Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Perhaps the one colour, or to be politically correct, the one shade that can stand the test of time and brave the fierce runway critics is black. It is the the colour that goes with everything, the one that is flattering to wear, hides a multitude of sins and makes women look slim, showing off the begrudged hour-glass figure. Black is officially back in fashion this season, although many might argue that it wasn't missing to begin with.

No wardrobe is really complete without that little black dress (LBD) which has become a staple since the 1920s when designers such as Coco Chanel invented tailored knee-length shift dresses that were perfect for the cocktail hour.

In the '50s and '60s, Givenchy dressed Audrey Hepburn in the films Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany's, in gamine-chic black trousers and a boat-neck knit and elegant black evening gowns. Fast-track to the end of the 20th century and the popularity grew from strength to strength. Designers such as Tom Ford at Gucci, Calvin Klein and Nicole Farhi have black at the heart of their collections.

Wear black with another colour - preferably one close to your facial complexion - camel and red are timeless choices especially when jazzing up an outfit for a night on the town. For daytime, think polos, crew necks or simple tanks worn with either A-line skirts or tailored trousers for an uncomplicated, but easy-going silhouette.

Office dressing is at its simplest when you have a selection of key black pieces such as T-shirts, shirts and sleeveless tanks ready to mix and match with trousers and skirts, or worn under suits. Materials with hints of wool, silk and cotton mixes look best.

Fashion has no temperature

A black coat, even in leather, might get away from time to time. However, the heat might get the better of you unless you are a true fashionista believing in the mantra, fashion has no temperature. If so, then by all means rock that leather jacket for the world to see.

For evening wear, jazz up black with sequins, lace and beaded fabrics with camisoles, tanks, or if you're daring, a bra top worn under a suit jacket or sheer blouse. Other trends that have also made a comeback to the fashion scene are lace and sequins. See the collections of Isabel Marant, Italy's Ennio Capasa among others at the recently concluded Paris fashion week.

Play with fabric textures to liven up an outfit. Try pairing a satin camisole with black pinstripe wool pants, or a black suede jacket with a flirty silk dress.

The Victorian trend has come back into play and is rising in popularity, bringing with it a lot of black lace on the streets. For the latest look, wear a black lace blouse with your favourite tailored trousers, adding a pop of colour underneath. Just remember "once you go black, you will never go back!"

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com