Style your black outfits

Black shirts are today making a quiet comeback and they can actually add a slick aesthetic to your personal look if you play your cards right. From styles to combos to fitment, this is your complete guide for how to wear a black t-shirt.

It's a simple piece in essence, one that rides the relentless wave of seasonal trends and always emerges with its reputation intact. Because of its timeless appeal and simple design, we're often guilty of taking it for granted and not utilising it to its full extent. Here's how to style your black shirts.

Style blackout

Simple and fuss-free when your T-shirt's minimalism is its stand-out quality, don't diverge from it. Embrace it and surround your black tee with like-minded pieces. An all-black outfit is perfect for those who aren't keen on throwing too much colour into everyday looks and, done right, you won't look like gloomy weather has consumed you either. Plus, you can literally get ready in the dark. Whether you're curating a slick pared back outfit or an effortless leather look, the black T-shirt is the foundation allowing everything to flow seamlessly. Opt for a crew neck and keep design elements to a neat chest pocket to maximise versatility. Then it's hard to go wrong: tucked into smart joggers, loungewear is given a luxe boost. Or above some slim trousers and layered under your jacket of choice, it's understated yet elegant.

High-contrast monochrome

If all-black is not sartorially adventurous enough for you, you don't have to push the boat out too far. Staying within a monochrome colour scheme and pairing your tee with whites and greys can prove equally profitable and easy to style. Again, your tee is the anchor in the outfit here, setting a solid foundation for lighter elements to layer onto. White trousers are a natural choice, offering a brighter bottom half that highlights the neatness of your tucked-in top. Accessorise with washed denim or a monochrome jacket for a neat finish. Alternatively, keep the blackout base and throw on a light-hued blazer when you need to tackle that tricky smart-casual dress code.

Above the norm

Normcore is all about not thinking too much and throwing together an outfit that's relaxed and effortless. A black T-shirt exudes that ethos. As this look is all about easy-going styles, your tee can boast a variety of different shapes and fits, from V-neck to crew neck to the baggier and more oversized. Tucking your tee in is the first rule of normcore, so that's a given. Despite the second rule often being light-wash denim below the belt, the same vibe is achieved with indigo denim, chinos or even shorts. As long as they're slightly looser fitting and relaxed, you can make it work.

Special ops tailoring

Black tie too formal? Shirt without a tie not working for you? Maybe you're just not a fan of going the full hog with your formality. Enter, the black T-shirt. Deserting the shirt for a smart tee has been a saving grace for many when needing to pull together a sharp look, especially for an event with an ambiguous dress code. In more laid-back takes on formalwear, a printed shirt would work well to lighten the mood. But when it's all about looking suave without the clutter, a basic black tee is your go-to. Stick to muted monochrome for sure-fire success here: under a black jacket, this look is classic and modish at once. If you want to mix things up, let the black top break up a grey or white blazer from matching bottoms.

Rock stardom

So far, we've shown the benefits of keeping things simple, in design and curation. But if you want your outfit to make a bit more of a statement, then channel the style of rock 'n' roll legends gone by (and their fans) by throwing a graphic tee centre stage. Don't shy from a bold print on your tee or simply opt for a band tee to hit the trend on the nose. Under a jacket or oversized shirt, it'll add character and break up the monochrome tones. Ripped jeans or at least a skinnier fit are essential to nailing the aesthetic and will give your whole look a shape that accentuates the bold tee.