(Almost) All Black Dress Code. What to Wear?

[VivaciousCohen]

Hello, I wasn't sure if this thread should go in here, if I'm wrong, sorry, please move it.

I am starting a new job and the dress code requires almost all black. Any color shoes, belt or accessories. And if you are wearing a jacket/sweater the shirt under can be any color as well. Any ideas to get out of the 'common' black pants, dress jacket and button up? I want any ideas you can throw my way; from conservative all the way up to funky. Thanks!

 

[baRose]

Do you have to wear a jacket all the time?

If not, I would get tops in a variety of different styles as approprate with your company and body type.

A few ideas:
Tops

• Smock
• Tunic
• Boat neck
• Turtleneck
• Dresses as tops
• Fuzzy cashmere or angora sweaters
• fitted sweater vests
• Wrap style (I just got a black silk wrap top on consignment from DVF that I love)
• Layering tops and fabrics
• Wrap sweaters

Same with bottoms:

• Wide legged pants
• Boot cut pants and jeans
• Cigarette leg pants
• Pencil Skirts
• A-line skirts

Play with fabrics, weeves and all-black patterns.

• Cotton
• silks (various textures)
• wool (crepe and heavy)
• knits
• cashmere
• velvet
• quilted fabrics

Play it up with the colored and textured accessories

• Knited scarves
• Cashmere scarves
• Hats (if you can)
• Leather
• Patent leather
• Dont forget Hermes (or Hermes-like) scarves. Their are dozens of ways to wear them all over your body. That can be youre most sophisticated and versatile accessory ever.

 

[geometric]

I worked at a place with a very similar dress code except we were permitted to wear both black and white. Usually I just relied on funky shoes and colored tights with matching or semi-matching accessories. And I too love scarves. Hope you figure it out.

 

[VivaciousCohen]

Thanks for the tips, girls!

baRose- we only have to wear a jacket/sweater if we are wearing pants, no idea why..
I love all of your ideas though, thanks so much. Karma.

geometric- that's a great idea, I should ask if black & white are allowed. I have this adorable print skirt that is black & white and would love to wear that work. I'll ask my supervisor on Friday, when she comes back from out of town. karma for your tips as well!

 

[VivaciousCohen]

Unfortunately black & white are not allowed I have this adorable black & white print skirt and a houndstooth jacket that I will now be unable to wear to work. I am playing around with the ideas listed above to try and keep the all-black-look from becoming too drab.