaar's annual coverage of all-black styling has become a fixture. Coco Chanel popularised it in the 1920s; the principle has held for a hundred years — black flatters, layers, and travels well.

Our blacks are not all the same. True jet-black for the most graphic pieces — The Iridescent Slogan Mini Dress, the foil-print tees. Soft charcoal for knitwear and washed cotton — pieces that read deep without harshness. Ink-black satin for the evening pieces.

How to wear

The most current way to wear all-black is in tonal layers — varying fabric weight and finish to create depth. Ribbed knit over satin. Cotton tee under heavyweight charcoal jersey. Pair with one piece in white or ivory if you want the contrast, or stay full-tonal for the editor uniform Business of Fashion has covered repeatedly.

Cross-shop with The Foundational Edit for the everyday black wardrobe.