How to Wear All-Black Vintage Clothes!
November 23, 2018
Last Updated on December 7, 2023 by Dominique de Merteuil
An all-black vintage look might be just the right idea for those of you who are as fond of the colour black as I am.
It is also the perfect colour for anyone new to the world of vintage and at the stage of now contemplating the purchase of their very first vintage piece of clothing.
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You can wear black at any time. You can wear it at any age. You may wear it for almost any occasion; a ‘little black frock’ is essential to a woman’s wardrobe.
Christian Dior
Even though black is often used as a symbol of death, mourning as well as witches and magic, for me, it represents elegance, power and individuality. Also, as an old-school Goth, I’m rather thrilled that it’s associated with darkness and Victorian mourning attire.
That also explains my fascination with 19th-century mourning capes which I have in abundance. It’s the preferred attire colour of a Femme Fatale and if you are curious about her history in 19th-century paintings, Film Noir and 1930s-1040s Fashion, I suggest you read my article on How to Dress Like a Femme Fatale.
Regardless of the colour’s meaning, first and foremost remember that it’s flattering to the figure and easily styled. You can find out from my article about the little black dress, how I can turn one simple black dress from a day into an evening ensemble.
The All-Black Vintage Look
Black is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. It flatters all body shapes and seamlessly combines with any colour palette. By opting for vintage black clothes from head to toe, you create an effortlessly stylish ensemble that never fails to make a bold statement.
The 1940s Femme Fatale
- 1940s jacket
- 1950s Handmacher skirt
- 1950s Garay purse
- Luna Wolford tights
- An antique cameo
Women who wear black lead colourful lives
Women think of all colours except the absence of coloour. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.
Coco Chanel
I have been for forty years discovering that the queen of all colours was black
Pierre-August Rnoir
Black is modest and arrogant at the same time. Black is lazy and easy but mysterious. But above all, black says this: I don’t bother you, don’t bother me.
Johji Yamamoto
I think in black.
Gareth Pugh
Back in black.
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The All-Black 1950s Ensamble
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your vintage black outfit, consider accessorizing with a coordinating handbag or perhaps a beaded clutch. You could also layer delicate necklaces or enhance your look with vintage or antique brooches for a more refined and sophisticated appearance.
My all-black 1950s ensemble:
- Handmacher suit from 1952
- Late 1950s purse
- 1950s hair-snood
More Ideas for the All-Black Vintage Outfit
Learn how to add gothic glamour to your style!
Here is another all-black look from the “Sir, for me every day is a Halloween” post.
You might also be interested in learning how to dress like a 1940s Femme Fatale!
Ireena Samuel
February 26, 2020Loved all your unique black vintage outfits and jewelry. You look stunning in that 1940′ black jacket with an antique cameo! Who doesn’t love an all-black outfit?
Dominique de Merteuil
February 26, 2020Thank you for all your lovely comments!
The jacket is really special and part of a set. The great thing about black skirt suits is that they can be mixed and matched with practically anything.
If you would like to see the skirt that came with the jacket, please follow the link below.
https://www.itsbeyondmycontrol.com/femme-fatale/
Louisa Jane Smith
April 29, 2019Hi,
Yes the broach is a nice touch. You look amazing.
Dominique de Merteuil
April 30, 2019Thank you!
Boomer
November 24, 2018I can’t imagine where you find all of these fantastic, fitted outfits, but sometimes it is very obvious only certain kinds of figures will do them justice, or even make them wearable at all…In the disco era, guys had double knit low rise (or hip hugger) slacks and NikNik and Huk-a-Poo shirts- skin tight rayon mostly…Well, truth be told, FEW of our Baby Boomers that were once out hitting the discos would ever be able to wear them now; we needed ‘snake hips’ and God knows, NO gut at all! ;->
Bruce Sinclair
November 24, 2018I love the look, and you wear it well! I was wondering what your opinion is on black jewelry with black outfits? I have a lot of black things and I sometimes wonder if it is overkill to wear the black bracelets and rings with an all black look… Cheers! Boomer
Dominique de Merteuil
November 24, 2018Hi Boomer,
Thank you for the kind words!
I LOVE black jewellery with black outfits and don’t find it an overkill at all!
Dominique