The surprise shade of summer? Classic black
Who says black has to be banished to the back of the wardrobe when the sun starts to shine? Take inspiration from the stars and mix up your sunny wardrobe colour staples with a dose of classic black.
Rex FeaturesJessica Alba
J-Alba makes a strong case for black in the summertime with this gorgeous loose-fit maxi dress and RAILS shirt combo.
PAAlessandra Ambrosio
Get us a loose-fit black jumpsuit and a stick of red lipstick, stat. We want to copy this look from Alessandra Ambrosio this weekend.
Getty ImagesDiane Kruger
Way to make an entrance at a party this summer? Follow Diane Kruger’s lead and opt for a Marios Schwab all-black dress topped off with a punchy red shoe and matching lip.
Rex FeaturesAlexa Chung
True, this black velvet mini isn't your average summer get-up but worn with a touch of red lippy and chic pointed flats, this strapless Erdem number totally works for Le Chung.
Getty ImagesRihanna
Sheer black anything looks great in the summer months. Whether you go the whole nine yards, a la Rihanna, is completely up to you.
Getty ImagesCara Delevingne
A luxe black playsuit is the perfect choice for an alfresco eve with friends. Right Cara?
Rex FeaturesKate Moss
Is Kate says a wet-look pinstriped black trouser suit is perfect for summer, we're all over it.
Rex FeaturesLindsay Lohan
A strappy LBD never looks out of place on the hot city streets.
Rex FeaturesCameron Diaz
Ditto for fancy events when you get to dress up and dance your socks off at a summer ball until the wee hours.
Rex FeaturesTaylor Swift
If you've got it, flaunt it. Taylor Swift shows us how to do sexy summer style... with the aid of a mini black cotton playsuit.
Getty ImagesRosie Huntington-Whiteley
How to make a jumpsuit look chic an summer appropriate? Opt for one in an inky shade, just like Rosie. Then, just add shades and a white handbag.
PA PhotosJennifer Aniston
Yes, it's a little faded, but Jen An's cute sun dress is anything but dull.
Rex FeaturesKristin Cavallari
Ditto for Kristin Cavallari's sweet sun frock. Add shades and sandals and you're good to go.
WennLea Michele
A sumptuous black nightie style dress will take you from summer day to night in one swift step.
Getty ImagesAngelina Jolie
Angelina knows that a figure-hugging strapless black mini is a timeless evening look in the summertime.
Rex FeaturesNicole Richie
Black jeans, a white tee and Chanel braces? Nicole Richie has summer street style all wrapped up in New York.
Rex FeaturesEmma Watson
Emma opts for a inky Dior gown with tight white underlay and shear detailed skirt for her Dior Couture show appearance in July. Divine.
Rex FeaturesMarion Cotillard
Following Emma's lead in Dior, Marion also opted for a dark Dior dress for the occasion. Yet more proof from the French actress that less is always more when it comes to classic, timeless style.
Rex FeaturesEmma Watson
THIS is how to do smart, off-duty summer dressing. Who needs pastels and oodles of white anyway?
Rex FeaturesDiane Kruger
Everything she wears, we want to wear. This simple black shift with contrasting intricate neckline is a cool choice for the summer months.
Rex FeaturesCara Delevingne
What does a Mulberry poster girl wear to a summer bash? Mulberry everything, of course. Cara looks so chic in a black maxi with cheeky cut-out, quilted bag and angelic high ponytail.
PA PhotosDaisy Lowe
Retro elegance in one easy step. Way to stand out at a fancy summer shindig.
Rex FeaturesMila Kunis
A loose-fit black chiffon mini is a sweet and sultry choice for Mila Kunis.
Rex FeaturesCara Delevingne
Tight black separates are a great look for sunny evenings.
RexKaty Perry
Make like Katy and add interest to your black gown with flashes of neon.
Rex FeaturesKim Kardashian
Head to toe black is a confident and seductive choice. Just ask Kim Kardashian.
Rex FeaturesSelena Gomez
Selena Gomez adds a girly vibe to her LBD thanks to the pretty white sidebows.
PA PhotosJessica Alba
A black, cropped-leg tuxedo never looks out of place, come rain or shine.
Rex FeaturesLea Michele
Black lace and sunkissed skin are all kinds of gorgeous.
Rex FeaturesMichelle Williams
Classic, timeless and picture perfect. Michelle Williams gets it right.
PA PhotosVanessa Hudgens
Long, low and, quite simply, lovely, a black maxi dress is a must for the summer months.
Rex FeaturesTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift adds interest to her black two-piece with the addition of polka dots. It works.
Rex FeaturesSuki Waterhouse
A definite fan of all-black when the sun shines is Suki Waterhouse. This combo is exquisite.
Getty ImagesSuki Waterhouse
As is this. The fringe detail brings it bang up to date, also.
Rex FeaturesSuki Waterouse
And we already know that black lace is a decadent choice. Nice work, Suki.
Rex FeaturesChloe Green
Shoulder detailing and strappy sandals go some way to making black dresses summer appropriate, as Chloe Green knows all too well.
Rex FeaturesNicole Richie
Embellishment and cut-out details that reveal a hint of bronzed skin help the cause, too.
Rex FeaturesRita Ora
A black leather mini dress in the height of summer? Of course!
Rex FeaturesLeslie Mann
Make like Leslie Mann and opt for a pair of cropped trousers and a monochrome corset top for a smart evening out.
Rex FeaturesChristina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks is a huge fan of black all ear round. Make like the Mad Men star and add some seasonal touches to your LBD in the form of strappies and a bright clutch.
Rex FeaturesKatie Holmes
Simple and so elegant, Katie Holmes' black dress with chic white hem is an ideal choice for a business meeting.
Rex FeaturesDaisy Lowe
Sexy summer in the city style? Just make like Daisy in her form-fitting LBD.
Getty ImagesGwen Stefani
Covered up but still oh-so cool, Gwen makes black her own in this slick combo. We also love the addition of fishnet tights for a cheeky finishing touch.
