Does Black Really Suit Me?

A little colour chat from the Arena team…

Let’s be honest — most of us have a fair amount of black in our wardrobes. It’s timeless, classic, and let’s face it, a bit of a security blanket. Black feels safe. It’s flattering, easy to wear, and works for almost any occasion. But… does it really suit you?

It’s a question we’re starting to ask more often at Arena, especially since launching our Colour Analysis and Skin Tone & Face Shape Consultations. And trust us, once you start exploring it — it’s like opening a door you didn’t even realise was closed.

Black: The Comfort Colour

We all do it. We reach for black because it’s simple. Because we’re busy. Because it goes with everything. And, yes, there’s that age-old idea that black makes us look slimmer (we’ll come back to that later).

But have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself in a shop mirror or on a Zoom call and thought… why do I look tired? Washed out? Just a bit… flat?

That could be your colour talking.

Ask yourself this one — it might throw another spanner in the works:

Does black actually look good when paired with colour? It's something many of us overlook, but it’s an important clue when deciding if black truly works for you. While black can look chic with neutrals like silver, taupe, or crisp white, it doesn’t always play well with bolder tones. If wearing black next to a strong colour like cobalt, fuchsia, or emerald feels off-balance or makes the colour appear muddy or too intense, it might be a sign that black isn’t the most harmonious base for your palette. That said, black often works beautifully when it’s part of a print or pattern — especially when it’s softened by other flattering tones. So, rather than ruling black out completely, it’s worth thinking about how you wear it just as much as if you wear it.

Colour Can Change Everything

You know those times someone says, “That colour looks amazing on you” — and you didn’t think much of it? What if they were seeing something you weren’t? Often, others notice the way colour lifts us before we see it for ourselves.

The right colours can make your skin glow, your eyes sparkle, and your whole energy feel brighter. And no, we’re not talking about wearing neon green or head-to-toe fuchsia (unless that’s your thing!). Even subtle changes — softer greys, navy instead of black, warm cocoa tones, or rich aubergine — can make a world of difference.

For some, black is an absolute knockout. If you have a cool skin tone, deep natural colouring, or high contrast between your skin, hair and eye colour (think fair skin with dark hair, or olive skin with striking eyes), black can be beautifully bold. It enhances drama, creates sharp definition, and gives that effortlessly elegant, classic look. People who fall into the Winter season in colour analysis often suit black best — it complements their cool, crisp features and holds its own against their natural intensity.

Black also works brilliantly if your personal style leans towards minimalist, monochrome, or structured fashion. When worn intentionally and styled well — with the right makeup, accessories or texture — it can look powerful and refined. The key is understanding why it works for you, and when it might need softening or balancing with a touch of colour elsewhere.

But I Don’t Have Time to Think About That…

We get it. Life is full. There’s the school run, the laundry, the endless “what’s for dinner?” loop, the bathroom that needs cleaning, and that Netflix series you promised yourself just one more episode of. With all that going on, who has time to think about whether black actually suits them?

That’s where self-care gets overlooked. Understanding what colours and shapes flatter you is more than a style thing — it’s about making life easier. When you know what works, getting dressed becomes effortless. You look in the mirror and feel confident. You feel like you.

So… Does Black Suit You?

The honest answer? Not everyone suits black.

It all comes down to your natural colouring — your skin tone, eye colour, and hair depth — and what we call your season in colour analysis. For some people, black is striking and dramatic. For others, it’s draining and harsh.

If black makes you look tired or pale, if it casts shadows under your eyes, or if you need to pile on makeup just to feel balanced — it might not be doing you any favours.

A Final Thought…

Think ahead to party season, “you need an outfit for that big event event you've been invited to ? And yes, you have that  timeless outfit in your wardrobe . But what if that go-to outfit , the one you reach for year after year, isn’t actually black… but your colour? The one that makes you glow, feel confident, and truly light up a room. Imagine walking into that festive gathering not just blending in, but standing out for all the right reasons — your natural colour shining through, your energy magnetic, your style unapologetically you.

At Arena, we’re all for empowering people to feel good in how they look — not just following the rules, but creating their own, based on what works for them.

This blog isn’t here to tell you to ditch black completely (unless you want to!). But it is here to gently ask:

Does black really make you shine? Or are there other colours waiting to light you up?

We believe colour is confidence. Colour is joy. Colour is you — once you start to see yourself clearly.

Whenever you’re ready to explore that, we’re here. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest advice and an invitation to start seeing yourself in a new light.

Until then, wear what makes you feel good. But maybe next time you reach for that black top… just ask yourself if it’s doing you justice.

Want to find out what colours and styles bring out the best in you?
We offer personal, 1:1 consultations right here at Arena. Find out more here