monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The Fab 40’s: Black is Beautiful

January 25, 2021 / 44 Comments
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The color black is one that most of us wear with some amount of frequency yet it is a color that we don’t really discuss in terms of meaning and symbolism in the world, in our lives, and in our wardrobes. When Ada presented this month’s Fab 40’s theme, I was not at a loss of wardrobe items to create a head to toe black outfit. I have always been a fan of monochromatic black outfits as they create the perfect canvas to combine dark and mysterious elements or to add bright and bold bits that will stand out with vibrance against the dark background.

I have learned during my years of blogging, however, that all black outfits are really difficult to capture adequately in photographs. So for this month’s style challenge, I added a plaid skirt in black and gray with hints of burgundy to act as a focal point for my column of black. This skirt is a recent thrifty find. It was new with tags and I really loved the darker color palette of the plaid and the cute little black cut out under-slip that is attached to the skirt. The skirt is two sizes too big but it was too cute to leave behind. So I belted it tight and added a longer sweater with an even longer fringe detail along the hem to camouflage the bunched up waistband on my too big skirt!

I just rediscovered this funky fringed Michael Kors turtleneck sweater at the bottom of a bin in my basement. I had completely forgotten about it and it made me really happy when I found it again. I have tons of black sweaters and I really appreciate the unique details on this one. The rest of my outfit is a compilation of basic black pieces. Black tights, black over the knee boots, black coat, and black headband. I added a burgundy clutch and scarf to pick up on the hints of burgundy in the plaid skirt. But really that’s enough about my outfit. To me that’s kind of the boring stuff. I want to get into a deeper interpretation of the color black. Because that’s the stuff that fascinates me.

monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

The color black seems to be wrought with negative connotations…we associate it with grief and mourning, darkness and despair, nighttime and the unknown. In the eternal struggle of good vs evil, black is always the representation of evil. Black conceals rather than illuminates things, it symbolizes doom and often nothingness. From black widow spiders to black holes, the Black Plague to blackmail, we so often attribute negative things to this fully saturated hue.

Other negative associations with the color black include fear, death, aggression, rebellion, the unknown, sadness, bad magic, and absence.

But you know I don’t much like to focus on the negative side of things. So let’s put a more positive spin on the color black. While black may have a tendency to be gloomy, in sartorial terms it is a color that has become associated with elegance and sophistication, drama and classic timelessness. It is unambiguous in making its statement of serious and definitive certainty. Where the color gray has become associated with neutrality, black strongly indicates that the wearer means business and will not stand for too much bullshit.

monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Other positive associations with the color black include strength, authority, elegance, power, sophistication, and prestige.

Black has a desirable visual slimming effect in terms of fashion but can be overwhelming and confining when used too abundantly in interior design. It is the preferred color for written text, specifically against a white background as the contrast of the two extremes is easiest for the human eye to distinguish.

Visual exposure to the color black affects the human mind in a variety of ways. It can evoke inconspicuous emotions, it can boost confidence in one’s physical appearance, and it can increase the sense of potential and possibilities. Black can also increase feelings of dismay or sadness. We can wear the color black as armor to protect and conceal our deepest secrets but we can also wear black as a means of standing boldly and steadfastly as a symbol of empowerment and strength.

Black is the most versatile color in its lack of colorness. It is my default for anchoring most of my outfits. I would call it my favorite color but green has held that prominent status for as long as I can remember. Other colors that represent the color black at different levels of saturation and hue include ebony, jet, ink, charcoal, pitch, raven, midnight, obsidian, onyx, and sable.

monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Some of my favorite black things include black cats, black holes, black pepper, black sheep, The Man in Black (aka Johnny Cash), Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, black roses, blackened cajun cuisine, and black history (yes, I want to learn so much more on that topic). Some of my not so favorite black things are black licorice, black ice, blackmail, black mold, black chalkboard paint (it is very tedious to work with but looks fantastic when completed).

Five fun quotes about the color black:

“Black is such a happy color, darling.”

-Morticia Addams

“Without black, no color has any depth. But if you mix black with everything, suddenly there’s shadow – no, not just shadow, but fullness. You’ve got to be willing to mix black into your palette if you want to create something that’s real.”

-Minnie Pearl

“Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensation.”

Hermann von Helmhoz

“There is an undeniable virtue to a true black; allowing the brain to be mesmerized and pulling the pupils deep into that unfound but sensed abyss.”

Jamie Lavin

“It’s too easy to say that orange is happy and black is sad. To me, black is perfect. You can fill it with the emotion you want to express.”

Ann Demeulemeester

Reference articles used for this information: Color Symbolism & Meaning of Black, Color Meaning: Meaning of the Color Black, and Quotes About Black.

monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge
monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Now let’s have a look at my fabulous friends looking so very beautiful and completely badass in black.

The Fab 40’s is a group of four fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month we choose a different theme with the goal of taking on style trends and showing how we each interpret and incorporate them into our own lives. With four widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Ada is looking super sassy and sexy in her faux leather leggings and combat boots. I am loving her hints of red for a festive Valentine’s spin on an all black outfit.

Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood
Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood

Outfit Details: Sweater-Ann Taylor / Leggings-Spanx / Combat Boots-American Eagle / Sparkly Res Cuff-LD Watkins Designs / Silver Bracelet-Handmade (Gifted) / Mini Clutch-Mac / Red Lipstick-Nars

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

Daenel is a vision of elegance and sophistication in her striking all black outfit. I really love the drama of her beautiful accessories in contrasting brown. Isn’t this photograph just stunning?

Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks
Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks

Suzy of The Grey Brunette

Suzy’s look speaks to me as a vision of modern gothic in her delicate lace top paired with this fabulous black wrap and black jeans. The red accents add the perfect striking contrast which delivers a powerful sartorial punch. And that bag! Yes, please.

Suzy of The Grey Brunette
Suzy of The Grey Brunette

Outfit Details: Serape-Samuel Tweed / Lace top-Bershka / Jeans-Levi’s / Boots- Aldo / Handbag-Christmas present from mother-in-law / Ring-gift from mother-in-law / Watch-Citizen Eco-Drive / Earrings-Auchan

And me!

monochromatic black outfit, plaid mini skirt, over the knee boots, winter style, The Fab 40's, fashion over 40, Shelbee on the Edge

Outfit Details: Fringed Sweater-Michael Kors / Skirt-Thrifted / Tights-c/o Sheertex / Boots-Shoe Dazzle / Gloves-Isotoner / Clutch and Coat-Old Navy / Earrings-c/o Anjolee / Scarf-c/o Zaful / Hat and Necklace-Old

How do you incorporate black into your wardrobe or your home decor or your lifestyle in general? Do you use it abundantly or do you try to keep black to a minimum?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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44 Comments

  • Suzy

    January 25, 2021 at 2:38 pm Reply

    OMG how I love this post, Shelbee! Not only do I adore your outfit (that skirt is the coolest thing ever!), but the depth you’ve gone into about the colour black is just brilliant! I’ve always had a thing for black, as you know. It’s the goth in me lol. But I never really gave much thought to the negative connotations that it often suggests. One of my absolute favourite things ever in black? Black cats!! Just LOVE LOVE LOVE them! (I guess that’s the witch in me lol)
    Huge hugs, Shelbee
    Suzy xxx

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 25, 2021 at 7:45 pm Reply

      Suzy, thank you so much! I knew you were going to love this theme as soon as I read it! The Goth girl in me squealed a little happy squeal, for sure! I have gotten away from all black since blogging but it is still my favorite! And black cats are the absolute best! I have had two black cats in my life. The first guy was named Steven Phinneas J. Cat, aka Steve, and he was the awesomest of all cats to ever have lived. He totally had magic! He would high five you when you came home at the end of the day and mastered many adorable tricks. He died from a tumor in his ear the night before I found out I was pregnant with Archie. I think he passed a little bit of his cool cat soul onto my kid! And now we have Franklin Gandolph P. Cat, aka Frankie, he’s pretty cool, too. But none will ever compare to Steve!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

      • Suzy

        January 27, 2021 at 10:30 am Reply

        I think I nearly cried reading your reply, Shelbee. Steven Phinneas J. Cat was clearly a very special cat indeed. And I know exactly how you felt about him because I had one of my own several years ago. He was a teeny weeny little Siamese cat, the runt of the litter and he was my little angel. He followed me everywhere — even in the loo lol. I loved him so much. I didn’t think it was possible to love an animal that much. My heart broke when he died. He was unwell with a kidney infection and he picked up a terrible case of cat flu at the vet’s and it killed him. I cry even now thinking about him. Oh, I didn’t tell you his name. Yoda. He really was like Yoda. A little wise being.
        We’ve had other cats since and at the moment we have three more very special souls, Myrtle, Shannon and Sadie. They are very much our babies lol. They’re so spoilt but they are so loving. We feel very grateful and honoured to have them in our lives.
        I love your cats names, by the way. We once had a Mr. Darcy lol
        Huge hugs
        Suzy xx

        • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

          January 27, 2021 at 10:54 am Reply

          Oh my word, Suzy, what wonderful cat stories although they sometimes have sad endings! I have had lots of special cats over the years as well. When I first divorced at the age of 26 and was living alone for the first time ever, I got my very first cat, an orange tabby named Little Oliver Twist, Ollie for short. His mother was my sister’s cat and he was an amazing little creature as well. I quickly adopted a gray tabby named Sir Montague, Monty for short, and Steve, my first black cat, who were litter mates found in a friend’s yard. Steve was the runt and was near death when I rescued them. Oh and I totally called my current black cat by his brother’s name in my last comment. The current black cat is David Gandolph and his brother is Franklin Jebediah C. Cat, aka Frankie. He is a black and white long haired domestic and very very skittish and shy. Both cats love to follow Jeff into the loo but they mostly don’t like me that much! I am allergic to them so I don’t get very snuggly with them. And your cat names are pretty freaking fantastic, too! Gah, I could share cute cat stories all day long!

          xoxo
          Shelbee

          • Suzy

            January 27, 2021 at 11:01 am

            OMG you’re allergic?? That’s terrible. All these wonderful cats and you can’t give them proper snuggles?!! I feel for you! I spend half my life snuggling my fur babies lol. I am currently on the couch with one cat (Sadie) on my legs with a blanket, and Shannon is next to us on the top of the couch. Myrtle is fast asleep in the armchair lol. I’ve also got little Luna the dog who is gazing out the window.
            I’m on the couch because I’ve not been feeling so well…I’ve had headaches on and off all last week. Then yesterday my vision went all weird for about 20 minutes. I looked it up and apparently, it was an Ocular Migraine. Also known as a Kaleidoscope Migraine. I’ve never had it before so it freaked me out. I’ve had a bit of a headache since. Also, I’m just feeling a bit sorry for myself lol!!! I think my peri-menopause hormones are also starting to kick in at the moment too! GAH! We do have to put up with some shit, don’t we?!
            xxx

          • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

            January 27, 2021 at 11:43 am

            It is terrible to be allergic to my sweet pets! I never was allergic to anything before I had kids and apparently it is a common thing after children. I guess pregnancy changes your entire body’s chemical makeup and things like allergies can manifest as a result. Jeff was never much of a cat person before he met me and then once my allergies came on, he has taken over all the loving pet cuddles. The cats just love him and whenever he sits down, they are quickly upon him, nudging for caresses.

            I have had blinding migraines like that before where my vision gets all crazy. I have not suffered from one in a long while, thankfully. I totally feel for you. And the perimenopause hormones are totally kicking my ass! I have been planted on the couch all week with debilitating cramps and then yesterday I woke up with my back completely seized up and could barely move all day. After some light yoga targeting the back area, heating pads, and massagers, I have much more flexibility today but still with a bit of tightness. Getting old can really stink sometimes, eh?

            xoxo
            Shelbee

          • Suzy

            January 27, 2021 at 11:49 am

            Oh it really can 🙁
            I’m so sorry you’re feeling so rough too, Shelbee. I hope you feel better soon, my friend. I’m sending positive healing vibes to you and your poor back. (Glad to hear you’re treating it with gentle yoga moves!!)
            Suzy xxx

          • Suzy

            January 27, 2021 at 12:40 pm

            Good to hear it! And meditation? You meditate too, right? Check out Dr. Joe Dispenza if you don’t know him already. He’s AMAZING <3

  • Angie

    January 25, 2021 at 6:17 pm Reply

    Hi, Shelbee – This is a very thoughtful and well-written treatise on the color black. I’ve always loved black for its badass edginess. I never think about wearing red with black outfits; I’ll have to try it. I always turn to turquoise to wear with black. Thanks for the pleasure of this post! – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 25, 2021 at 7:38 pm Reply

      Thank you so much, Angie! I had a lot of fun researching the color black. I used to wear all black more often. Blogging got me away from it a bit. But I do still love it! Turquoise and black is a striking combination, for sure.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Sheila (of Ephemera)

    January 25, 2021 at 8:04 pm Reply

    I agree with black being an anchor in one’s wardrobe, for sure. I have always worn black, even as a teen in the 80s, when that wasn’t done (goths were just getting started!). I seldom wear head-to-toe black these days, as I nearly always want some colour in there somewhere. I adore black-and-white prints (love that skirt you have on!), especially for pattern-mixing.

    Fab outfit, and very cool to see everyone!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 25, 2021 at 8:10 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Sheila! I have always favored black over all other colors as well. And I was totally a Goth girl in the late 80’s into the 90’s. I remember using baby powder on my face to make myself look really pale underneath my black clothes and long black hair! I have been dying my hair black since I was 14…in true goth style. Haha. This was a fun style theme to get back in touch with my roots (pun intended!).

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 25, 2021 at 8:33 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Ashely! I definitely wore all black more often before blogging. But I do love to return to it sometimes. It does always feel classic and it always works! I hope you have an amazing week as well, my friend.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 26, 2021 at 10:36 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Amy Ann! This was a really fun them. I find all black really difficult to photograph so I thought the plaid skirt would help with that. Plus it’s a new thrifted find and I really wanted to share it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Michelle

    January 26, 2021 at 8:38 am Reply

    Fabulous! The skirt is so cute. I love the laced hem. I no longer wear as much black as I once did. But it is perfect for adding drama, and some days it’s the most comfortable color I can wear. While I’ve learned to love wearing bright colors, I have to have enough energy to wear them – if that makes any sense.

    Michelle
    https://mybijoulifeonline.com

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 26, 2021 at 10:35 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Michelle! That absolutely makes sense to me as a person who gets dressed based solely on my emotions! One has to be in the right mindset for certain colors and styles. I don’t wear all black as often as I used to. Blogging has definitely helped me slide out of that comfort zone! But I do love the drama of it and like to revisit all black looks every now and then.

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Daenel

    January 27, 2021 at 2:36 am Reply

    That skirt is so pretty. And it breaks up the black so nicely. The lace is coming across as edgy – love it. So when I saw your fringe sweater I was like hmmmm that looks familiar, so I went digging through my chest annnnd I have a poncho with fringe. And it’s black. Come on. LOL Where was it when I was outfit planning? LOL

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 27, 2021 at 11:19 am Reply

      Thanks, Daenel! I was so excited when I spotted this cute skirt on the thrift shop rack. And new with tags always makes me even more excited! The lacy underpart was a huge bonus! I just wish the darn thing weren’t so big on me. I may have to get it tailored. I love the fringes on this sweater to keep from being just a boring old black turtleneck. How cool that you have a similar one. Maybe we need to do a fringe theme!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Ada Furxhi

    January 27, 2021 at 6:53 pm Reply

    I always love reading your posts because there is so much depth into them. Thank you for being so thorough into describing black and what it means (in general and to you). I love the quotes too especially the second one. Deep down black is a very deep color and besides all those things you described, I would say that black is sexy and bold! You look great in your outfit and I am glad I can see your amazing burgundy accessories in your other photos. That scarf is darling and you definitely shine – I spot a stylish, well-dressed lady – in the middle of the snow. I am so glad I chose this as the theme this month. You nailed this one Shel! I loved writing my post too and yes indeed my outfit can make a great option for V-Day.

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 27, 2021 at 8:17 pm Reply

      Thanks so much, Ada! This was a really great theme and so fun to get back to my roots of wearing lots of black! I really stopped wearing a ton of black since I started blogging mostly because it is so difficult to photograph. But I do love the boldness, the sexiness, and the badassery of an all black outfit. Everyone did such a wonderful job styling this theme!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

  • Gail

    January 28, 2021 at 6:50 am Reply

    Fascinating analysis of the color black. Black is very difficult to photograph but your outfit is a triumph- plenty of texture, statement necklace and the frou frou skirt. Not to mention the perfect white background!

    • shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com

      January 28, 2021 at 9:51 am Reply

      Thanks so much, Gail! I feel like black kind of gets neglected in fashion blogging sometimes so this was a fun theme to highlight this classic color. But I am getting tired of the white backgrounds already! And I still probably have 3-4 months more of it!

      xoxo
      Shelbee

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