I have worked backstage at New York Fashion Week for the past ten seasons for designers such as Marchesa, Badgley Mischka, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Sophie Theallet, Rachel Zoe, the Project Runway finalists and more.

I have to wear black so that everyone knows I am part of the team (and not some crazed fan because of the smile plastered on my face). It was was a bit of a bummer at first. Here was my chance to show off my fashion acumen in front of some of the world’s greatest designers, and I was relegated to black. Then I got over myself. I realized I am amazingly fortunate to be behind the scenes, and everyone is so busy trying to make the show a success that they really don’t care what I am wearing.

Of course I still want to look chic, but black can be boring. Here are my tips for how to wear black and still look fab. I would wear any and all of these pieces to work backstage.

Here are my tips for looking ultra stylish in black.

1. Wear different fabrics for a textured look: leather, silk and wool, etc.
2. Balance the proportions. If you’re wearing jeggings, wear them with a loose top as I show above.
3. Think of black as a blank canvas. Add interesting accessories in different colors. Try a pair of shoes in burgundy or a leopard handbag.
4. Wear chunky jewelry that pops with black: long silver chains or dankly gold earrings, or even a leather cuff in a bright color.
5. Add fun tights in a bright color to break up a monochromatic outfit.
6. Juxtapose feminine and masculine for a modern look. I pair the pretty dress above with studded moto boots so I won’t look too feminine or too butch.
7. Some of the items I show are a bit pricey, but you can find great alternatives in stores such as H & M or Forever 21. Black can look expensive even when it’s not. Also, now is a great time to shop. There are clearance sales everywhere, so check out your favorite upscale stores for bargains.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Illysia Neumann-Loreck