Does black REALLY go with everything?

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#16
No! Black does not match with everything ... though there are no strict rules about what colors do not go with black. It's more about the mood of the outfit and the style of the clothing. Chunky blocks of black (as completely black handbags give off) is too severe for some looks. I also think that if you wearing lots of colors, you also need to have some black in your clothing in order to "ground" a black bag.

For me, it's not about matchy-matchy, but coordinating. It's more interesting when your colors aren't exactly the same.
 
#17
black does not go with everything. it goes with ALOT, but not everything. in the summer it works best paired with contrasting colors like white with accent colors and in the fall/winter it works best with tweeds & denims.
 
#19
I think black is such a basic color that it CAN almost go with everything. It can be worn in all seasons including summer, unless you're in the Mojave desert! It's a "cool" color, I personally love it and wear it 85% of the time. Can you tell from my showcase of handbags?!
 
#20
CastoCreations said:
I don't think black goes with everything. Ever since I was a little girl I couldn't wear navy blue with black or brown with black. I've gotten away from that just a touch, but generally I avoid mixing black with blue (unless it's turquoise) or brown.
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I agree with this.. :flowers: Although I've committed the brown/navy with black crime a million times while working. I think black is great for toning down a busy scene or hiding. If you have a very busy pattern you're working with, black can help tame the loudness of the pattern. and who doesn't look good in black? <- or maybe I'm a true architect/city woman at heart.

(ps. the truth is, I wear/carry lots of black because I have problems not spilling stuff on myself)
 
#23
For the last year I have been buying bright color bags
Yellow, red, & bright blue, I wear them with every thing.

People comment a lot on them. I do make attempts to coordinate when I am dressed for more formal events, but when going to the mall or out with my husband I care the color bags.
 
#26
SuLi said:
Hello all!

So, I was wondering if all of you think that black goes with everything? I'm one of those "crazy" people that needs to be color-coordinated, although I am trying to get over being so neurotic. I feel that I can't use a black bag unless I am wearing black. I used to be very particular about wearing gold or silver jewelry depending on the hardware on the bag, but I've gotten over it. I can't seem to get over not using a bag because I'm not wearing color that matches it. Am I totally weird :blink: ?

Does anyone else feel the same way?
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We have a couple of characters called Trinny and Susannah on BBC TV and they always say 'Never wear colour with black.'.

I (and apparently, most designers, most human beings and God and/or Mother Nature) say :censor: to that!!! :laugh:

I agree with them that wishy-washy, mid-toned, muted colours like faded light-toned reds, greens, or blues do look apalling with black. As black 'kills' weak colours.

However, bright and jewel-toned colours like bright or ruby red, bright or sapphire blue, bright or emerald green and dark-toned bright pink can look amazing with black. As can very light-toned colours like blush pink and pale blue and very dark-toned colours like navy blue and brown.

Basically, if it occurs in nature, it 'works'. So, the colours of planets and stars in a 'black' night sky, the colours of tropical fish in a deep 'black' ocean, the contrasting colours of insects' bodies etc. 'work'.

What Trinny and Susannah see when they stargaze is beyond me. Or perhaps they've lived in London for so long, they've forgotten what a night sky looks like?! :laugh:

IMO, there is nothing wrong with a bit of co-ordination as long as it doesn't look too forced. If your footwear and bag match exactly, in both style and colour, that might look a bit much if worn with a casual outfit; but that doesn't mean that you should actively avoid co-ordination, as that could leave you looking as though you got dressed in the dark!

My suggestion would be to wear the black bag with two other black, or partially black elements; perhaps black jewellery and/or a black belt and/or black footwear (but probably not of a matching style). Also, perhaps, tie a scarf around the handle of the bag which compliments the colour of your footwear (if different), or contains some, or all, of the colours of your outfit.

By the way - I'm with you on mixing hardware colours with jewellery. I think that you should either wear all one colour (silver or gold-tone), or mix the two very thoroughly. As wearing just one element in a different colour, definitely looks dodgy to me! :huh:
 
#27
I think black goes with pretty much everything. But I think too many people equate black with formal or business-like in the era of the business casual. I see so many people wear black slacks and a black cardigan with a pastel colored shirt probably thinking the black makes it more formal but the pastel is fun and casual.

I don't think it's necessary at all to match the bag and the shoes. I hardly ever do. I think it's the feel of the overall outfit that is important.
 
#28
For some reason I hate it when black is paired with neon colours. It was really trendy a couple of years ago (remember those black bodycon Roland Mouret or Herve Leger bandage dresses and bright clutches/shoes?). Well, now I'm fed up.
And black plus red falls under this category as well. Looks simple ****ty.
 
#29
I only use my black bags if I'm also wearing something black--therefore I basically only use my black bags in the winter when I'm wearing black leggings. Other than that, I use my taupe bag year'round and my nude bags in the Spring/Summer.

With clothing? No, I don't think black matches with everything. I don't like black with dark brown.
 
#30
I wear black with everything. But I lean more towards an edgy wardrobe, so I can see how someone who dresses more classic might have more problems pairing it up.

I think it depends alot on personal preference and style.
 
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