Why We Wear Black

I was reading an article from the Institute of Beauty and Wellness called “Why We Wear Black,” and the author mentioned that about 85% of their wardrobe is black. I had to laugh a little, because up until recently, I’m pretty sure my percentage was even higher than that.

Black has just always felt right to me.

My mom, on the other hand, has never quite understood it. Every now and then she’ll look at me and say something like, “Can’t you find anything a little more colorful to wear? It seems like all I ever see you in is black.” And if you knew my mom, you’d know—she means it. She’s never been one to hold back.

When she says that, I usually just smile and gently remind her that I choose what feels good to me—what I see as quality, what I feel confident in. I’ll tell her that I love playing with textures, that black feels timeless and put-together to me. And sometimes I’ll even bring up those studies about how what we wear can influence our mood, our mindset, even how we show up in the world. That’s usually the point where she just shakes her head like I’ve completely lost her.

And honestly? I’m okay with that.

Her closet tells a completely different story than mine—it’s full of soft pastels, light colors, pieces that feel airy and bright. Funny enough, a lot of those are things I’ve picked out for her over the years.

Which does make me pause sometimes… why do I buy her pastels, but rarely choose them for myself?

I think it comes down to what feels like a “neutral” to each of us. For me, black is that grounding color—the one that works with everything and always feels like me. For her, it’s beige and soft tones. We’re just drawn to different palettes, and that’s part of what makes it personal.

That said… something shifted a little for me recently.

 Last week, my husband and I were out of town and decided to stop into a shop. I walked in planning to find a new pair of jeans, nothing more. But right away, I spotted this black blazer on display. Of course I did. I picked it up, tried it on, already picturing it with my black knee-high boots—it felt like an easy yes.

I turned to show my husband, fully expecting him to agree, and instead he was holding up a pink houndstooth blazer. He looked at me and said, “Why not try this one?”

I hesitated—but I tried it on.

And… I actually loved it.

So yes, I brought the pink blazer home with me. A small step outside my usual, but one that felt kind of refreshing.

And I have to say—Mom approved. She really liked that one.

Thanks for being here and reading along. I’d truly love to hear from you—whether it’s a comment or a message. I want to keep sharing things that feel meaningful and interesting to you, too.