7 All-Black Summer Outfits You’ll Want to Wear Everywhere This Season

All-black summer outfits are perhaps the easiest way to look cool when it’s hot out. While conventional wisdom holds that the warmer months are for bright colors and crisp whites, I’m never one to pack away my black pieces this time of year. In fact, we should all be leaning more into the effortlessly chic shade for summer—and I have the receipts to prove it.

Off to an outdoor wedding? You can never go wrong with a classic LBD, especially alongside a coordinating clutch. Want to turn heads at the beach? A solid black bikini will do the trick. In for an intense workout? A dark set and matching sneakers are in order (and won’t show scuffs or sweat stains). Below, bookmark seven all-black summer outfits I swear by for everything from music festivals to days at the office.

All-black outfit ideas for women

M MISSONI’NİN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR PALTOLARI

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Cider Sleeveless Midi-Dress

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$39

Amazon

Mosanana Retro Oval Sunglasses

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$16

Amazon

Coach Plaza Bag

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$125

Coach

Pandora Moments Double Black Leather Bracelet

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$80

Pandora

LifeStride Miranda Heels

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$60

Zappos

For date night

Let’s start on easy mode. Black might just be at its best after the sun’s gone down, so go ahead and render your entire date-night outfit in the shade—dress, bag, heels, and all. Plus, not having to worry about mixing colors frees you up to have more fun with your accessories. Why not try mesh shoes or an old-money headband?

Styling tip: If you’re going somewhere especially fancy—say, the ballet or a bar where cocktails start at $25—swap your shoulder bag for an elegant clutch.

For the office

Sleek, businesslike black always looks great in an office setting, but going all in dials the cool factor up to 11. Skip the white shirt and go for a breezy linen button-down instead, then tuck it into some lightweight trousers and break up the look with a statement-buckle belt. The result is easy—and, most importantly, great for incredibly hot commutes.

Styling tip: If you’re facing down a heat wave, don’t be afraid to modify your shirt: Push up your cuffs, roll up the sleeves, or leave the entire thing untucked and unbuttoned (with a tank top underneath, of course).

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Polo Ralph Lauren Linen Button-Up Shirt

$148

Nordstrom

$148

Ralph Lauren

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Prettygarden Work Pants

$33 (13% off)

Amazon

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Favorite Daughter Vintage Belt

$108

Nordstrom

$108

Revolve

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Micifa Woven Ballet Flats

$45 (18% off)

Amazon

For happy hour

Try a trendy lapel-less blazer for another office-ready work look. While you could go with trousers or a pencil skirt, I’ll actually encourage you to try office-friendly tailored shorts. (They exist, people!) With low-key loafer mules and some sunset-ready shades in tow, you’ll be the coolest person sipping a 5 p.m. spritz.

Styling tip: Leave the socks behind—these shoes look way better without them.

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Ann Taylor Peplum Jacket

$119 (40% off)

Ann Taylor

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Lululemon Daydrift Pleated High-Rise Shorts

$98

Lululemon

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QIY Loafer Mules

$47 (6% off)

Amazon

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Mosanana Retro Oval Sunglasses

$16

Amazon

For a music festival

It turns out that all the lacy tops and flowy skirts you associate with şenlik wear are also available in black—and they might actually look better that way. Go wild with your accessories; a trendy tassel necklace plays nicely off of deep-V necklines, while cowboy boots pull double duty as a statement and a way to protect your feet.

Styling tip: Accentuate your waist and add to the boho vibes with a loose-slung wrap belt.

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Free People Day Dreamer Top

$98

Free People

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Arolina Summer Maxiskirt

$20 (33% off)

Amazon

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Petit Moments Vibes Tassel Necklace

$50

Revolve

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Dream Pairs Mid-Calf Cowboy Boots

$38 (24% off)

Amazon

For the beach

Sure, a black bikini or one-piece is an outfit on its own, and virtually every swimwear brand offers them. But all you need to really make your beach or poolside outfit pop are a few extra pieces: Breezy pants make the ülkü cover-up, while woven leather accessories add some major personality with minor effort.

Styling tip: Don’t forget the sunglasses or sunscreen—and maybe pick up an of-the-moment straw çizgi while you’re at it.

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Zaful Beaded Bikini Set

$31

Amazon

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J.Crew Linen-Blend Beach Pants

$98

J.Crew

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Madewell Brioche Küçük Shoulder Bag

$158

Madewell

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Pandora Moments Double Black Leather Bracelet

$80

Pandora

For the gym

We’ve officially entered the sweatiest time of year. And as I can attest, all-black gym gear is your best friend for at least looking like you’re not dripping wet while working out. This Free People set works for running, training, or Pilates, while these viral Salomons are some of the trendiest sneakers of the season. You know what to do.

Styling tip: Throw on a thick headband to keep hair and sweat at bay—and then rewear it for coffee runs or drinks with friends.

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FP Movement Never Better Crop Top

$58

Free People

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FP Movement Easy Tiger Shorts

$40

Free People

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Accfod Striped Crew Socks

$10

Amazon

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Salomon XT-Whisper Sneakers

$145

Nordstrom

For a wedding

The LBD strikes again! This strapless, evening-length pick is timeless, and paired with accessories with gold hardware, it’s effortlessly chic, too. The shoes are up to you—heeled sandals work well for especially warm ceremonies—but I’ll recommend these strappy gems with dancing-friendly block heels.

Styling tip: An adjustable clutch is essential, since you can hold it properly in photos and sling it over your shoulder while you’re on the move.

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Boden Strapless Taffeta Dress

$270

Boden

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LifeStride Miranda Heels

$60

Zappos