The chicest black summer looks to wear now

The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Forever the Cool Girl cousin, black reeks of fashion. And sometimes throwing a darker hue into your wardrobe mix (in a summer-weighted fabric like linen) can both ground your look and elevate it at the same time. Have you heard my favourite saying? “I’ll stop wearing black when they invent a darker colour.”

Tailored and Timeless

Right on cue for the August return of upscale academia, a pleated skirt with simple lace-up brogues and a black twin set is equal parts fetching and fashion. Thank you yet again, Demi Moore.

Amazon Essentials Women's Vee Cardigan

Do not break the bank on a simple black cardi. I chose a ‘V’ cut here – but roll with your neckline preference.

$28.6 on Amazon

SHAPERMINT High Compression Womens Top

Affordable, effective shapewear worn as a tank is the best kind of double dip. Sizes up to 4-X Large.

$34 on Amazon

Pleated Skirt

A smidge shorter than Demi’s iteration (plus this one has an elastic waist at the back – woot), but you get the drift. And inky navy and jet-black is one of my most adored pairings in the Pantone universe, btw.

$25.90 at Zara

Oversized Handbag

Clearly giving retro Balenciaga Le City bag vibes, and I’m completely here for it. Extra points if you clip a charm (or like, four) onto the handles.

$55 on Amazon

You may also like:

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm – $25.50

Gold Polished Chunky Twisted Waterdrop Bangle – $19.99

FunkyMonkey Women’s Comfort Slides – $39.99

Proportions, proportions…

When it comes to injecting a little edge thanks to summer black, proportion-playing is a clever way to shake things up. Translation? Test drive a blousy chemise with bike shorts (below) or perhaps a high-waisted balloon pant with a fitted tank is the move. Either way? You’ll add dimension plus drama.

Braided Leather Slingback Ballet Flats

These slingbacks are equal parts ballet and jelly – and both are trends I’m loving right now.

$109 at Zara Home

Weweya Pillow Slippers

A cloud-inspired buckle sandal adds a touch of street style (not to mention height if you’re 5”2, like moi).

$21.99 on Amazon (was $29.99)

Women's Short Puff Sleeve Top

Never have I ever met a puff-sleeve I didn’t like. Be sure to try a laissez-faire French front tuck on this cutie.

$19.5 on Amazon (was $30.67)

Golden LIFE Atmosphere Hi-Rise 7-inch Shorts

The LIFE Atmosphere Hi-rise 7” bike short from Aritzia has become a sweat-wicking gold standard.

$58 at Aritzia

You may also like:

Women’s Sleeveless Slim Fit Ribbed Tank Top – $16.57

Tomtoc Electronics Organizer Travel Case – $27.99

Clear Cosmetics Bag – $26.99

All About Those Add-Ons

Don’t underestimate how much a giant resin ring in jade green or an oversized fluffy florette pinned to your blazer lapel can take your look from riding-the-pine to centre court in a split second.