What To Wear With Black Shirts: Guide for Women

I have so many favorites in the fashion world, and it’s hard to narrow them down to just a handful of items. But I have to say, if you told me I could only have five articles of clothing for the rest of my life, I know that a black top would be among those five.

Nothing says stylish and mysterious like a well-crafted outfit tied together with a black top. Black shirts are super versatile, which means you can wear them in just about any setting. For that reason, we will talk about some of my favorite ways that you can create a perfect outfit with your favorite black shirt.

Why You Need a Black Shirt

Black Shirts Are Universal

Almost any outfit can be tied together with black shirts. Regardless of the occasion, a black shirt will make a great addition to your ensemble.

And luckily enough, black shirts come in all shapes and sizes. From long-sleeved button-downs to cropped black tops, there are so many unique styles you can find your perfect black top in.

Can Be Dressed Up or Down

The incredible thing about outfits with a black shirt is that they can be as fancy or as casual as you want. If you have a big event where you want to make a splash, you can wear a stunning skirt and matching accessories tied together with a black silk button-down. 

However, if you’re doing something simple like running a few errands and still want to look put together (while remaining comfortable), pair a simple black cropped top with your favorite pair of jeans for a flawless casual outfit.

What To Wear with Black Shirts

Trousers

Nothing says glamourous like a flowy black shirt and a pair of nice trousers. If you want to go for a dark academia vibe, wear a nice tucked-in shirt with a light cardigan and some brown trousers. Add a belt for a perfectly put-together look. 

I love the look of wide-leg trousers, and with all the spotlight this style has had recently, I love to keep a pair on hand. One of the easiest ways to style these trousers is with a simple black top. I adore the juxtaposition of an elegant black top with some casual denim or corduroy wide-leg trousers.

Pencil Skirt

Nothing says stunning like a black shirt with a pencil skirt. This sleek outfit is guaranteed to make me feel confident wherever I may be going.

This look is perfect for working professionals. It’s an easy-to-style look that is office appropriate and looks well put together. Add a blazer for an even more iconic look.

Daring Pumps

Cat-walk-ready pumps paired with a black shirt can set a bold statement. The dark color of a black shirt and the pop of color in your heels is just what you need to have a memorable outfit.

One of my go-to looks is a black shirt, white bottoms, and bright red heels. The contrast between neutral black and white and bright red adds an exciting element to your outfit without overwhelming the eye.

Maxi Skirt

You’ll always hear me talking about how well a maxi skirt pairs with black shirts because, let’s face it, maxi skirts pair well with anything.

I love curating an outfit with a gorgeous and colorful maxi skirt balanced with a neutral black cropped top. This leaves me feeling stylish and bold without overwhelming my ensemble. 

Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are a casual and cool way to style your look. If I'm running some errands and need an extra layer or simply want to add texture to my style, I layer a denim jacket over my black top.

It’s a fail-proof way to bring an unexpected element to your outfit while maintaining a classic vintage look.

Moto Boots

Hot tip: Match your top with your shoes with some black moto boots.

These funky fresh shoes are a modern take on classic motorcycle boots, and they give your outfit an element of edgy grunge. Pairing your black top with some classic trousers and edgy boots gives your outfit a casual yet cool look.

Colorful Purses

Nothing pops more than a colorful purse layered over a black shirt. When I style my black tops, I always have a bright purse on hand. The black top serves as the perfect canvas to showcase my funky and fun eccentric purse. 

Elegant Belts

Another accessory I love to pair with my black shirt is a wrap belt. I love the look of a black blouse tucked into my favorite skirt and tied together with an elegant fringed wrap belt. This is an excellent way to tie your ensemble together and create a beautiful flow in the ensemble.

Silver Jewelry

I’m a big fan of gold jewelry, but I have to say that I think silver goes best with the cool and dark tones found in black shirts.

The sleek white coloring in this metal is a great contrast to the darkness of a black top. I like to accessorize with silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings when I wear a black top to pull the different elements of my jewelry together. 

Precious Stones

Colorful precious stones in jewelry are another one of the best ways to accessorize with a black shirt. A vibrant stone like turquoise or the pearl whites of pearls creates a beautiful pop of color when worn as a necklace over a black blouse. 

You can select a gem based on your fav color or the reported meaning behind stones. It’s a unique way to make your closet super personable to you in every way. 

An Iconic Hat

One easy way to accessorize is through hats! This is no different when it comes to accessorizing your black top. I keep it cohesive from head to toe by matching colors — if I sport a red belt, I pair it with a red hat. If I rock an all-black ensemble, the hat will match too!

If I’m heading out to spend some time by the pool or at the beach and I’m rocking a black top, I add a straw hat to the look. The light tan of the straw contrasts well with the black on the top, and it also is a great way to protect your face from the sun!

White Western Boots

My favorite shoe with a black top is a white Western-style boot. The contrast of the shoes with the shirt is so sleek that I can never go wrong with this look.

For an unmistakable dose of drama, match your white boots with white pants. 

A Black Shirt for Every Occasion

One of the most classic tops you can wear is a black blouse. This essential item can be worn in just about any scenario, whether you’re dressing up for a gala or just going about your everyday tasks.

That’s why I wanted to discuss my favorite ways to style black blouses, from colorful, luxurious pumps to casual denim jackets. With whatever you pull from your wardrobe tomorrow (or tonight), as long as your clothing speaks to you, you’ll be the epitome of style. 

Sources:

Opinion | The Season of Dark Academia | New York Times

Healing Crystals 101: Finding the Right One for You | Healthline

What Color Handbag Goes With Everything? Versatile Hues | LoveToKnow