How to wear black when you are pale.

Black and Red tartan trousers for Fall / AW15.

How can you wear black when you are pale....and you know it doesn't really suit you!

Black is a tricky colour to wear.

I know it is meant to be a failsafe fashion option. 

A 'go-to' colour when you can't decide what to wear. 

A classic. 

Slimming. 

Perfect for any occasion.

BUT...

Black is a hard colour to get right and as we get older, black can highlight dark shadows and wrinkles. I don't need any help with that, thanks!

What can we do to make it work?

I know that, with my colouring, I should be avoiding black.

My skin is pale with warm undertones, I don't have a cool complexion, I have very little contrast between my hair, skin and eyes...black is not my friend.

If I choose to wear black near my face, I need to put on much more make up (not good when you are over 40!) and plenty of lipstick.

The best thing I can do is add some light between the harsh black and my face, that is where this statement necklace comes in.

It just gives a little illumination to that dark space and stops everything looking too harsh.

The same effect can be achieved by a colourful scarf or a collar.

Red, on the other hand, is my friend.

It is a colour I love to wear.

And, I am happy to see that it is going to be big this coming season.

On the catwalks various shades and tones of red have been paired with pinks.

I am definitely going to be giving that a try, but for now, I have gone for black.

I decided to pair these funky tartan plaid trousers with a black skinny-rib jumper which can be worn off the shoulder, if you like that look.

I needed a chunky flash of light near my face so I chose this statement necklace, last seen HERE with the same sleeveless coat, as it happens!

As you know, I am a shoe lover and it's normally "all about the shoes" but these black suede wedge Mary-Janes are not very remarkable.

They are comfortable and very well made but they do not make me squeal in delight (like some of my collection). 

I wore them today for a little height and comfort. Unfortunately,I needed to be on my feet most of the day. Boring, I know, but sometimes real life dictates my footwear.

Pointed black patent stiletto booties were my "dream shoe" for this outfit. Only possible if i had indestructible feet, and a fantasy life of leisure, which I don't...{sniff}

My new fringed bag finished things off nicely AND I even managed to add a pom pom, to cheer things up a little.

In the photograph below I have been joined by my scruffy dog, Jake.

He looks like a ragamuffin and a flea-bag, but I love him...and he loved my pompom too!

Do you ever try and make colours work for you, even if you know they don't really suit your colouring?
Please share any tips!

XXX
Samantha 


Trousers: ASOS
Jumper/sweater: Newlook (similar)
Necklace: Topshop
Bag: Primark
PomPom: Newlook
Scarf: Moschino
Shoes: Clarks originals
Vest/Waistcoat/Sleeveless coat: French Connection

A wee extra 'snap' of my little photographer....in her miss-matched pj's. 

She has her own individual style, and doesn't care what anyone else thinks. 

She wears what she wants (daywear, nightwear, whatever) and rocks it! 

We should all take a leaf out of her book.