After noticing as a teenager in the '70's in New York City that I had a lot of black clothing I wondered why so many people in the city wore that color almost exclusively (beyond thinking the look was 'cool') I reasoned that black hid the dirt of the city best. One day I even noticed an all black squirrel on Fifth Ave near Central Park', which led me to believe that natural selection for black in a filthy city was real in the animal kingdom.
Yes, yes, everything in the article is true. But not quite complete. The real reason black is the favorite color of every real New Yorker: our city of stone and much shared seating is occasionally (many occasions) less, shall we say, than pristine. Unless you always travel in your own personal car, or commuting with a full retinue of cleaning supplies, it's safer to just wear black.
1
I was born in the fifties and raised in Manhattan. We always more black to anything significant; parties/celebrations/religious affairs/ANYTHING happening at night. It was considered, chic, elegant, SLIMMING and most importantly "...you can't go wrong with black".
I am trying to get away from the tyranny of black clothing...but it is awfully hard. It's in my genes (pun intended!).
2
There's 1980s black and 2018 black. There was Manhattan black and now Brooklyn black. When I moved to New York City in 1983, color soon vanished from my wardrobe as I discarded my preppie attire and tried to blend in with Gotham's inhabitants. At that time I learned that there was a New York black and a Los Angeles black. When I returned home to Kentucky for seasonal visits, everyone would ask me where I was from, as my all black clothing indicated I was, obviously, from somewhere else. Today, it seems everyone wears black, at least a little; everyone can shop at H&M or go online and shop at TopMan or JCrew or countless other retail stores. Now that I am back living in the Bluegrass State, no one asks me any more, "where are you from?"
It's not just black-- we tend to wear darker colors in general. khakis don't last long with the dirt and grime all around us. Plus, when you travel to other cities, it's all pastels and light colors (remember the Seinfeld episode when George pretended to be a tourist from Arkansas?). Looks ridiculous here-- and there for that matter.
For many of us black is required for our jobs. Stage and studio crews have to wear black so we’re not seen by the audience or on-air talent. Most of my wardrobe is black.
1
Look at the discussion this got! Will the paper cross-reference this with the "Style" section, maybe? That could draw people who never knew "New York Today" is here to find out about it.
After living in Melbourne, Australia, I didn’t really notice all the black in New York, Melbournites are also into black, especially compared with colorful Sydney-siders.
When I lived in NM, the locals there had a joke about NYers wearing black only until they could find a darker color. It made me smile (and I almost always wear black).
It's slimming
2
In 2002, I attended a wedding in the Hamptons. I am not from New York City and wore a satin turquoise dress with elaborate embroidery that I had worn to a wedding in India a few years earlier (and had purchased there). Other than the bride, I was the only woman not wearing black. I was a bit confused as I grew up in the Southern US where all black is only worn to funerals, and during summer, not even then. I was aware that some were looking at me for my apparent departure from NYC norms, but I danced the night away with my husband and had a blast.
1
California women will never give up their black clothing, either.
2
I wear only dark pants like black or navy because the subways are filthy, so I anticipate that my pants will get dirty when I sit down on a subway platform bench or on a subway seat.
3
Black is great- everything matches. Just toss in a scarf with a bit of color. Easy for traveling, although I once grabbed a bunch of black in morning darkness for a short trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. When I unpacked I realized that I had brought bottoms (skirts pants) and no tops! Solved by a short shopping visit and a resolution to look more carefully in the future.
I did like navy which has been resurrected of late, but very hard to distinguish from black in the dark.
3
On my first long-term trip to NYC, I will never forget leaving LaGuardia and getting into the city. I was instantly transformed into a "New Yorker" by walking into a boutique and purchasing a black pant, black tee shirt, and black flats. Uniform dressing. I have retained it ever since...and usually when I falter and wear a grey or even one of those shall I say it " lively" prints it inevitably feels and looks wrong at the most inopportune times.
3
Navy blue is "authoritarian"? Huh? Black does not look good on people with pale complexions like mine. I can't imagine a more authoritarian color than black. The Nazis wore black. My recollection is that in the 1950's, everyone (men and women) in New York wore gray flannel or camel. I still prefer blue. Be a rebel! Wear something else.
6
This also has to do with fact that we don't know each other, and therefore cannot afford to be the first to be vulnerable in an exchange. We approach strangers with a face that is the equivalent of "black" for the same reason: no vulnerability, Jack. You make the first move and then we'll see.
2
Black hides dirt better than pastels or light colors. (I just happen to be wearing all black today.)
3
To all non-New Yorkers weighing in on what we wear: we don't care. Now go home.
6
Black clothes look cleaner longer - New Yorkers walk and ride public transportation more than anybody. We have to deal with subway dirt, sidewalk dirt, and the general dirt of a crowded city, and lighter colors tend to look a bit worn by day's end.
6
Easier to go shopping for clothing, also to match and coordinate your wardrobe.
Saves money and closet space. Black never goes out of fashion too.
People who buy brightly colored overcoats have too much disposable income.
4
Black Because:
It doesn't show the dirt.
It's simple and New Yorkers' lives are complicated.
It is chic.
Everything goes with black, except brown shoes.
It is sophisticated.
It appears dangerous.
You can be 16 or 116 and wear black.
8
Maybe New Yorkers actually wear black because in the city clothing gets dirty easily, and doing laundry is a hassle. I came to this conclusion during the years I lived in Europe (Bonn, Germany) where people also wear a lot of black. I don't think it's so much a style as a way to get longer wear from your clothing.
4
Maybe it's because Bloomie's clerks are all required to wear black, setting the trend???
With the infinite movement, raucous color and kaleidoscopic chaos of the city, I think that people in black silhouette create a very pleasing effect.
4
New Yorkers will give up wearing black as soon as someone invent a darker color!
2
I am a fan of Project Runway but always scoffed at Michael Kors when he mentioned that a contestant's palette was too boring. And here is a guy who ALWAYS shows up at the runway in a black t shirt, jeans, comfortable shoes, and a black blazer. He is not fashion forward in his personal clothing.
5
Neutral is the new color. Get off the plane in SF, Portland or Seattle and there it is. Pick up a home decorating magazine where the rooms are arranged in neutral whites and beiges.
Why the fascination with lack of color? Black use to be for death and old people. Is the culture rebelling from the past; mourning this new age; or are people not wanting to stand out from the crowd or is it another convenience in fashion in a world of convenience; or is it a comfort from stress in a world of stress?
That 's why I call it the SF Beige Area.
Another reason why we New Yorkers wear black is its practically. It's that one color that forgives us for siting on less than clean seats whether it's on the trains or Starbucks or getting spashed at by muddy water or dirty snow.
11
Avoidance.
Being a native NY'r and having traveled the country extensively by car & motorcycle I realize there are 2 reasons & they're both about avoidance.
Dirt is the first thing you want to avoid & let's face it, it's everywhere in NY. From the moment you leave your apartment, you work your way through sidewalk traffic while AVOIDING the scaffolding that’s filthy. Then there's subway stairs, whether it's Flushing Main Street or W72nd Street, you're two abreast until someone traveling in the opposite direction makes you three and you're rubbing against the rail and wall and creating a mosaic of dirt & grime that has been around since before time. Maybe it's raining or it rained yesterday, but the puddle's still there as you're waiting for the bus, but that cab sees a fare 20 feet beyond you and oh, guess what splashed on you?
Then there's the Avoidance of Eyes.
Hundreds of Thousands of Eyes,
Million's of Eyes ALL Available To LOOK AT YOU
Having sent so much time in small towns of very friendly people, where people would look you in the eye and say hello, even though they don’t know you, it’s really different here.
Instead of seeing a few hundred eyes a day, we see thousands and thousands and thousands of eyes every day and that is far too many eyes to have looking at us every day.
& like a chameleon we’ve learned the best way to avoid the thousands of eyes from looking at you is to blend into your surroundings and in New York that’s best done by wearing black.
16
Oh I LOVED this!
2
Come on, NYC is very, very dirty.
You get about 17 minutes out of a fresh pair of white Keds (if you're lucky).
No washer in apartment = wear black. It's a strategic fashion choice.
19
Some very funny comments today, especially yours about the "17 minutes"- I laughed right out loud!
4
Also, it doesn't show dirt and sweat so much.
7
I'm not cool enough for all black yet, but I'm almost to dark gray.
13
Black is central to New Yorkers' absurd vanity about being hard-bitten, essentially despairing "realists" who have long since figured out that life is hell but whose ultimate pride lies in being "up to" the grotesque struggle that is the daily life in NYC. New Yorkers LIKE what a pain daily existence in the city is. It proves their superiority over people foolishly enjoying life in laid-back places like, say, Santa Monica or Iowa, which lack NY's uniquely toxic "energy"--and masochism.
4
All I can say is Have a Nice Day ... and that's from a "hardbitten, essentially despairing" New Yorker.
5
Hmm, I'm from Iowa. Great place to grow up. Moved to NYC because I love the energy and culture here and it feels more like home to me. Different strokes. I would never call anyone foolish for enjoying life elsewhere. We should all be so fortunate to live where we are happiest.
6
Next time you are walking through an airport concourse see if you can find the gate with a flight going to NYC without reading the gate info sign. Guarantee you will laugh out load when you see how easy it is to pick. When you see three quarters of the wait area are people dressed in black, check the board and voila....NYC!
13
And if you’re a tourist you wear black so you don’t stick out.
6
I’m a New Yorker born & bred, but live upstate now. When I visit the city I wear an ORANGE jacket just to mess with everyone.
Also, my family can easily spot me in a crowd.
10
And so can other hunters...
1
My Texas sisters came to visit me in NYC in about 1980. We all wore our usual hot weather cotton sheaths since it was August. They were the usual southern summer florals. We attracted attention everywhere we went. I'll never forget someone walking up to us in a restaurant and asking ; " Are you from North Carolina ?" I laughed, thinking " That must be the furthest south that you are capable of thinking of !" We were comfortable in the weather and all young enough ( then !) to look quite fetching. But evidently we were not tuned in to the rules. And yes it is a dirty city and by the end of the day everything is grubby. I like sandals in hot weather and would head straight in to wash my feet upon returning home. I do not miss the sticky streets and the particulates in the air at all. I wear a lot of black now because it is forgiving and elegant even though I've returned to the southwest . But I'm glad that I lived a life when younger that celebrated the pretty summer dress on the pretty girl. My youngest daughter attended Villanova on a full scholarship. She said that people remarked that they could always spot a southern girl because they wore such pretty dresses. This was not a mean remark-but definitely a cultural comment.
9
How about film noir? Everyone looked pretty cool, intriguing, elegant, sexy, smart. As a young painter in the 60's and 70's, I wore a lot of blue jeans. As they aged and softened, they became the perfect painter's garb. At some point, I must have acquired a black 'poor boy' turtleneck. A new favorite was born. Paired great with the paint splattered holey, faded blue jeans. Black frames the face. Highlights it. Think Rembrandts. Particularly when your face is youthful into midlife. Lately, I love black just as much but avoid the turtlenecks due to a little facial 'softening'.
5
Enjoyable article and topic! Always believed that New Yorkers wear black so they stay clean in the city. Can't imagine getting into a taxi or the subway with white slacks!
All the best to New Yorkers from the Left Coast.
13
Pragmatic uniformity. Time is better spent making other decisions, obviously.
5
Listen up, you have another city that is the same. San Francisco! They will, however, throw in some gray, army
green and drab tan. The above colors are considered bright in
S.F. where cool rules. A famous writer was asked why she was
moving from S.F. to Paris and she said it was because of the
horrible clothes and that everyone looks like they are going
camping. Trust me, that look, whether in N.Y. or S.F. is all about "attitude".
It's never good to wake sleepwalkers, so keep quiet.
6
I agree: browns, greens and tans for San Francisco. Now watch Google change the paradigm!
Yes, Li'l Abner and Granny Yokum footwear.
My idea of hell: all black on a 95 degree day.
13
The Beats, the Black Panthers, the Anarchists and Punks, the Act UP Queers, the Goths, the Artists and Creatives... Black is the color of counter culture radical chic, the color of the Other, the color of no-nonsense dark sensibilities, and it shows solidarity with an intellectual and spiritual edginess. It’s also quite practical and everyone looks good in it.
12
Frank pretty much sums it up.
6
My dear friend Lee moved out to Jackson Hole Wyoming from NYC years ago. I asked her the best thing about moving back west and she laughed and said "not having to wear black all the time".
7
When my husband and I moved from the West Village to Bergen County more than 25 years ago, a new neighbor asked where we lived before. When I said, "the city," this savy senior quickly replied, "I knew it!" "How did you know?" "Because you always wear black."
7
We wear black because the dog hair shows up better.
9
Black is simply cheaper.
1
We also probably have the smallest closests aroound...so keeping only one or two colors is much easier to manage.
17
Here in Williamsburg I like to epater les hip by dressing in reds, blues, and yellows . . . not really, it just makes me feel good, especially when I pass by the "black and gray store" down the block.
3
In 1985 I went to London. I wore black thinking I would be stylish, but everyone there was in white. It was early June.
5
Why do New Yorkers wear black?
Because they couldn’t find anything darker!
17
That's right. I forget who said, "I'm a New Yorker. I'll wear black until something darker comes along."
3
To paraphrase Lorne Michaels, “the only place in the world that doesn’t feel the need to say the cuisine isn’t just as good as in NYC is NYC.” To paraphrase Bart Simpson, “if you have to explain why you’re cool, you aren’t cool.”
5
As the home to Trump Towers and the evil that lies therein, New Yorkers are just [sadly] too familiar with the 'Dark Side'. Hence, the black attire.
3
We've been wearing black before POTUS came into office.....way, way before.
7
@Peter S
You have noticed that Trump very rarely (and begrudgingly) comes back here, haven't you? -- We must be doing something right.
1
Odd. I thought New Yorkers wore black to look as if they were from Los Angeles.
4
We wear black because we're cool.
9
Wearing all black is not a fashion statement. It is the avoidance of all the questions about fashion altogether. Yes, you can wear black to anything, including a wedding, but 90% of the time it's just a cop out.
A teal shirt will pair nicely with blue jeans or black slacks but not olive khakis. That forest green sweater will dampen with jeans and get too serious with the black slacks. Color requires a critical eye and good judgment, while black doesn't even require good lighting.
Fashion also covers sociopolitical issues. Many women feel they are selling out their gender if they wear pastels and rugged men will purposefully avoid an ensemble that looks a little too well put together, lest they look as though they care about such things.
Wearing black changes all of that. You don't have to coordinate it, you don't have to possess any sort of skills at assembling an outfit from it, and it provides the false idea that one has a fashion identity while ironically refusing to forge one. Black conquers all the fashion questions before they are even asked.
But it is also pretentious, overbearing, and overdone. Unlike what most constant wearers of black think, the statement they are making isn't "My fashion is cool and chic," but, rather, one we're likely to hear from a politician when asked about a scandal: "I'm not going to address the issue at this current moment."
11
Wait. Teal and Forest Green?
7
Well said! Wearing all black on a sunny day seems like you are in mourning. I do love NYC and the wearers of black.
2
Not together. See? That's why color requires coordination.
A wonderful bird is the pigeon,
Which can live on the merest l'il smidgen,
And despite Mr. Lehrer,
That whimsical sharer,
Is protected by every religion.
7
Frankly it’s just easier to pick one neutral and go with it. We have so many other decisions to make on a daily basis that I don’t want to think about whether my shoes and accessories “go” with the rest of my outfit.
14
It’s easier to grab a uniform when you’re busy and overwhelmed with other things. Plus, black doesn’t show dirt. In a city as filthy as New York, that’s huge.
5
Wearing all black in a pedestrian oriented city is foolish. Most pedestrians that are hit by cars are in the crosswalk with the light. And the turning driver did not see the pedestrian. It is even worse to wear all black on a dark rainy night.
4
My mother told me that when her parents used to bring her from Westchester to the LES to see her grandparents, she would know she had arrived by all the people wearing black. This was during my mother’s early childhood in the mid-50s. I think the city has been associated with black for longer than this expert knows.
15
I lived on 8th & 57th in Manhattan in the early 90's. I started wearing all black pretty much immediately. I still wear all black, even though I've lived in DC for many, many years now. When people ask me why I always wear black head-to-toe, I always answer Because I lived in New York. No one has ever asked me to clarify that statement.
15
Don't forget that New York was, and still is, a pretty filthy city. I grew up here thinking "no way can I wear white." Especially riding the subways in the 80's. After one day's wear all my lighter colored clothes would have a black grime on the edges. This, more than any other reason, may be the reason why urbanites in places like New York, Paris, and Berlin, wear black. Oh, and it looks cool too.
25
The elephant in the room!
1
I moved to NYC after college in 1973 to work in broadcasting. I quickly adopted black as my go-to color for clothing mainly because it didn't show the dirt from the subways, the buses, the street...even Central Park seemed dirty then.
13
HIP IS ETERNAL
New Yorkers wear black
For a simple reason:
No need to change
With change of season.
10
I came from a third world country and moved to New York over a decade ago. I asked a New Yorker at the time : why people here dress so simple and almost all black ? It’s “ more appropriate “ he said!
4
I've never lived in New York, but I do have a lot of black in my wardrobe. After all, it enables you to go from work to after-work events without having to change, and it makes you look thinner--or, we like to think it does. Plus, I'm at an age where I have silver hair, which I love. The contrast with black looks great. Pastels with silver hair look matronly, in my opinion.
18
I also am neither a New Yorker nor a hipster, but my wardrobe is based on black as well. This was true when I lived in LA, with exceptions on 100 degree days.
3
Celebrate the little black tee! Always within reach, always forgiving, perfect for almost any New Yorker's social occasion.
6
Hating to disagree with the fashion staff, but black clothing and New Yorkers goes way back before the 70s or 80s. EB White was asked to return to NYC and write an essay about it. That resulted in his 1949 essay "This is New York." In it, he observed that City people in 1949 were still wearing black, just as when he'd left years ago.
37
@ Kevin, too right. As if hipsters invented the color.
9
It's not just New Yorkers. Maybe that was the case in the 1960's and 70's but the wear black trend went global about 30 something years ago.
More to the point, who are these so-called "New Yorkers" today? They're not the New Yorkers I knew, who all moved out or died. No, today's "New Yorker" is a kid from Minnesota living in Williamsburg because he saw a show on how hip Brooklyn is. And he was wearing black already.
18
People have always moved to NYC. See Bob Dylan who moved from Minnesota to NYC how many decades ago. Greenwich Village was hip then. Some place has always been hip in NYC, those jazz musicians like Miles and the others who came in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s to Harlem, that turned me on so. There is a reason The Statue of Liberty along with Ellis Island is located here and not in Minnesota. Welcomed how many in the early 1900s? Over a century ago. NYC has always been a magnet for those disenfranchised else where, or looking for the coolness of the arts. All did not move out and YES people die. Many of those New Yorkers you see, now are the kids of those who remained or died.
11
Just because you came from somewhere else doesn't mean you're not a New Yorker at heart. I knew it was "home" the minute I arrived.
2
Because black mixes better together than any other color - looks better than all grey or all brown or navy. You can punch it up with a scarf. It makes you look thinner too.
10
90% of what's in my closet is black, goes with everything and hides a myriad f things, plus it's my favorite color.
6
You can put Berlin on that Black list too. When I moved back to New York, I quickly realized I wouldn't have to make a wardrobe change.
15
NY ‘ers prefer black to save on laundry and dry cleaning expenses!
15
I bet I can guess Ms. Steele's age range. Downtown "bohemians" made the black turtleneck de rigeur we'll before the '70's.
17
What sort of attire says: "I am not a tourist"?
17
anything not loud, unless you're going new wave / Tokyo teen ;)
2
Between having been born a New Yorker, with the City still in my blood, and with my Sicilian DNA, my black wardrobe feels perfect, everywhere I go. I add a splash of white when in southern climes or outside NYC. And, colorful scarves complete any outfit. I’m addicted to black.
17
Susan I laughed when I read your comment, born and raised in NY and Sicilian too I find adding a touch of red to the b&w thing looks rather nifty too!
6
Don't forget the impact of AIDS. There was a long stretch when certain New Yorkers felt that we were living from funeral to funeral.
8
About thirteen years ago I took a trip with five other women. We ranged in age from early seventies to late teens. One evening, I think in Vancouver, we went out to dinner. The waitress looked at us and asked "Are you celebrating something?" We looked around and realized none of us had even noticed that we were all wearing black. We burst out laughing and explained, "No, we're from New York."
30
When I worked in NYC back in the 70s, the outfit of choice when looking for work was a mid- to dark-blue suit, nicknamed "interview blue."
6
This misses a major point about why artists, fashion people, and hipsters wore (in 1960s/1970s) and still wear BLACK - New York City is dirty and black doesn't show the grime of the city. It's a way of looking elegant all day long. New Yorkers often go from early morning and then need to step right out of work for night events and we can't easily go back to our apartments to change.
55
I was going to say also that black hides the spot of NY, so practical. No one wants to look covered with smudges.
7
Oh you New York kids are so cool with your drama club black garb.
Just know that Walmart will have it's version on the racks by next month.
5
Lucky you, since there's no Walmart in New York City.
19
New York is a dirty town. The Environmental Defense Fund published a report, several years ago, on city air pollutants. A major source is particulate residue from - tires! Yes, that black stuff is and will continue be everywhere that cars, cycles, trucks, buses and baby carriages travel.
Tres chic, non?
11
“I wear black on the outside ‘cause black is how I feel on the inside.
24
Black is a good dirt color. No other explanation!
6
Once heard in an art class that black is the brightest color.
1
I beg to differ with the author; not everyone looks good in black.
6
London, too. It's because in a big city there are so many opportunities to get your clothes smudged/dirty. Far less noticeable when you wear black.
Simple fact.
15
Regarding reference to Curbed article about a study on “flipping” and gentrification....
the New York Times should be covering these issues. All the time.
A hidden reference to another publication is not sufficient
8
I live in the rural Midwest where the cows are our sternest fashion critics. I've worn black and gray for years and will continue to indefinitely because I like the way I look in those not-colors.
It's that simple.
8
Okay, so that is the rationale for NYC. Then explain why so many Scandanavian shows I stream have so many people clothed in black? One series was so extreme, with grey colorless buildings and rooms, I thought the color setting was off on my IPad!
8
It works, looks really good in any NORTHERN URBAN center, as it has for very many decades (Bauhaus, early film, ...) especially where artists, gallerists, curators, theater, musicians, and fashion converge in large numbers; the resulting cross fertilization begets more than the sum of its parts. (Fashion show attendees are a far too narrow slice to ever be representative of the larger population) In my experience the only commonly black-clad people in sunny-climate cities are gallery and museum staff (and apparently the eternally tired goths ;) But god save us from the pastels.
1
Outside of the city one sees a fair number of black vehicles with some exceptions like some luxury cars, I don't recall seeing many black Porsches or Ferraris. Black vehicles don't make sense in sunny climates like the Southwest as lighter colored vehicles easily hit 120 deg and more sitting in the sun.
9
The article is about clothing, but point taken.
3
Black cars also show the dirt far more. We have a black sink and any leftover suds are obvious.
4
I found black to be the universal color when I moved to London 30 years ago. While it was rather “hip,” I soon realized that many of my new colleagues were less well off than staff in our New York offices. Black called less attention to the fact that their wardrobe was far more limited.
20
so I started this in the early 70s when it was impossible;e to just walk into stores and buy all-black outfits - took much pre-i'net effort, provoked shock - now just marketing
4
Dirt. I sneeze black soot after a day in the city. Narrow skirts make sense, too, and slacks are your safest bet. I wore a wide, white skirt once and was cheered on the subway when my skirt blew up a la Seven Year Itch. It's a much funnier routine when you're not beautiful, but you risk getting arrested for indecent exposure.
12
Black soot? Some say New York is a gritty town but it's been a long time since I've sneezed black soot after a day there or in any city. Maybe your car's air filter is clogged or the fuel injector is malfunctioning.
5
Kenny Becker - any wearer of contact lenses is very aware of the soot!
It's not just a NYC thing. In Baltimore and other cities the "uniform" for urban foot movement is dark and muted. This is a form of camouflage and anonymity that does not advertise social class.
16
philly, too.
3
Chicago as well.
2
Yeah that narrow-view writing for you (fashion in this case). It's very practical and looks great in all seriously urban centers.
1
This was such a fun read (and the rhymes are already there!). I had such fashion sense in the 1980’s, but it left at some point. I assume that includes black T-shirt and black sweat-pants, right? Who knew I’ve been back in fashion at my age?
Tune of “Always True To You In My Fashion”
When the media describes
The important style tribes,
All those vibes from all those tribes still point one way
There is just one look for you when we’re talking fashion
They say black’s the look for you in New York today.
Mom and Dad think you’d look swell
In a colorful pastel.
But oh well, that bright pastel is now passé.
That is not the hue for you when we’re talking fashion.
They say black’s the look for you in New York today.
If you’re hoping to look hip,
Or go on a power trip,
Here’s a tip to make your boss say hip hip hooray
There is just one look for you when we’re talking fashion
They say black’s the look for you -
In New York Today
25
Freddie, your comments always make me smile.
5
Thanks, Margo!
Is your classic screen name honoring Bette Davis or Lauren "Betty" Bacall, or both? (I think IIRC there's a "Tess Harding" posting in the comments, too, or at least there was back in the Artsbeat days.)
5
Freddie, indeed for Ms. Davis, my all time favorite actor. Keep those ditties coming please they always make my day as dreary as they can be.
1
I love black. It is stark and bold. It is elegant and makes a statement. Whether it is a black t-shirt and black jeans or something more formal like a black flare skirt with a complimentary black top, I am in. When it comes to suits, you can only own so many black suits and then they all start to look the same, so you have to throw in a little variety. Black sweaters with a nice scarf compliment any outfit. And yes, black is slimming. Sometimes black is somber, too somber. You catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and ask, "am I going to a funeral?" But, that's only with certain outfits. Black slacks with a lightly colored, thin sweater and a black blazer, pearls or diamonds, and out the door you go!
15
The ease and anonymity of a black uniform feels like a cloak of invisibility. Not everyone wants to be noticed, especially in public.
26
I asked this question to a Berliner living in Manhattan and the reply was that it hides the sooty dirt.
16
Black is also timeless. If you are investing in nice basic pieces, black will always be in style. You can add color (if you want) with less expensive pieces. New Yorkers like nice quality, so black pieces are an investment.
34
Pet hair is easily seen on black.
12
Totally agree about the pet hair, Carol. We've had corgis since 2000. I'll be 58 tomorrow, and until age 54, when we could finally get married Federally and file that joint 1040 tax return, would never have dreamed of being caught dead in all black or giving in to elastic waist pants - but the photos show that even at our wedding, it was neat pressed black elastic all the way, with a lint roller to get the pet hair off. (As Joan Rivers once said, I got married and my body finally said Thank god!)
9
Happy (almost) Birthday Freddie!!!!
4
I think we all are part of the ornamentation of the universe, and regardless of tribe, we should dress accordingly. If I’m in NYC, typically, I will have on black but since it’s May Day after a winter that overstayed its welcome, so it’s white (with black underwear, of course! After all, I hear it’s slimming.)
11
black clothing is practical in nyc. it does not show the dirt or soot or lord-knows-what gets transferred onto your butt and back courtesy of a filthy subway seat.
44
Black doesn’t show the daily accumulation of city grime... quite practical!
26
I once read that some New Yorker said that they would continue to wear black until they found something darker.
As kids running around on the streets we all knew to wear something black if we happened to be wearing a red or blue shirt. The black signaled that the color did not mean affiliation with bloods or crypts.
Outside of priests, rarely saw anyone completely in black head to toe until the 80's.
18
The quote is actually from a 1 season sitcom starring Christine Baranski and Jim Gaffigan, Welcome to New York. Marsha Bickner, Baranski's character tells Jim Gaffigan's midwest weatherman character: "This is New York, Jim, we wear black; and that's only until something darker comes along."
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0247142/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_43
26
Can’t find anything darker? That’s been my mom’s joke for over 20 years!
8
Ingrid/Bradford--
See, knew I heard it somewhere. Perhaps it was the TV show, or perhaps from your mom!
3
And with for NYC's fashion obsessed: Black is slimming.
14