It’s that time of the year. Time for black, the colour that appeals to the mall Goth in all of us.

Its versatility is stunning: leather dresses, lacey dresses, velvet blending into the glow of faux leather and suede. Black can be business, black can be drama, black can be fun.

Stylist and designer Shradha Manaktala, who has a label in her own name, suggests ways of wearing black this party season.

Velvet: A velvet shirt dress is a must-have. Pair an all-black velvet dress with sock leather boots. A velvet blouse worn with a glitter skirt or a velvet tee with tracks would seriously multiply the oomph-factor.

Leather: Faux, genuine, matte or varnished. This season is the best time to invest in a perfect black leather dress: wide-cut dress if you are pear-shaped, pencil dress for an hourglass shape. A black tuxedo dress is right for a straight body structure.

Satin: Satin, silk and thin straps have been together since the 90’s. Wear satin with sandals on thin straps and classic ballerinas, or with masculine leather boots with laces.

Textures: You can mix textures without fear of creating a too busy ensemble. Wear leather jeggings with a wool knit peplum and a suede blazer for an uber cool look. Wear it with mules which are a fresh alternative to classic pumps. Or wear a knitted dress with a fur stole and double the oomph.

Mixes textures for a busy ensemble Image: Baban Mukherjee

Mottled print: A dark fall-winter gown in black would stand out when diluted with a colourful print.

Animal instinct: Fashion now is really, really wild about animal prints. From leopards to ocelots, stripes and spots are covering the catwalk. Black is major in animal prints.

Ombre: Transition from black to a dazzling emerald or blue, or red wine, lilac or chocolate. This looks most effective in silk fabrics of different textures: from glossy satin to light translucent chiffon.

Accessorise freely: Black is the perfect opportunity to experiment with accessories. Wear a sparkly pin. Wear manly brogues with stone embellishments with a dinner dress and make a statement. Wear a scarf for a layered neckline.

Black offers the perfect opportunity to try different kinds of accessories Image: Baban Mukherjee

Fringe benefits: Pair a pullover vest with leather pants and a choker with a fringe jacket. Or wear a black full fringe dress.

Frilled sleeves: Try frilled sleeves stitched at the shoulder or a winglet sleeve. A custom frill sewn at the hem can transform a small black dress!

Blazer-dress: Try a classic black blazer dress with a cape and a wide belt at the waist. The fabric could be leather, tweed or satin.

Shirt collar: Wear a black business dress with white lace, lurex or silk collars and cuffs. This detail, borrowed from a man’s wardrobe, can be an elegant feature in evening dresses.

Edgy and graphic: Wear all-black ripped skinny jeans with zipper boots and a graphic sweatshirt.

Skinny jeans with a a jacket and boots Image: Baban Mukherjee

Mini dresses and metallic shine: A black basic short evening dress would look best with sock boots and a jacket on the shoulders. Wear a cool metallic silver dress and pair it with a pair of black leather boots and a black clutch. This look can be balanced with a black jacket and basic accessories. Or wear an onyx-hued ensemble with a black belt to cinch the waist.

Model Bazla Reyaz in metallic black short dress Image: Baban Mukherjee