Imagine stepping out of a cab on a bright sunny day and being engulfed in a sea of moving people dressed mostly in black. Of course, some people are dressed in various colors, but I mostly notice the ones dressed in black.
People who dress in black are my kind of people. No, I am not part of a cult, and I love color. But, black is my favorite color of clothing. To most people, black is their color of choice because it is timeless, elegant, and complements all colors.
No other color rivals black when it comes to timelessness. Old, yet classic black-and-white movies have been around for ages and are still well preferred to some of the new productions. The famous actor/filmmaker Orson Welles once stated: “Every performance looks better in black and white”.
Most professional photographers agree that black-and-white images evoke moods better than color images can. Black is always in season, no matter the fashion decade. Many times over the years, the fashion industry has declared blue or pink, “The New Black”. Yet, as Amy Winehouse so soulfully sings: “We go back to black”. This color will not date or fade anytime soon.
Can we really discuss elegance and not start and end with black? Whether for a wedding or a funeral, black makes one look elegant, even if the fabric/purchase is cheap. It is appropriate for any occasion. It barely shows dirt. Black is simple, casual, practical, versatile, and always chic.
Fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld categorically affirms: “That one is never over- or under-dressed with a little black dress”. Whenever a certain level of elegance needs to be maintained or is required, all one has to say is that the event is “black tie”. This rule of etiquette is universally accepted as meaning elegant.
When looking for a color to complement all, look no further than something in black. As Coco Chanel famously predicted in a 1920s Vogue magazine interview: “The little black dress will be a uniform for all women of taste and sophistication.” It is the accessory to start all outfits. Other colors may clash with certain skin tones or even hair colors, but not black.
Anyone who has ever fretted about their figure considers black their friend. Black is versatile and flexible. It’s the paradox of all colors. No other color performs as many duties in so many fields of clothing. Since the beginning of time, historians have recorded black as a token of oppression, (the Nazis used it). It represents rebellion (youths, punks, and goths use it). Black is called the uniform of dons, anorexics, waiters, judges, witches, and many more. There’s no question that black can perform whatever duty it is called upon to execute.
Just as the green light blinks on the crosswalk, I step onto the street. A quick look at my watch tells me I need to hurry to work. Cabs and bicycles fly by, as everyone tries to make it to their destination on time. I don’t know why I am overthinking this. Of course, people would want to wear a timeless, elegant, and versatile color. To those who love color and wear it proudly, I say: “Power to you!”. As for me, my color of choice is, has always been, and will forever remain, my best friend: black.
© 2025 Addie DeRose
