How to dress as an adult with Shane Watson

We live in the times of ultra-beautiful clothes that no one misses. Even if you think you have enough to last a lifetime, “But should I get another one just in case I don’t get a chance again?” You may have thought.

This is a completely natural response to the great wearable drought of the late ’90s and ’90s, when finding a decent outfit was harder to find than a wearable (even badly—all those low-cut legs) swimsuit. These are dress days for the extravagant: You can fill your boots with floral midi and you’ll have more to leave behind.

However, you may be dreaming of a small (albeit quite long) black dress.

I know what you’re thinking, ‘What? Benefit? Come on ! Did we leave black behind? It’s not just fashion. † † perverted?’

No. Precisely because prints are everywhere, summer black looks refreshingly simple and smart.

If you’ve worn a William Morris-style shirt dress to work, a chevron dress for the bar, and a floral dress to hang in the kitchen, you might be in a slightly different mood when it comes to dressing. I’m not suggesting you turn your back on all these beautiful colors and prints, I’m just saying there is a palette clearing option that can hit the spot.

The great thing about black in summer is that it’s different and unexpected. It also means not coming to a party in the same dress as others. (And it’s not impossible: think of how many people rushed to get the blue Wedgwood Reformation gown that Princess Beatrice wore to the Chelsea Flower Show (£248, thereformation.com). I bet there are quite a few. She’s expecting a marriage. It’s an accident.

Shane says black scores more stylishly in the summer than any other time of year. Tracksuits, blazers, and pantsuits look a lot cooler right now, but when it comes to suits, black looks more confident and sophisticated. Pictured: Rachel McAdams and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy

Black also scores more stylishly in the summer than at other times of the year. Tracksuits, blazers, and pantsuits look a lot cooler right now, but when it comes to suits, black looks more confident and sophisticated.

It’s no coincidence that the female stars and the Duchess of Cambridge were dressed in black or black and white at the premiere of Top Gun: Maverick; these are the best choices of the moment.

Texture and quality are very important in summer black. Elegant long chiffon-effect midi shawl with sheer butterfly sleeves (£195, thekooples.com) looks expensive enough to take you anywhere; just add a wide heel, perhaps a colorful satin open back.

Shane says the best thing about black in summer is that it’s different and unexpected. It also means not coming to a party in the same dress as others. Pictured: Sofia Vergara and Jennifer Garner

Ghost’s Madison dress in lightweight satin with long puff sleeves and covered buttons (£145, ghost.co.uk) is one of those vintage-inspired Ghost classics that you can easily modernize with sandals and a lightweight bag.

If you prefer a skirt that comes just below the knee and a bit of flamboyant, finally the most sought after evening dress in the fashion world, Saloni’s black velvet dress with crystal bow is last year’s Esme dress, which is cheaper. crepe black with crystal buttons (lkbennett.com, £279). You can wear it with patent leather shoes (lkbennett.com, £195) or silver platform sandals (£155, antropologie.com).

For a little extra protection, Jaeger’s fit-and-flare midaxi for Marks & Spencer (£122.50markandspencer.com) is long sleeved – perfect for an outdoor party when the sun goes down – and you can wear it nicely with boots. summer. Autumn.

Otherwise, there’s a corner dedicated to black crepe pants at your local Zara (whole leg is wide). These or your black satin side stripe pants and also a POW top (party or wedding) are the opposite. Those with good sleeves can also try Coast’s bright pink half sleeve top with a puffy peplum (£29.40, coastfashion.com).

Welcome back black.