I found myself wanting to wear black, even though I never used to.
In an earlier blog post, I talked about a color I “somehow don’t wear very often.” For me, that was black.
It’s not that I dislike black. I often think it looks great, but when it comes to wearing it myself, I always reach for another color. That’s the kind of color it was for me.
Since then, the season has changed, and before I knew it, winter was just around the corner. Looking at the cantáte clothes displayed in the shop, I found myself wondering what I would put together and how. And how I might wear black, a color I don’t usually wear much. Those were the things on my mind.
Hello. I’m Tomioka from cliché.
Last time, I talked about how, if you’re going to wear black, you might as well dress head to toe in black and wear it like a suit. Of course, I still feel the same way.
Black with black, navy with navy. I think outfits that unify the colors and create depth through different shades and materials always look great. This time, though, I wanted to explore a slightly different direction.
Keeping black at the center while deliberately pairing it with another color.
How could I keep the composed feel of black while adding a little more lightness and playfulness? As I was thinking about this, the Denim Flare Trousers - CRASH & REPAIR〈SHADOW INDIGO〉caught my eye.
CREDIT
cantáte "Denim Flare Trousers - CRASH & REPAIR"
From a distance, these jeans look like pale indigo, but up close, you can see all kinds of colors mixed in. They have the faded look of denim worn in over a long time. Some areas retain a deep indigo, while others have faded to a whitish hue. On top of that, the finishing and repairs add another layer of character.
Rather than simply being light-colored denim, they feel like a single pair with many different shades.
I thought these would look great with black.
The refined, streamlined feel of black and the relaxed character of denim. They’re contrasting elements, but I felt that was precisely what brought out the best in each.
Customers sometimes say in the shop, “These jeans would look good with black.” It’s always nice when their instincts align with what I had in mind.
This time, I’d like to share five outfits I put together around these jeans. Focusing mainly on combinations with black, I’ve given each look a slightly different feel.
Quiet Season Hand-Knit Zip Jacket × Quiet Season Crew-Knit
CREDIT
cantáte "Quiet Season Hand-Knit Zip Jacket"
cantáte "Quiet Season Crew-Knit"
Even in the same black, the look changes considerably depending on the knitting.
We paired the Quiet Season Hand-Knit Zip Jacket, known for its chunky knit, with the Quiet Season Crew-Knit. A voluminous knit with a Cowichan feel meets a clean crew neck. Though both are knits, their different surface textures and stitch densities create a natural sense of dimension when layered.
I think combinations like this work because the palette is kept restrained. The bottoms are pale indigo denim.Keeping the upper half substantial while adding a touch of lightness below. I like this balance.
CREDIT
AVM "Parallel Ring 〈K10WG× SV950〉"
AVM "Angel Ring 〈SV950 × K18〉"
Temperatures have been dropping since around last week, and more mornings and evenings have called for a jacket. At a time like this, having a substantial knit, like a Cowichan sweater, is reassuring.
It keeps you warm up to the neck, and simply changing how you open the zipper can change the whole look. You can zip it up and enjoy the volume of the knit itself, or leave it slightly open to show the layers underneath.
Wear knitwear as outerwear. That could be a nice option at the start of winter.
Furry Cashmere Cardigan × Lazy Luxe Rayon Shirt – Rayon Plaid
CREDIT
cantáte "Furry Cashmere Cardigan"
cantáte "Lazy Luxe Rayon Shirt – Rayon Plaid"
cantáte "Essential L/S Tee"
If the previous outfit was about enjoying layers of black, this one uses the shirt's pattern as an accent.
I'm wearing the Furry Cashmere Cardigan over the checked Lazy Luxe Rayon Shirt. The rayon's characteristic drape and fluidity are complemented by the soft nap of the cashmere. I personally love the contrast between the shirt's smooth texture and the cardigan's fluffy feel.
I also paired it with distressed denim. Denim tends to bring to mind a rugged look, but when paired with soft materials like these, it takes on a different character. The cardigan's gentle feel seems to soften the distressed finish of the denim, too.
CREDIT
AVM "Hunter Ring 〈K10WG × K18YG〉"
And as we were shooting, I was reminded once again ofjust how versatile a cardigan can be.
You can wear it normally, drape it over your shoulders, or loosely tie the sleeves in front. Even with the same item, changing the way you wear it can change the whole feel. A piece like this comes in handy, especially in the coming season when you'll often be moving between indoors and outdoors.
Not just a layer for keeping warm,but a piece that adds a little variety to your outfit. I think a cardigan can be enjoyed in that way, too.
Essential Sweat Pullover × Horsehide Down Insulator Vest
CREDIT
cantáte "Essential Sweat Pullover"
cantáte "Horsehide Down Insulator Vest"
This is a slightly more casual combination.
I layered the Horsehide Down Insulator Vest over the Essential Sweat Pullover. Both are black, but the materials have completely different qualities.
The glossy finish of the horsehide contrasts with the matte, understated feel of the cotton sweatshirt.Even in the same black, they look different when they catch the light.
The sweatshirt softens the strong presence of the leather just enough, making this an easygoing combination to wear. Pairing it with CRASH & REPAIR jeans creates a look that's a little relaxed, yet still refined. Personally, I also like styling that's this laid-back.
In an earlier blog post about down vests, I shared a few ways to wear one, such as layering it over a jacket or pairing it with a pullover.
I was reminded once again this time just how practical a down vest is. With no sleeves, it's easy to move your arms, and I think it's a great option for those who spend a lot of time in the car.
Just because it's cold doesn't mean you need to pile on layer after layer. The idea is to stay warm where you need it while still being able to move freely.
Warm, yet easy to move in. I think that's part of the appeal of a down vest.
Horsehide Coach Jacket
CREDIT
cantáte "Horsehide Coach Jacket"
Thanks to your support, some sizes of the Horsehide Coach Jacket are already starting to sell out. I really like how this jacket pairs with these jeans.
What catches the eye first is the sheen unique to horsehide. The front and back panels are each made from a single piece of leather, a luxurious construction. Using large pieces of leather avoids unnecessary seams, creating a beautifully draped silhouette that follows the body.
Many people may think of coach jackets as relatively casual. But the texture and drape of the leather give this jacket a certain refinement.
Then pair it with denim marked by fading and repairs. Beautiful leather alongside denim that looks well worn.
The slightly mismatched combination actually felt all the more stylish.
A simple knit works well underneath, or you can wear it casually with a sweatshirt. Pair it with a shirt for a different impression.
CREDIT
AVM "Angel Ring 〈K10WG× K18YG〉"
A leather jacket can take on a very different character depending on what you pair it with. That’s what makes it enjoyable to wear over the years and discover your own way of styling it.
Some sizes are already beginning to sell out, so if you’re interested, please come try it on in person.
Shear Naval Coat
CREDIT
cantáte "Shear Naval Coat"
I also put together a winter-ready coat look.
When people hear “pea coat,” they may think of school uniforms or a somewhat youthful look. But I think cantáte’s Shear Naval Coat will change that impression.
First, the fabric makes an impression. The substantial melton has a subdued sheen, giving the color black a sense of depth.
This coat has thoughtful touches in less visible places, too. Leather is used on the underside of the collar and the elbow patches, while the handwarmer pockets are lined with corduroy. None of these details are particularly showy, but I think you’ll notice the difference when you touch and wear it.
The placement and spacing of the front buttons have been carefully considered, and it’s interesting how the coat’s appearance changes depending on how you fasten them.
It’s hard to convey details like these through photos alone. I think you’ll appreciate them when you try it on and see how it looks in the mirror, buttoned and unbuttoned.
And the denim I paired with it this time was, of course, CRASH & REPAIR. The combination of a clean-cut pea coat and faded denim worked beautifully.
On its own, the coat has a slightly polished impression, but pairing it with denim naturally relaxes the look. At the same time, the coat’s refinement gives the denim’s casual character just the right amount of definition.
CREDIT
Something refined, and something a little rugged. Being able to wear both together is one of the things that makes clothes so interesting.
As winter deepens, I think I’ll have more opportunities to wear a coat. This year, I’d like to enjoy pairing one with denim that has a little more character, like this.
Looking back, they’re all outfits centered around black, but each has a surprisingly different feel.
Layering knitwear is a great option, as is adding a little definition with leather. You can enjoy the softness of cashmere or put together a polished look with a coat. And one thing all these outfits have in common is the Denim Flare Trousers - CRASH & REPAIR.
What I realized anew this time was that although I’d been thinking about how to wear black, before I knew it, I was also enjoying figuring out how to style denim.
Black wasn’t a color I used to choose for myself very often. But when you change what you pair it with, it creates such a different impression.
Black itself hasn’t changed.I’m sure my own perspective on black has shifted a little.
Perhaps wearing a color you don’t usually reach for can lead you to combinations you’d never thought of before. Thinking about it that way, clothes really are fascinating.
Even in the photos, some of the subtle variations in color and fine details of the finish on the denim I introduced this time don’t fully come through. I’d be delighted if you could see it in person at the shop.
Lately, more customers have been saying, “I read your blog.” Knowing that my thoughts and experiences wearing these clothes can help someone choose what to wear is a real encouragement.
We’d love to hear your thoughts, too. Is there a combination you’d like to see, or an item you’d like to know how to wear? I still have plenty of combinations I’d like to try myself.
This winter, I’m thinking of enjoying black a little more, a color I haven’t worn much until now.
We look forward to welcoming you.
cliché Tomioka
