When you think of summer, lively, vibrant, and fresh colors come to mind—from bright reds to sunny yellows, striking greens to crisp whites—all of which exude a fun and free-spirited warm-weather mood. While many of these expressive colors were spotted on the spring/summer 2020 runways (bold red, pale blue, tangerine and saffron were some of the most popular shades we observed), it was actually one unexpected basic color that really caught our eye.
Yes, that's right—black was seen in abundance on the runways in intriguing and eye-catching silhouettes. Think summery LBDs and effortless separates (silky slip dresses at Gabriella Hearst, one-shoulder midi dresses at Bottega Veneta, and tube tops and breezy maxi skirts at Saks Potts) that prove that the hue is anything but boring.
Scroll below as we share some of the coolest ways to add the basic hue into your warm-weather wardrobe right now.
At Bottega Veneta, easy-to-wear one-shoulder black dresses were seen paired with neutral accessories.
Shop the look:
Gabriella Hearst proved what a perfect day-to-night outfit a delicate black slip dress and casual flat sandals can be this summer.
Shop the look:
Polished suiting got a refreshing update at Rochas, with belted shirt jackets and matching pedal pushers adding a summery touch to sophisticated ensembles.
Shop the look:
Tube tops are trending for summer. Pair a chic black one with a billowy maxi skirt, as seen at Saks Potts.
Shop the look:
Asymmetric straps add a minimalist-chic look to an all-black ensemble. Perfect for the warmer months ahead.
Shop the look:
Cool cutout silhouettes were a trend we saw all over the spring and fall 2020 runways, as seen here at Christopher Kane.
Shop the look:
A black comfy ribbed knit set is all we want to wear right now.
Shop the look:
A black lightweight jumpsuit paired with sporty sandals is a modern and effortless look. This is perfect for both spring and summer.
Shop the look:
Long live classic black slip dresses. So versatile and chic.
Shop the look:
Black leather is a trend that's here to stay (yes, even for summer!). Opt for long leather shorts once the temps start to rise.
Shop the look:
A classic black tee + a chic black midi skirt equals a winning stylish combo.
Shop the look:
Up next, the seven biggest color trends we'll all be wearing in 2020.
-
The Elegant Color That Stylish People in Copenhagen and London Are Wearing With RedWe'll be seeing a lot more of it in 2025.
-
Sorry to My Black Coats, But Chic Women in NYC Convinced Me to Prioritize This Color InsteadFrom Gisele to Katie.
-
The Ultra-Rich Color Trend That Is Chocolate Brown's Close CousinFamily ties.
-
Is It Just Me, or Is Every Stylish Woman in L.A. and NYC Wearing This Elegant Bag Color?Sorry, black bags.
-
Katie Holmes Wore the Pretty 2025 Color Trend Everyone Will Pair With JeansTake note.
-
I Live in Brooklyn—These Are the 5 Current Trends I Never See People WearingBuzzier than burgundy and suede.
-
Katie Holmes, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa Just Wore the Rich-Looking Color Trend French Women LoveClassic and chic.
-
Hailey Bieber Wore the Pant Color Trend Fashion People in Europe Are Buying in 2024It's as useful as black.
