Cut-off denim shorts, floral tea dresses, off-the-shoulder cheesecloth tops... sorry, we nodded off back there. Why, and when did summer dressing get so prescriptive, so predictable and just so boring? We think it was some time right after the Boho fall-out when we all decided we'd never wear a cotton maxi-skirt, ever, ever, again and just resigned ourselves to the fact that if we died in the month of June, we'd be buried in our Levi's short shorts.
It's time to stand up to festival-chic. Why not dress exactly how you want to irrespective of the weather and humidity? Why not stick to your all-black uniform come the sweatier months? You can't see sweat patches on black clothing!
We've pulled together a sexy little black book of all the ladies on Instagram doing head-to-toe noir to perfection this summer.
Bella Hadid making Irina and Anna look like they missed the dress code. Her off the shoulder long-sleeve hoodie and high-waisted skinnies are December fare, but it's all lit up with her her metallic trainers and wet-look hair.
Photo: Via @bellahadid
French DJ Louise Chen making a black leotard and skinnies look a million bucks. Well, she is French.
Photo: Via @chchchen
Model Anastasia Furrow makes a baby-doll dress and thick black tights look white hot. Just leave your jacket at home.
Charlie May updates her '90s negligée with some, now, now, now, pointy flat mules and Matrix shades.
Photo: Via @charliemay
Dominika drags our cut-offs into 2016 in a shade of washed-out black and keeps everything else super simple.
Photo: Via @dominikagrnova
Erika Bowes' Margiela boots and cropped trousers are every minimalist's wardrobe dream. Just add a light knot and a half-up 'do and you're summer-in-London ready.
Photo: Via @erikabowes
Eva Chen's taking a leaf out of Bella's book and keeping her black look modern with metallic footwear – just this time, they're silver.
Photo: Via @evachen212
Super-fox model, Paloma Elsesser educates us on how to cool off in black. Make it crochet and pair with monochrome adidas Gazelles for pool-side mami cool.
Photo: Via @palomija
Blogger Megan Ellaby proves you can wear velour in the heat and look really cool. Her Lazy Oaf T-shirt has a '60s vibe when paired with her A-line button down skirt.
Photo: Via @meganellaby
Model and singer, Natalie Suarez, looking tough as nails in her cowboy inspired outfit. A black biker is actually every girls long-hot-summer staple. You can wear it with anything, guaranteed.
Photo: Via @natalieoffduty
Hiking boots, knitwear, skinny black trousers = totally summer appropriate. Who knew?
Photo: Via @ericalave
This is how to keep the '70s trend from looking too dress-up. Go all-black-everything and go for the navel plunge if you dare.
Photo: Via @peaceloveshea
Party-thrower and creative director Lotte Andersen and her sister Nancy, keeping things oh-so proper and prim in a black pinstripe suit. She's not bothered to put anything underneath. Whoop!
Photo: Via @_lotte_andersen_Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
31 Perfect Looks To Copy This July