How to Wear Black in the Summertime Because florals aren’t for everyone. Kelly Allison

Summer is officially in session, which means flower prints, neon brights, and pretty little dresses. But some days, you just want to reach for the uncomplicated classics, and that’s where your favorite black pieces come in. While you may think you're supposed to pack away your leather jackets, blazers, and booties in storage, here are a few ways to keep them around during the warmer seasons. Believe me, it’s not as impossible as it sounds!
 

Kelly Allison

Get In(vest)ed
Vests are where the party’s at, especially when it's hot out. This effortless structured vest I snagged last fall can easily be transformed into a key summer piece when paired with a simple graphic tee and boyfriend shorts. To make the outfit extra wow-worthy, add a strappy pair of heels—they'll take your look from daytime casual to weekend drinks.
 

Kelly Allison

Add a Touch of Leather
Attention all leather lovers: Your signature pieces aren’t just for winter anymore! A little leather action is always in style—and it keeps you cozy on those cooler nights. My faux jacket is my favorite staple, regardless of the season, but I especially love it during the summertime. Plus, who doesn’t feel fearless and confident in a pretty leather jacket? Summer-ize yours by pairing it with more delicate patterns. I love that the dark leather adds a fun, edgy look to a more feminine print and silhouette. 

RELATED: How to Make Your Comfy-Casual Jean Jacket Look Fancy
 

Kelly Allison

Let Your Black Flats Really Shine
It doesn't have to be all about sandals right now—after an eternal winter of dragging my favorite pair of black flats back and forth from the office, it’s time to rock 'em all day and night. To give yours a warm-weather feel, wear them with your favorite summer dresses. Not a dress gal? Slip them on with your favorite pair of skinny jeans rolled up a few times to more subtly show some skin. I especially love these Parisian O'Dorsay flats that are majorly in style this season. 
 

Kelly Allison

Top Things Off with a Blazer
Who says a blazer is just for the office? Like a leather jacket, your favorite blazer is another classic piece to bring out of the closet for summer. I invested in this J.Crew one a few years ago, and it’s been my essential topper throughout the seasons. Paired with a tee rather than a blouse, it feels more seasonally appropriate. Now I’m ready to take on the office and the town this summer.
 

Kelly Allison

Bust Out the Booties
I’m a fiend for booties in the fall, but I’ve been creatively remixing my wardrobe to wear them all year long. You can do it too this summer, I swear—the key is in the styling. When you pop them on, make sure to show some skin with a cuffed pair of skinnies. Need a bit more spring (or summer) in your step? Grab an easy, breezy summer dress for a casual weekend or music fest look.

RELATED: Overalls Are Back! Watch How They've Evolved Since the Destiny's Child Days

See? It’s not so unfeasible to wear your favorite black pieces this season, even on the hottest days! Rather than retiring those cold-weather items you adore, mix them into your warmer wardrobe, and you can stay chic and comfortable all season long. Believe me, your closet and budget will thank you big time!

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Maya McDonald is a stylish social media pro living out her dreams in Chicago. When she’s not creating content for brands, she can be found penning Charmingly Styled and writing for a variety of magazines. She adores all-natural beauty, farmers' markets, and traveling the world for the best latte (she’ll let you know when she finds it!).