I've Worn Only Black for 7 Years

In this very self-indulgent video, I've put together the benefits I've found to wearing a single colour (almost) every single day for the last 7 years. It's something that has attracted more questions than I'd ever considered myself, so I tried to refer to the reasons that kept me going. And the ones that are making me consider a change :)
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To make your life easier:
00:00 Intro
00:22 Do I Only Wear Black?
01:04 How & Why I Only Wear Black
01:48 The Benefits: Minimising Decision Fatigue
02:39 The Benefits: Minimalism
03:56 The Benefits: Black Can Be Worn Everywhere
04:35 Do I Plan to Wear Black Forever?
05:31 Outro

[@tomlawal7991]

Elizabeth, if we’re honest. You’re wearing black to mourn picking Medicine over Art lol

[@mateenHunk]

i love black too enjoy wearing black

[@emyoutube9264]

Haha, I can't believe the level of accuracy in that comment

[@Tootisepop]

Or she just likes black

[@Inannarising]

Ah, but medicine is an Art✨

[@emyoutube9264]

@@Inannarising yeah but more science than art

[@XanderGouws]

"I am considering adding some *wild* colours such as, perhaps, beige or grey"

[@alf.2929]

It's very transgressive position to take these days.

[@alexk.1835]

Best Part!

[@tusekilekapeta8940]

😂😂

[@flex391]

Elizabeth: “I feel like I’m not particularly gifted at making colour combinations” Also Elizabeth: paints beautiful paintings while combining colours to make different shades

[@elizabethfilips]

hahaha for some reason it's so different to me 😂😂😂

[@IshaSharma11]

True..

[@randomdude7386]

Those are two different worlds, I am gifted for art and science but at the same time I am not able to combine colors in my kitchen to make sense and the same aplies to clothing, atleast to me

[@SkyeAten]

This is so true though... I'm an illustrator, work with color all the time, but matching clothes are a nightmare. I think it's because you buy them in a preset color, whereas artist are used to intuitively changing colors...but with clothes you have to consciously match because you can't change them. Hm.

[@TanyaTsukrova]

"Wild colours like beige or grey" - I laughed way harder on this than I should've lol. As someone who has mostly monochromatic wardrobe I can relate

[@susuilu]

the way she said it was really funny...lol

[@bessieberrie129]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@EricEdstrom]

"I hate shopping." 100% understand this sentiment.

[@elizabethfilips]

YESSS

[@chriskedison4272]

I just hate shopping. It's the worst, especially clothes. Soo boring and time consuming.

[@shivangiagrawal2665]

@@chriskedison4272 seriously. Most of the clothes I've bought I only bought because they caught my eye in the first glance, or they are practical and on sale. On the other hand I love grocery shopping etc and restocking my house although I'm young and live with my parents still. 🤗

[@randomdude7386]

@@chriskedison4272 just fo it like me go straight for what you came and instantly decide if something is worth it for you if no move on no need to waist time

[@SSchithFoo]

Yesp, play video games instead if you want to waste time. You waste time, money and energy when shopping.

[@aliabdaal]

good stuff

[@fatimaalimam3258]

the KING has approved!!!

[@sudob1t]

Is this a bot ? :P

[@astudentstudying6199]

I'm convinced Elizabeth either has access to Ali's KZbin account or Ali created some form of python code that just drops the same comment on each video 😂

[@itssuhaibalrumi]

@@astudentstudying6199 😂😂😂

[@Evan-cz8jc]

you made her lmao

[@Dagenhmadave]

I'd think you'd look amazing in Emerald Green.

[@nearlyheadlessmedstudent9892]

She reminds me so much of Lily Potter! I adore Lily. That emerald green would be such a treat for me!

[@thatsfunny2051]

Yep, I agree

[@davidwinner6926]

Like the comic character Poison Ivy. Red heads look stunning in emerald green.

[@ALifeofLearning]

I had a teacher who always wore the same black pants and black sweater every day. We once asked him about it and his answer was: ‘it makes me not have to think about anything’. We then asked if he was never too warm in the clothes and then he said: ‘no I have a pair in white for summer’. 😂😂

[@Marios_CG]

“How to be an INSANELY productive low key goth” 😛

[@asherwade]

" ...picking some 'wild' colours, like beige or grey-!!!", ha-! On the other hand, I agree 100% with you. I switched to wearing only black {albeit only white shirts}, however my real reason was that, 40+plus years ago, I used to get up much earlier than my wife (who, as an RN, would work crazy shifts at hospital) and I didn't want to switch on the light and disturb her while she slept those few extra hours in the morning; ...or, so I put it to my wife: "I wanted to always be able to get dressed in the dark and still be nicely 'put together.'' .............................. {8~)

[@NotMe-rn7jm]

That’s crazy I thought I was only one. I’ve been going on 11 years. Right after high school I decided this and i don’t even think about what I’m going to wear or how it’s going to look on me. I feel and know I look formal, fresh and clean. Never feel overdressed or underdressed.

[@IshaSharma11]

Exactly.

[@MikeyAtalla]

Simplicity is key 🔑

[@IshaSharma11]

Yeas

[@sea-salt-potato160]

such gorgeous red hair to go with every black outfit

[@christopheroliver148]

I think the black draws attention to the hair, and that's a very good idea.

[@chillndie]

i personally chose this for my own wardrobe collection. but i kept 2 colors in it black and white. personally it's so much time saving and it looks great too

[@hawaiiansoulrebel]

My wardrobe is 80% black and it makes life so much easier. Outfits are always coordinated lol.

[@prachisharma6094]

Same

[@LydieandHazal]

We are actually polar opposites 😂😂 7 years?? That’s dedication, I could never!!

[@elizabethfilips]

OMG I need to convince you 😂😂😂

[@Z0llUX]

Something I found life changing was getting my colours and style done by a House of Colour specialist. It outlines the specific season of colours that suit you based on the pigmentation of your skin and really helps with the struggles you have narrowing down your clothing options. There is also a big emphasis on sustainability through building a capsule wardrobe that has minimal items that all go together allowing for a plethora of outfit options. Fantastic video!

[@LeahRebecca]

very cool! I was always surprised seeing people buy multiple colours of the same thing

[@CCCrypto]

I've found buying black is so much easier when shopping.

[@alinda06]

Thanks for sharing Elizabeth! Growing up in Belgium, I always wore black and it is only when I moved to China for a few years that I started incorporating colors in the choice of my clothes! I now in Australia and can relate to your annoyance with black clothing in summer 😄 Beige and nude shades are always great for summer 👒

[@NebulaObserver]

me too - although it makes the brilliant Kondo method of storing clothes defunct. When folding all my black clothes the Kondo way I used to stick white labels on the folded clothes until I went to work with a label marked 'long black cardigan' stuck to my back much to the amusement of my colleagues.

[@annaxeniakircsi59]

I feel that it is very interesting, that you find colour matching difficult when you are such a talented artist, and picking the right colours is clearly not a problem for in your paintings. I was not expecting that the switch from painting to clothes would make a difference. :D If you plan on switching things up a little bit, I would certainly recommend you to look up capsule wardrobe ideas or even mood boards. That is what I have been working toward and I love it! :)

[@elizabethfilips]

For some reason, it does feel different!

[@ohhiguy]

I love this "self-indulgent" video. I am sure I speak for a lot of us who have trouble making decisions: it is so cool you found a way simply your life. And you do it without looking like a homeless person. :-)

[@filiphoxhaj2430]

Always a pleasure to hear from you! Keep it up!

[@tatah678]

I just can’t wait to watch everything you create. It is such a pleasure! Always! 👏👏👏👏

[@Antique_cuirass]

I love the way you are growing your channel so fast i wish you the best

[@prateekmanta2097]

Heya, Elizabeth just want to say, I love your videos and you ! And love hearing more stuff from you, so keep making content !!

[@DevKapla]

Great video and thumbnail was very good and professional .It is so great to watch a tree(your channel) grow everyday from day 1.

[@SerraY]

Wow, I kid you not but 99% of my clothes are black and I get so much flak for it on stream and real life. However I feel like your reasons are a lot better rather than mine of: it hides stains really well and I don't have to worry about matching, even though a huge part of it is also decision fatigue :) Amazing video as always!

[@elizabethfilips]

Thank you! Omg the matching and the washing together are so lifechaging!

[@carla272]

Serra youre the first person I thought of when I saw this video, its so you!

[@jennylee4324]

I reckon if you wanted to still be minimalist and wear bearable clothes in summer, I would recommend a white wardrobe in summer and a black wardrobe the rest of the time

[@shubham65517]

First notion that surely run wild after watching your videos is of Appreciation and Respect ... May You Achieve every feat you want in life ..Lots of Love From INDIA

[@LaLaBlahBlahh]

I love this! I wear all black probably 80% of the time, but I have some brown/ beige or army green jackets that I add on. I hadn’t considered making it a conscious decision to choose only black when I shop, but I think I actually will do this because I often still buy colourful things that I never ever wear.

[@MutantsInDisguise]

Black goes along perfectly with both your hair and skin, Liz. It is my favorite colour, and I love wearing it on my flesh.

[@emilytxyz]

you really embraced the lazy genius principle of “decide once”! i’m looking for more opportunities like this so if there are other things you decided once please share!

[@Akta]

Love this, I wear only 4/5 colours in my wardrobe, and agree it makes life so much easier. Also love the music track you used in this, I used this same track for my Pixar video and has the song playing non stop in my head for weeks after 😂

[@daniellebenzonofinspiredco7103]

This was such an affirming video to watch. I have always worn mostly black for a number of reasons but primarily due to decision fatigue and also terrible colour matching skills. The way I do it is wear all black with one colour item per outfit. I don't have to worry about colours matching (everything goes with black) and in summer (especially in the mornings) I can wear for example a blue shirt and black skirt and it doesn't look / feel weird. Often though I wear all black and only bring in colour on the accessories, like a scarf or jewelry and then that colour will really pop. Thanks so much for making this video.

[@maraflores1053]

Love your reasons ❤️

[@andreab3267]

This is the first video I watch of you and I loved it!

[@flowingfree]

Hi, I enjoyed your video & I have a lot of values in common with you (I wear all black, minimalist aspirations, opposition to consumerism, mindfulness concerning craftsmanship). Thanks for posting 🌈

[@spet2904]

Can completely relate! As a child my mother wouldn't let me have any black clothes, so when I started making a bit of money as a teenager all I bought and wore was black. My wardrobe is still largely black but I do branch out in a very limited fashion: 2 blue jeans, 1 pair of jean shorts (for summer) + a couple white and blue stripy tops (breton stripes, obvious choice for as a French person). No colour clashes, no decision fatigue... love it! Oh and hospital scrubs at work every day forever is also the BEST!

[@jessofalltrades7363]

I'm here for the minimal decision fatigue! Although, I'm the exact opposite to you in terms of clothes. I'm all about the bold colour (despite being a former goth!).

[@dabi_]

An irresistible title choice/topic 😂 nice one! minimalist vibes to the max

[@aamiraliasad1747]

Mystic idea indeed, going with black, being unicolor. Black is bold. Loved the stuff.

[@TahaButt]

Before the pandemic decision fatigue was definitely a thing. Now I just wear PJs every day 😂😬 Great video Liz!!

[@IshaSharma11]

Exactly.

[@mateenHunk]

indeed

[@mugsofmirth8101]

You misspelled plannedemic

[@alexclovis4590]

She says “wild colours” and then proceeds to say “beige or grey” that should be a quote

[@Ray-ty9hn]

Obsession or habit or pride ,whatever you may call it. If it makes you feel confident then no matter whatsoever ever people say, wear black only 🖤

[@akhilachanta805]

Congratulations!!!!!!!

[@RainaOnTheCusp]

Summer Liz incoming!!☀️

[@razabadass]

Thank you Elizabeth - some of the points resonated with me here! Raza :)

[@rozannestevens]

I love this! And you look so good in black with your gorgeous hair. Can highly recommend khaki/olive green in the summer as an alternative colour. Which still looks great with black!

[@rukhsanazaidi629]

You’re so intelligent. This is such a great way to live!!!❤️

[@sarahfreire5362]

When trying to add new colors to your wardrobe you should give a chance for color analysis. It a technique that lets you see what are the best colors for you (by analyzing skin tone, undertone, hair, and eyes colors)between 12 seasonal palettes (summer, winter, spring, and autumn each one with variations like deep, light, clear or soft). It’s mind-blowing and also helps in not buying colors that wouldn’t look good on you!

[@elizabethfilips]

oh my, need to check this out asap!

[@sarahfreire5362]

There are lots of blog posts that are really confusing. The best would be to do it with a professional, but a very good trick to find it yourself is by recording yourself with your front camera without makeup and put a colored shirt or fabric right below your chin, if suddenly everything looks bright then the color is for you, if it becomes darker, make you look sick or show dark circles than it isn't! It's amazing!

[@hasanh.s5381]

You bless what you wear Liz, never been the opposite

[@olufemiabolurin]

Nice, it looks good on u, I like the contrast with ur skin. I am also really big on reducing decision fatigue to the barest minimum. I like the way you pronounced "of" with an "f". Sounds cute. Nice video.

[@user-ku7gi3ue7s]

Thank you for sharing this video we almost have the same complexion:) And black looks amazing with it

[@utsavm4862]

Start with darker colors! Let Navy Blue be the first baby step!

[@aggeyboii1753]

4:08 "It's very easy to look put together and as though I've made an effort when I really haven't" This is what I told myself before starting the video and it's exactly why I love black clothes! lol

[@saweradedar5547]

I really enjoy your channel. You make me want to jump on the KZbin train too even though I hate the idea of being in the spotlight.

[@anastasiavlassov]

Great channel Elizabeth! I'm a nurse who makes workouts! Keep up the good work ❤️❤️❤️

[@angelaprentice8055]

i'm going on 10 years with only black and agree with every single point, same as you!! I found that each year that goes by i love wearing black more. on the occasional dress up event whenever i am forced to wear color i always regret it and am renewed by how good black is!

[@MilindBorkar_MENTOR]

Mind blowing, you inspire me to choose one colour. I am wearing unform , so I easily adopt this.

[@misssoandso]

I never really noticed that you only wear black until I saw this video. I think its because your shiny red hair stands out more. Anyways, I think this is a great idea, and I sort of implemented something similar to my clothing colors. I only wear and have mostly black, blues, dark green and beige pink clothing items. (The amount of clothing and shoes I have can all fit in a carry-on luggage.) The ladies in my family are obsessed with clothes/shoes/accessories/makeup, and they always made me feel like I was the weirdo for my simple practices as a lady. It took me a long time to realize and learn how to set boundaries from other people unnecessary judgments, and to appreciate my own unique and beautiful qualities. I appreciate your video and it makes me even more happy to be and thrive as myself.

[@KarissaNavita]

I love black clothes too. Seeing your video inspire me to declutter my other color clothes😂

[@whatznext28]

I used to only buy black clothes because I don't really have a sense of style and buying all black was the easiest choice. My friends eventually started to shop for me and now that I'm married my wife picks out what looks good on me. I've recently been pondering going back to all black because I'm tired of having to decide what to wear and what goes with what. I don't think I'll ever get back to all black, but I will definitely have a solid foundation of black clothing.

[@MarijkeViolin]

Really interesting! I think black and beige tones go very well together. Adding one or two beige pants and a few beige tops to your wardrobe would give you endless combinations that all go together.

[@Alexanderthenotsobad]

You would fit right in in New York City. We mostly wear black because the city is so grimy, it's easier to upkeep.

[@ng-marc]

Bravo!!! I made the same choice about the same time for similar reasons. Black is amazing on everyone. Welcome to the Addam's Family. 🥳 Cheers ❤️🥂

[@joannaa1724]

Oh my gosh Elizabeth...I dislike shopping too. But I hadn't notice you only wear black. But you wear different designs and cuts. I'd love tl see your outfits in black. As for suggestions of colour. I wear mostly grey, in different tones. I use to wear only black too. But I think you should try green in different hues/tones. It's still one colour but would look compliment your hair colour. Looking forward to your outfit video.

[@nursetomedic5736]

Black has always been my fav colour- you just cant beat it

[@space8184]

I think you look perfect with black.

[@netayconnection6236]

Loving the video.

[@chriskedison4272]

I totally agree on minimal decision fatigue

[@hhauffe]

I loved so much of the reasoning behind your evolved 'pattern', if not pre-meditated decision, to wear only black. It's just a bonus that you're so beautiful in black with your auburn (or is it 'red'... I'm so easily confused) hair. I think Steve Jobs shared the same valuing of "minimizing decision fatigue" when he settled into wearing only a particular style of black turtle-neck (he had a whole closet of only those specially made shirts). I think his idea was that he had enough to think about that 'mattered', so simplifying the clothes thing was all to the good. ...he didn't look quite as good as you though. :)

[@DrBrunoRecipes]

Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a wonderful day everyone 🌻 I love all colours 😊

[@edgirl3115]

Hey! Fellow med student here. I also only wore all black and white for many years. For me it was a component of my diagnosed OCD. I SLOWLY transitioned by adding blue jeans. Then dark green. I added one color at a time. Now I have a colorful closet and can stylishly put together an outfit in minutes. It was the same as learning medicine- it’s a marathon, not a race! Good luck 😊

[@SkyeAten]

Yeah I only wore black and white. Then my family kept making fun of me... So with an enormous amount of money and time, I started figuring out how to match colors.

[@surenderbeniwal8578]

Totally relate to this , especially when u said ur hate of shopping ; yeepie! Found someone akin to me (i don't necessarily hate it, more like, it seems like a *chore* ) . I love wearing black/navy blue/grey in winters most times . But no quite the case in summers, can't make do with these , gotta stick to lighter colors ,else get all the heat absorbed n trapped into me! 🥵 Nah! Nah! Loved the idea though, where it came to you, the minimal approach, less bothering about finding new stuff ( i always say *simplicity has lesser piitfalls* , i guess it suits the condn here too) . Good wishes to u! 🤗

[@swagatam8156]

Omg..You seem to be my twin from another mother!! 😘😘 I too have decision fatigue and I hate shopping. Occasionally I would choose blue but for most of the days I’m black and white person😬 This decision of mine has been so beneficial. Earlier I wasted tons of money on clothing only to realise that it cannot hide your true potential.. 💪💪 nor does it denote what our true self is.. Clothing is just part of living. Since I turned minimal I could save lots of money on dresses..now I can invest my good amount of time on productive things 😇😇

[@okidokidoc]

Humble and beautiful! 😍😍😍😍

[@valdemarlima4560]

With due respect, you are so beautiful and no matter what do you wearing this won’t change it ! 🇧🇷

[@melihercura2414]

Maybe you are not aware of that but i should say that your channel is veryyy good for English Learners.

[@elizabethfilips]

:)

[@kierayumin5584]

I never thought someone would like black more than me haha! You are right that black is a classic, I don't know why I just don't look good in other colors....And Eliz you look great in black as well, especially your red hair really compliments your black clothes. If I can give you any tips, is that in summer I wear blue shorts, and sometimes grey jeans, and in winter I wear grey scarf instead of black haha hopefully that helps! :D

[@AnastasiyaOnline]

I just found your channel: such nice calming videos! I am enjoying your accent. Greetings from Russian living in Belgium.

[@shifamirza6182]

Congratulations 1million view🥳🥳🥳

[@Mustafa_Ünal]

This is crazy! I love matte black too!

[@doodsanddudes]

I wear the same stuff during the work week so that it is no longer a decision. So easy and productive

[@nevermore3743]

As an artist/graphic designer, I related into this!

[@spontaneousjane]

I wear mostly black in the winter and mostly white in the summer. It definitely makes life easier! I just accepted the fact that I love color on other people but not on me.

[@kandamilveganvlogs9803]

omg i dont have one single black dress, and i dislike black 😱, but i love shopping and still want to be aware of fast fashion, our envt and all that jazz, so i discovered threadup and i loved it, may be just shop just one light color for summer(pick one may be white/peach/grey etc) so this way you still fit into minimalism- hope this helps 😃

[@s.a.9424]

Cool video! I personally just wear very few clothing, leaving me with little options to have to think about so I definitely relate!:)

[@nartwealth9869]

Hi Elizabeth! You’re doing great job on this channel. Please make more content. You’re seem humble and modest. If there were stocks on you and Ali, I would go long on you and short on Ali 😅

[@patrick3463]

Please don’t change anything. It’s just perfect.

[@wendy8561]

I myself only wear a lot of black because it is very slimming thank you so much again new subscriber

[@claire4jj468]

It's very intersting to hear your thougths. I also thought about just wearing black a while ago. You are right about your points with less clothings and easier decisons. But I didn't do it, because I love to wear colours. But I try to have a fitting colour sheet. Most of my colorful clothings are between red and blue and in between theme are some purple colours. And I also stopped buying blue jeans, I'm more a fan of grey or black jeans, because it fits easier to everything. And yeah I try to follow more the capsule waredrobe system

[@sirisiri9642]

Someday when I begin earning again I shall limit my choices to four colors. I am so motivated to follow your ideas that suit me.

[@AhmadHassan-cv9lt]

You are such a great person.

[@SafiullahWasiullah]

You have broken my record😀, kidding, love it. I have a color partner now.

[@mytransparentwardrobe]

I totally sympathise 😊 My wardrobe is also mostly black(90%), washed out black or grey + random sprinkles of earthy tones. I absolutely love it. Looking after clothes is super easy and they do last longer as I do not mind black going grey 😉😁😁 I use black wardrobe for about 2 years now and I don’t think that I’ll ever stop. ❤❤

[@kevinhughes9801]

Nice insight thanks

[@gbattykenjunior9041]

THAT COLOR SWEAT YOU VERY WELL !

[@MattBrighton]

Having spent hours, if not days on Zoom calls and watching your channel.... I actually never picked up on this!