How to Wear Black in the Summer

Words by Sophia Miller


Ever feel like a minimalist in a maximalist’s world? If you’ve tried to style black in the summertime, you may know what we’re talking about. While the monochrome outfit formula is a classic for good reason (simple, easy, versatile) it can feel like the outlier amid the bright colours and boho patterns that typically characterise holiday style. But, there’s no need to do away with your aesthetic come the warmer months. We’re here to show you that an all-black look can be just as summery (if not more so) than a bold print in 2025. An added bonus? You likely have all these staples in your wardrobe already.

Keep it Streamlined

When temperatures are more than balmy, the last thing you want to be wearing is layers of fussy fabrics. Black lends itself particularly well to streamlined silhouettes – welcome news to those with a preference for simplicity. By day, jersey tanks pair well with a simple midi skirt or pair of straight-leg trousers. By night, slinky column or slip dresses beg to be matched with metallic accessories à la the ’90s best dressed.

via Getty Images

via Getty Images

Look to Floaty Fabrics

All-black summer outfits aren’t just about edgy minimalism. Dresses with lace and broderie anglaise detailing offer feminine whimsy – Doên and Rixo are the masters here – and lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and silk save things from feeling too cumbersome. Your fashion motto? Keep it breezy.

Lighten Up

An easy styling trick to make black more wearable in the summer is to team it with lighter colours. Whether that’s a dark blouse balanced with a pair of white tailored trousers, or a beige linen blazer thrown over a silky gothic slip, these mix-and-match looks make the most of pieces you’ll likely already own.

via Getty Images

via Getty Images

Choose Summer Accessories

Accessories are perhaps the simplest way to distinguish your high-summer looks from a year-round uniform. Stow away the boots and leather totes for a rainy day, and swap in basket bags and strappy sandals that ground even transitional outfits in the right season. Sunglasses and holiday-inspired jewellery from the likes of Anni Lu, Timeless Pearly and Hermina Athens offer wanderlust finishing touches.

Related Stories

What to Wear to Work in Summer

How to dress to brave the office air-con as well as the sky-high mercury? Wonder no more.

How to Master Airport Style

The real holiday style flex begins before take-off. Here are your first-class outfit formulas.

You May Also Like

Holidays

Turn off notifications and pack your bags with Harrods