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How to Wear All Black Without Looking Emo

How to Wear All Black Without Looking Emo

Looking for tips on how to wear all black without looking emo or boring?

You can never go wrong with an all black outfit, but you may not always want to look like you jumped straight out of 2007 during your teenage emo phase.

It’s fun to dress up like an emo kid every now and then, but maybe not all the time.

During the fall/winter I tend to navigate towards shades and neutrals.

Black literally goes with anything and everything!

It’s possible to still look cute even if you’re dressed in black from head-to-toe (yep, that’s a 1975 reference).

If you’re just tryna look cute out here, here are my tips on how to wear all black outfits without looking emo!

Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!

How to style an all black outfit without looking emo!
Turtleneck: M Boutique (similar from French Connection) | Jacket: JOA (similar from I.AM.GIA) | Jeans: Citizens of Humanity | Boots: Jeffrey Campbell (similar from Jeffrey Campbell)

Arm warmers are an emo kid's best friend
What not to do if you don’t wanna look like an emo kid: wear striped arm warmers. *vomits*

Silpada Designs jewelry

1. Add some dainty and feminine jewelry

By dainty jewelry, I don’t mean little skull and bow necklaces.

However, you can totally do that if that’s the vibe you’re going for.

If you’re going for a more feminine look, try layering up some pretty gold jewelry pieces, or even some colourful jewelry.

Earrings, necklaces, a watch – layer up all the goods!

Plus, wearing jewelry will make your monotone all-black outfit a lot less boring.


Arbonne Smoothed Over Lipstick Dahlia swatch

2. Put on a bright coloured lipstick

Skip the nudes, plums, and blacks if you don’t want to look like a goth kid with your all black outfit.

Go for a bright fuchsia like MAC’s Girl About Town or a rosy pink like Marc Jacobs’ Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Having a pop of colour will make your all black outfit a lot less boring, and it’ll make you look more put together!


My everyday fall/winter makeup routine

3. Wear neutral eye makeup

Did anyone else use to pack on black eyeshadow without blending it out properly?

Eek. Definitely not my finest hour.

My everyday eye makeup look is just some light brown eyeshadow, slightly winged liner, and mascara.

Don’t forget to go easy on the eyeliner, this isn’t a Green Day concert.


Urban Outfitters silver booties flat lay

4. Throw on a coloured accessory or two

Add some colour into your look to make your all black outfit a lot less boring.

Yes, I know, adding colour means it won’t be an all black outfit anymore.

Tbh accessories don’t really count though (to me, anyway).

Wear a coloured hat, mittens, scarf, or any other accessory to complement your black on black outfit.

A pop of colour is always fun, and it’ll make you look less goth and more friendly.


How to wear all black without looking emo

5. Layer different textures

Add some interest into your black on black outfit with different textures and fabrics.

A simple cotton turtleneck with a leather miniskirt, a velvet tank with black skinny jeans, you get the point.

The best thing about fall/winter outfits is being able to wear leather, velvet, and suede fabrics!


Those were my tips on how to make your all black outfit look a little less dark and a lot more cute!

There’s nothing wrong with looking emo (u do u girl, I still have my emo days here and there).

Speaking of emo… This song might bring back some memories.

How do you guys prefer to wear an all black outfit? More feminine or more emo? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!

You can find more of my fave products and items on my wishlist in my Amazon Shop.

P.S. if you liked this post, you might like this post on capsule fall sweaters, or any of my other fashion posts.

Jessica Lam | Toronto lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and travel blogger | Diary of a Toronto Girl, a Canadian lifestyle blog

How to style an all black outfit without looking emo!
  1. Francesca Gariano says:

    This whole post is a #MOOD, I’m crying hahahaha. This is a Look™ (that jacket is AMAZING) and I think I choked laughing at this line: “There’s nothing wrong with looking emo (u do u girl, I still have my emo days here and there)”. Me and my inner emo child love this post to death.

  2. Haley Stanley says:

    Hey girl, I seriously love this! I always avoid black on black because I don’t know how to wear it well, so this really helped! 🙂

  3. Keri H says:

    Loveee these tips, girl! You always look good in all black!

  4. Jessica Lam says:

    Thanks so much girl! 💕

  5. Jessica Lam says:

    I’m glad Haley! 🤗

  6. Jessica Lam says:

    Hahaha I’m glad you enjoyed girl! 🙆

  7. Kimberly Hsieh says:

    First time coming here from your email list! Love it 🙂 I think mixing patterns like lace and velvet and so on also make the all black look less emo!

  8. Deborah says:

    All black looks have been my go-tos lately. These are great tips for wearing all black – especially about breaking it all up with a colored accessory!

  9. Chloe says:

    Love your tips! I always love to wear all black, it always makes me feel so witchy, haha! I always try to wear a bright colored lipstick! 🙂

    xo, Chloe // http://www.funinthecloset.com

  10. Natalie says:

    I honestly love wearing all black because it’s so effortless but looks cool at the same time. My favorite tip is the lipstick one! What’s your favorite brand/shade??

    xo Natalie

  11. Elaisha Jade says:

    BEST tips! Lol I usually end up looking like a scene kid when I wear all black…

    https://www.elaishajade.com/

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