What to Wear When You Want to Shroud Yourself in Black

***Rihanna embracing classic goth-punkness as she left Miami on October 9, 2014***

Forget about the "new black" or old black . The purpose of wearing black isn't just to look magazine-editor "chic." Perhaps you're feeling a little morose. Or you want to embrace your inner goth teenager. Or you don't want to have to worry about getting a dirty. There are some days when color just feels wrong (too much on the eyes!), and the saturation of the darkest shade in the spectrum is so right.

1. When you're going for sweet-meets-sporty (with just a touch of "early-'90s supermodel swimsuit shoot" thrown in for good measure) all-black: Wear lean, body-hugging overalls with an even more body-hugging swimsuit. Call it a bodysuit - what's the big difference? Extra points for that mean French cut when you drop your bib.

Frame Denim's Le High Skinny stretch-denim overalls + Norma Kamali's Marissa swimsuit

2. When you want to create an aura of casual mystery, via monochrome layers: Wear knit shorts over semi-opaque tights, something with a hood that hangs nonchalantly, an over-layer, and boots.

Baja East ribbed cashmere shorts + Wolford black 80 denier tights + NSF leather-like hooded sweatshirt + Diane von Furstenberg Neo gilet + Saint Laurent Janis suede ankle boots

3. You want to go goth for a formal evening: Anyone can wear a black dress out at night, and many do. By pairing a gown with stern accessories and darkly strong makeup, you're taking the classic concept in a more dedicated direction.