Forget What You Heard: Here's Definitive Proof You Can Wear All Black in the Summer

All-Black Summer Outfits

Summer style comes with a lot of floral prints and vibrant colors. If you’re anything like me, this can be a bit challenging since an all-black outfit is my favorite look and my closet looks more like a black hole than a rainbow. But just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean we have to give up wearing all-black outfits or—heaven forbidwear an all-white outfit. We just have to adjust our darker palette to fit the aesthetic and heat of the season. So, how do you wear a no-color ‘fit during the summer without having a heat stroke? Yes, you have to give up your staple leather jacket and black denim for a couple months, but try one of these tricks to stay cool in your all-black outfit this season.

PHOTO: Lea Muhigi, University of Moncton

Go For A Sporty-Chic Look With A Mesh Top and Slides

The athleisure look is completely on-trend right now, so why not try this for your all-black look? Just find a mesh top and some mom jeans and pair them with your favorite sporty accessories.

Get This Look: Brave Soul Mesh T-Shirt ($15), Berksha High-Waisted Mom Jeans ($35), Adidas Originals Adilette Slider Sandals ($45)

PHOTO: Niharika Chandar, New York University

Contrast A Cami With Pants and A Chunky Boot

A pantsuit can get a little hot in the summer so nix the blazer and go for a nice tank instead. Balance out the look with a nice pair of trousers and sleek booties

Get This Look: Madewell Square-Neck Tank Top ($40), Target Paperbag Crop Pants ($35), Tony Bianco Bailey Pointy Toe Bootie ($167)

PHOTO: Erin Eagle, Syracuse University

Make Your All-Black ‘Fit Trendy With An Off-the-Shoulder Top and A Denim Skirt

Off-the-shoulder tops have been everywhere the past two summers, and clearly they’re not going anywhere. Pair it with a denim skirt and this outfit is sure to become your go-to this summer.

Get This Look: Forever 21 Ribbed Off-the-Shoulder Crop Top, Mango Frayed Edges Denim Skirt ($50) ($35)Tony Bianco Bailey Pointy Toe Bootie ($167)

PHOTO: Soni Solano, Fashion Institute of Technology

Stay Cool In A Loose-Fitting Babydoll Dress

Dresses are a great way to stay cool in the summer especially when it’s loose and flowy. So, grab your favorite black dress and add some flair with fun accessories like these checkered socks.

Get This Look: Joan Vass Short-Sleeve Piqué Dress ($165), ALYX Checkered Socks ($22)

PHOTO: Amanda Smith, Valencia College

Use A Sleek Pinstripe To Stay Polished And Make A Statement

Pinstripes automatically make an outfit look professional and polished, and it’s no different in the summertime. Opt for a jumpsuit rather than a pantsuit to make your mornings easy and effortless.

Get This Look: Urban Outfitters Sweetheart Pinstripe Jumpsuit ($69), Forever 21 Pinstripe Tie-Front Jumpsuit ($32), Forever 21 Pinstripe Halter Jumpsuit ($35)

PHOTO: Madison Amland, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Incorporate A Summertime Print With A Polka-Dot Jumpsuit

Who says black prints can’t be worn in the summer? Personally, I think prints are a great way to make your black pieces fit the spirit of summertime. Polka dots are a great transitional print and pairing them with a flowy jumpsuit works perfectly to beat the heat of the season.

Get This Look: Forever 21 Smocked Polka Dot Jumpsuit ($48), ECI Polka Dt Paperbag Waist Jumpsuit ($79), Forever 21 Polka Dot Tie-Back Jumpsuit ($45)

PHOTO: Jordyn Wissert, Iowa State University

Channel Your Inner Festival Child With A Sheer Dress

Summer means festivals, and when you think of festival wear, black is usually the last color that’s thought of. Instead of going for a colorful frock, channel your festival chic with a sheer black dress with a black bodysuit or bikini underneath.

Get This Look: Forever 21 Kikiriki Sheer Maxi Dress ($28), Forever 21 Sheer Lace Maxi Dress ($25)

PHOTO: Qiturah Bholai, University of Central Florida

Make a Jean Skirt and a Graphic Tee Your Uniform

A good jean skirt and a graphic tee are essential to my wardrobe and when they’re both black—even better! This combo will never go out of style and will easily become your go-to look this summer.

Get This Look: ASOS Design T-shirt With Trouble Slogan ($16), Adolescent Clothing T-shirt With Fashun Slogan ($26), AllSaints Studded Denim Skirt ($120)

PHOTO: Kally Cera, Fashion Institute of Technology

Keep Your Cool In A Tube Top and Loose Trousers

If you want a way to take the athleisure trend up a notch, this look is perfect for you. Slipping on a tube top and striped trousers is an easy way to elevate the trend and still stay cool in the summer heat.

Get This Look: Forever 21 Rainbow-Striped Tube Top & Pant Set ($35), Forever 21 Cropped Tube Top & Sweatpants Set ($45), Forever 21 Ribbed Tube Top ($15), New Look Side Stripe Leggings ($21)

PHOTO: Gio Osterman, San Diego State University

Embrace Comfort With A Maxi Dress and Sneakers

Throwing on a maxi dress and a comfy pair of sneakers is an easy way to stay cool this summer. Not only will you stay cool and be comfortable, you’ll look like you tried way harder than you did.

Get This Look: ASOS Mono Polka Dot Grecian Plunge Maxi Woven Beach Dress ($45), Noisy May Stripe Maxi Dress With Contrast Neck ($35), Nike Blazer Low Sneaker ($75)

PHOTO: Monica San Luis, Boston University

Throw a Bandeau Under Overalls to Repurpose Your Winter Staple

I am a sucker for a great piece of denim, and overalls are no exception. They’re great for every season and can easily be dressed up or down. Leave your winter jacket at home and trade in your turtleneck for a cropped bandeau to transition this winter piece into your favorite summer look.

Get This Look: ASOS Design Denim Overall With Pleat Detail ($67), Forever 21 Lace-Up Ruffled Cropped Tube Top ($18), Forever 21 Cropped Zip-Front Tube Top ($18)

How are you wearing all black this summer? Show us your all-black summertime style on Instagram by tagging @cfashionista! 

Opening image by Jordyn Wissert.

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