For years I would have told you that the last thing I wanted to wear was a black shirt – of any sort. I felt sorry for women whose wardrobe seemed to consist of only black shirts that she would wear with capri pants and everything else.
I thought dressing in black signified something dreadful – a person trying but never succeeding at being an artist. A dilettante was something I never wanted to be and those artists dressed in black seemed devoid of a sense of humor and real talent.
But there is another factor. Look at me – I am about as white as you can get. I do not tan in the summer, just a little more red. And with my dark hair I tend to take on an even paler look to the skin. In black I look near dead. While vampires are all the rage right now, I do not want to look like one. At All.
Eddie Bauer Black Tee
I cannot believe I am going to admit this in public but I might have been wrong.
Black may not be such a bad choice for me to wear.
What happened is that my Mom had picked up some clothes for me and one of the things was a black tee shirt. A short sleeve, scoop neck tee shirt.
First of all it is a size large. I have not worn a large for years. I have made inroads on that weight loss challenge and I am within 10 pounds of my initial weight loss goal. Which means I am starting to fit in clothes that I used to wear. And then this shirt turned up.
It looks great on me. The scoop neckline allows fun jewelry but keeps my face from being cut off. The short sleeves help as well.
The other great part is the versatility of the shirt. I can wear with jeans or a skirt or belted with an office skirt. The look is simple and easy as well as easily elegant. As a mom who works in an office and must be ready to switch roles at a moment’s notice, this has become a great wardrobe staple.
Which is not to say I am getting rid of my other colored shirts or bottoms. Having those other colors helps me feel good on cloudy or grey days. And there is no way I am ever buying a black turtleneck. However, anytime I go to the Cell I now know I have an instant outfit with my short denim skirt that is the right thing to wear – no matter what.
I love black and wear it a lot, except in the summer…I do try to take a break from black in summer months. But black turtle necks are a staple the rest of the year. A good fitting one with a touch of spandex so it holds its shape is very figure flattering, as you found, jewelry looks great against black. Welcome to the club!
Thanks. I think what helps the most is losing enough weight that I have a waistline again. So the black is not covering up my love handles but emphasizing the emerging indents of my waist.
Yes, I agree…black can be a great look…for all sorts of reasons! Congratulations on your new shape! I know that battle! I’m always working on the same 5-10 lbs, but it can be hard to do as a foodie! I do like to feel in control though, and I like my clothes to fit! ~ Sheila
Congrats on the weight loss!
I wear a lot of black (although it’s a NY uniform, pretty much) and find it very versatile. As long as you accessorize it and wear some jewelery to soften it, it can look great.
Thanks, this has been a long time coming. I compare what I ate two years ago to what I do now and find it no small feat that I have lost that weight.
I live in the Midwest and black is around enough. In New York it makes sense to me that it is de riguer. But I really love color. Right now my favorites are greens and blues.
Black is just so easy – goes everywhere- with everything. No thinking involved.
You can always toss on a bright belt, sweater, or scarf (black makes such a great background for those so the color really stands out)
And the best thing? If it’s a bit big – no worry about shrinking it in the dryer!
Give in – it’s a great T
It is a great tee.
Congrats on the continued weight loss. When you find that ‘perfect’ shirt, you know it. I am glad you’ve found yourself a staple. Long live black! (smile) P.S. I wear my black turtleneck all the time in the winter. Love it.
I tell myself I should wear turtlenecks in the winter but I am constantly feeling strangled. Thank God for scarves.
I’m so lame. I love black turtlenecks. I feel like Katherine Hepburn when I wear them!
And who doesn’t want to be like Kate!