Moms and Dads

How Moms Can Make Black Outfits Festive For The Holidays

by Kevyn Gohu
December 12, 2023

When our wardrobe’s palette is predominantly black, here are ways to make the outfits more festive!

Black is many things: elegant, simple, sleek, slimming, and classy. But unfortunately, it’s not usually considered festive. Many cultures often consider wearing black to parties disrespectful; but, what happens if we can’t wear any other color or we don’t have any other in our closet? Here are some ways to make our black outfits to fit the holiday aesthetic!

1. Play with cuts and styles

Ruffles on the skirts, puffed-up sleeves, the scrunched-up ruches in cropped blouses can add more personality to our black outfits. It adds more body and personality to the color often associated with a death shroud because the outfit now looks more three-dimensional instead of just something we slipped into. Maximalism will be our approach these holidays!

What some moms do to maximize the ROI on that piece is to get a black top that has accents that have a subtle impact. It can be a halter top, a knitted long-sleeved turtleneck, or even an off-shoulder for a playful look.

2. Mix and match textures!

Velvet, satin, polyester, cotton, silk, faux fur, tulle, leather — all these fabrics have varying textures that make a black monochrome outfit stand out because of how the light bounces off them. Satin and silk have a smooth sheen while velvet has a scattered shimmer to it. Some textures like faux fur and tulle match together, especially with a pleated tulle skirt because of how they contrast yet not compete for attention in an event. Leather commands and empowers especially when the piece contours around the right parts of our bodies.

Some even use pieces with sequins so they can sparkle to satisfy our inner magpies.

3. Go metallic or bright colors for accessories.

Black’s favorite accessory color is usually yellow gold because it pops. Whether it’s a chunky statement necklace or an elegant simple gold chain with a pendant, yellow gold strikes more than white gold or silver because of its brightness. But if yellow gold isn’t available, semi-precious stone colors like coral red, turquoise blue, and citrine yellow work as a more earthy alternative.

Silver, however, can still be striking, provided it sparkles. It creates that starry sky effect on your dress. A tennis necklace or choker and dangling sparkling earrings do the trick too, considering it worked for the late Hollywood darling, Audrey Hepburn.

4. Make your accessories loud.

Accessories can scream personalities whether they’re dangling, hoops, or large statement studs. Some even use ear cuffs or hooks with dangling accents to add edge. Vintage styles like the typical pearl earring studs, gold hoops, or silver hoops add a more elegant festive look. But for loud and contemporary, go costume with maybe clay dangling earrings in various colors as a way to attract the positive energy for the holidays!

Cinch belts with various buckle shapes or designs can also add some personality, especially if we’re going with a shapeless linen dress.

5. Animal prints are definitely a conversation starter for festivities.

Animal print patterns always attract attention and usually look good with black because of their subdued colors. Some moms and women, what they do, is that they usually have their accessories sport animal prints which make the black outfit less boring. Usually, available prints are cheetah or reptilian in appearance. Those are easier to find as shoes or bags rather, than large pieces. Some even use animal-printed headbands if they’re not ready to invest in shoes and bags yet!

Faux animal prints are preferred though; some people can be allergic to the fur attached!

6. Modern Filipiniana accents

Let Modern Filipiniana take the stage this holiday with their various weaves, tie-dyes and patterns. The beauty of these pieces is that they already sport some of the festive colors like red, yellow, green, and sometimes, even royal blue. They’re usually found as outerwear: jackets, shawls, and even kimonos and cardigans to accent the simple black dress. Also, remember those brightly-colored sarong wrap skirts we often use for our trips to Boracay or the beaches? Transform them into sashes to add more personality to our black outfits if the typical leather cowhide belt isn’t cutting it!

Black outfits can be festive too with the right matches!

A lot of black outfits for women usually emphasize more on elegance and chic. But black’s versatile as a palette; it can make any color or texture pop so long as it’s matched with the right things. And with many of us opting for a more capsule closet or slow fashion approach, black will most likely be the predominant color in our wardrobes!

Instead of buying new pieces though, we’re opting to invest in accessories because 1) they’re smaller and easier to store and 2) it takes awhile to outgrow the style. Christmas bazaars are littered with accessory stores selling even vintage-styled jewelry or scarves to add more impact. Or if we know someone from the modista generation, maybe a little nip-tuck can transform a pre-loved but neglected piece into one of our most beloved and timeless signatures.