If you consider yourself a fashionista, black is a color you wear an awful lot of. But, if you live in a city like Chicago, it can seem almost impossible to even consider in the summer time.  How do you wear all black in a city with scorching hot temps during the summer months? It’s quite simple. You look for fashion that allows you to “breathe” a little bit, makes a statement, and allows you to have fun.

All Black Everything

I love all black and would probably wear it everyday if I didn’t have kids. I want them to express themselves through their clothes. Needless to say, you don’t see kids wearing all black that often.

So, I live for wearing all black as it reminds me of my modeling days and wearing all black to a casting. Or for my first fashion job as an intern at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta. The top “shop” girls wore all black.

This look is primarily from one of my favorite American designers,
3.1 Phillip Lim.  This black ruffle knit top is so cool as you can unzip the sleeves of the tank for a “cold-shoulder” look. I made it asymmetrical by unzipping only one side. I like to mix proportions so this worked perfectly for me. The pants are also from 3.1 Phillip Lim.

I had the amazing opportunity to meet Wen Zhou, CEO of the iconic brand at Soho House Chicago. 3.1 Phillip Lim hosted a pop-up shop in the West Loop and it was where I lusted at the pants. I am obsessed with the bold zippers on them. The motorcycle pants feel like they have built in spanx as they hug your body. They have tonal insets at the knees that mimic traditional riding pants. You can also wear them unzipped at the ankle for a cropped flare look. I mean, this season is all about the cropped flare so it’s like a 2-for-1 with these pants.

The sweater and pants are transitional pieces which is also something to consider when wearing black in the summer time. My sandals are super comfy and stylish with the silver grommets. Some thong sandals can be uncomfortable but not these, as I live in them.

Black Fendi Monster

I got this Fendi monster bag for Mother’s Day. I was inspired by my friend, Claire York, at the Saks Fifth Avenue Fendi fashion show in the spring. Claire has the clutch version of this bag and I borrowed hers for a quick photo on the step and repeat. I got home after the show and raved about Claire’s bag as it was breathtaking.  Stephen found the bag with a detachable cross body strap. Can we say win-win situation?!

It also has an outside pocket that I use for my cell phone. As a blogger, I always need my phone to be readily accessible. The outside pocket does the trick. It’s spacious enough for me to carry my checkbook-sized wallet, a lip gloss, and mints inside. I have so much fun with this bag and I like to dress it up and down. I have also taken advantage of the detachable strap and carried it as a clutch for dressier occasions.

So, there you have it. Don’t let the summer stop you from wearing black. If black is one of your favorite colors, you now know how to wear all black in the summer. I hope you are enjoying your summer and looking super cool while doing it!

Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim Shoes: old Handbag: Fendi

Photography: Hallie Duesenberg