Here's Why You Might Want to Stop Wearing Black

You've probably noticed that the world is obsessed with wearing black, and for good reason: It's easy and it always looks polished. Whether you're a girl who only wears black or you use it to mix and match with other colours, there's a good chance that a substantial portion of your wardrobe is made up of it, which is why a statement from an expert Kate Smith (president and chief colour maven of Sensational Colour) really stood out to us.

A recent story we ran covered the best colours to wear if you want to look younger, and one of them, which Smith referred to as "new black," was especially eye-opening. She said, "True black is often too severe against the softer tones of mature skin. It can make fine lines, wrinkles and circles under your eyes appear darker." She continued, "If black has been your go-to colour, it may be difficult to give it up. Be open to trying charcoal grey, navy blue or another deep colour. You may just discover how much more flattering your 'new black' is than the one you've been wearing." Not convinced? Try holding a piece of black clothing up to your face, followed by one of a different dark hue. See the difference?

We get that giving up black entirely is a tall order. But for the most youthful effect, you might want to try swapping it out for, or pairing it with, other "new black" colours when it's something that's worn close to your face (e.g., a navy blazer instead of a black one).

Shop our favourite "new black" picks to add to your wardrobe below.

If you're feeling adventurous, find out about the bright colours you should wear together for spring.