3 Ways To Make A Black Outfit More Interesting (Styled On A Midsize Body) -

Black is a classic and timeless color that goes with mostly everything. The color black is chic, flattering and easy to wear. It is my preferred base color of nearly all my capsule wardrobes. Wearing ALL black can be boring and too monochromatic, but you can jazz up your outfit and make it interesting!

For size reference: my height is 5’9″ and I weigh approximately 175 lbs. I have an hourglass figure and I am mid-size. For tops, I typically wear a size Medium (10) or Large (12), depending on the brand and fit of the top (for slim-fit, I usually wear a Large). For bottoms, my normal size is a 12 (depending on the brand and fit of the bottom) OR a 31 waist; a 10-inch high rise fits my waist the best and a 28 inch inseam falls at my ankle, 30 inch inseam is full-length on me. My shoe size is 9 medium or 40EU. For swimwear, I am typically a Large or size 12.

3 Ways To Make A Black Outfit More Interesting

Let me show you 3 ways to make a black outfit more interesting. The top, bottom and shoes are from my Fall 2025 capsule wardrobe. Shop my outfit below.

1 – Wear Different Black Tones

Wearing different color tones of black breaks up the color in your outfit. Below I’m wearing this Banana Republic Factory Ribbed Henley Sweater Top in “black”, which is a regular black color tone. For the bottoms, I chose a different shade of black with these Quince Stretch Straight Jeans in “faded black”, a light shade of black.

2- Add Texture

Another way to make an outfit more interesting is incorporating texture in the outfit. You can add pieces with suede, stitching details, leather, faux fur, etc. In my outfit, the Quince Stretch Straight Jeans in “faded black” provide a denim texture and my Dolce Vita Reyes Mary Janes Flats in “drkbrown” and brown belt (similar) are suede, plus I’m carrying my Madewell Essential Bucket Tote leather bag in “warm cinnamon”. All these textures add interest to the outfit.

3 – Add Accessories Of A Different Color

Choosing a different color besides black for your accessories will provide contrast in your outfit. I chose brown as the color of my belt and bag accessories and to match my shoes. While the color of the bag doesn’t match exactly, it is a light color of brown.