Bold patterns and bright shades are not for everyone – even in the summer. If, like many people, your go-to sartorial staple is always something black, then have no fear as it can easily transcend from one season into the next.

From a pair of well-cut cotton trousers to a chiffon blouse, wearing black can make you feel cool and comfortable under the summer sun. And it all comes down to the fabric you pick. Opt for materials made from cotton or linen, and actively look-out for a light-weight finish.

White may be the shade most often associated with hotter climes – thanks to the likes of Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin. But black is far more versatile in comparison, and the colour absorbs heat (unlike a bright white).

Watch our video above to get some inspiration from Stylist’s fashion editor, Polly Knight, and go dig out a black dress and wear it all summer long. Or peruse our edit of some of the best all-black ensembles out there right now.

Images: Unsplash