Last week, I argued that black belongs in the summer, and it almost felt like I needed to answer the question: “Sure, but how?” It’s a fair thing to ask. Making the case for it is the easy half. Building the outfit is where it actually gets tested.

So here are 5 looks that I would absolutely wear in a heartbeat or that I already have, frankly.

Outfit Inspiration On Point

Bermuda Shorts, Actually

I’ve resisted Bermuda shorts just because of the proportions. They can just go so wrong until you see them styled perfectly. The formula here is a fitted black tank bodysuit with tailored knee-length shorts. The volume happens at the hem and nowhere else. Square-toe sandals, an envelope clutch, and wayfarers make this the perfect dinner in the city outfit. It’s enough to swing the opinion toward being pro-Bermuda shorts.

UNEXPECTED PEPLUM

Peplum has been circling back for two years, and I’ve pretty much kept my distance. It’s the trauma of 2012, I’m sure. But this look earns every ounce of attention. A strapless peplum top with wide-leg trousers is a waist-defining move that doesn’t require anything to be tight. It’s much more architectural than fussy. The mesh shoes are the perfect complement that doesn’t add anything else heavy. This one is begging to be worn somewhere with a bar.

Crochet In Black

It feels like every crochet dress out there is in cream, ivory, or sand. There’s nothing wrong with that except there are 4,000 of them. When I saw this black look, I was obsessed. The crochet in black is a completely different garment and vibe. The open stitch does the summer work, letting air through, and has skin showing in small amounts. The fabric moves, and the entire cut of the dress keeps it out of beach cover-up territory. It’s a rare piece that works at dinner and at 4 in the afternoon on a terrace. Strappy sandals and a long necklace hitting below the sternum top off the look. It’s begging for a scent companion that smells like salt, coconut, and flowers.

The Euro-Vacay Vibe

This is the look I’d actually pack no matter where I’m going. A black mini dress and flat tan leather sandals are a solid pairing. Add a scarf tied over the head, and you’re giving the exact Euro summer everyone is chasing. I think the tan and black colors with the accents of silver help keep the look from being severe. The combination of warm neutrals pulls this look into something you can wear to lunch outside. All you need is a bag that can hold your phone and maybe some lipstick, and nothing else.

Bra Top, Real Trousers

The trick with a bra top is putting it with something serious. That’s where the high-waisted trousers come in. But not just high-waisted trousers. They have to have a proper waistband and a hem that breaks correctly. They make the pairing look deliberate rather than accidental. I like this one doesn’t have heels. The black mesh ballet flats keep things light against the trousers. Plus, it’s an outfit you can wear for more than three hours. The wayfarers and drop earrings add a little shape because everything else is pretty much a straight line. Obsessed.

August is when most people give up on dressing. It’s hot, and everything is sticky. Black is the ultimate shortcut that doesn’t look like one. Pick fabric that breathes and keep the shape loose where it counts. I’ll be pulling inspo from these looks for the foreseeable future. The other stuff can wait.

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