And Fashion’s New Black Is?

The news: fashion pundits, designers and those fat fall editions of women’s magazines have proclaimed that this year’s new black is, well, black.

The reaction: duh! Any woman in America could have told them that. After all, black’s the color we wear when we need to look chic and sophisticated. It’s the one color that can be solemn when necessary, but knows how to dress up a party like no other. Plus, according to a recent survey by Carefree (who just introduced a new Black Pantiliner — the latest fashion accessory for black fashion lovers everywhere), almost nine out of ten women think black is just so sexy. Men agree whole-heartedly.

Here are some more of the “undermost secrets” that Carefree uncovered:

* The skinny on black … Here’s a fact that may explain women’s love affair with black: according to the survey, a whopping 81% of women stated they feel that wearing black makes them look thinner.

* Where’s the most black … So, women everywhere love black … but who loves it the most? Survey says: topping the list, 57% of southern belles say their wardrobe has more black than anything else. Only 38% of mid-west women agree.

* Once you’re in the black you’ll really love it … Affluence brings a greater love for a black wardrobe — 53% of women with household incomes over $60,000 say their wardrobe is mostly black, compared to 43% of those earning $40,000 – $59,999.

* It was an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny black bikini … Seems that bikini lovers are also more likely to adore black — 71% of women who wear bikini panties say black is a fashion favorite, while hi-cut panty wearers log in at 62%.

* Black’s thoroughly modern to mademoiselle … 60% of mademoiselles felt that black was modern, compared to 47% of madames. Tres interessant!

All in all, the women surveyed were in agreement on “black,” choosing it as the color they felt was most fashionable. But every woman is entitled to her opinion, and though black was #1, there were some differences — it was deemed fashionable by 84% of women in the northeast; 83% in the south, 81% in the midwest … but only 69% of women in the west. California dreamin’ must be in Technicolor. Wait until they hear the news … this season it’s all about the new black.