Lighten up: How to press reset on winter fashion’s dark default setting

How do I break out of black, my winter-fashion safety zone?

When grey clouds gather, many people feel the need to compete by dressing top to toe in funereal black. This isn’t a condition afflicting the population of Melbourne alone: erstwhile sun-worshippers as far afield as Coffs Harbour have been known to mourn the loss of beach days, pool parties and barbecues by donning turtlenecks, pants and dark blazers. Perhaps it’s time, though, to let in a little light and embrace some winter white. I’m not suggesting a complete white-out à la Liz Hurley or disgraced rapper Sean Combs in the ’90s: instead, feel your way in by wearing white pieces alongside your black staples (which might include a bomber or biker jacket, or one of those aforementioned blazers). Black boots anchor wide-cut white jeans, too, with dark accessories – such as a pair of killer shades to neutralise any new-outfit glare – sharpening the urban edge. If white still feels too stark, think about migrating to warmer shades of bone, ivory and oat.

Got a style conundrum? Email damien.woolnough@nine.com.au

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