The Best Black Outfits To Wear Now That It’s Starting To Get Cold

It's the fastest way to look chic.

black outfits

by Harriet Davey |
Updated on

Now that it officially feels like autumn, we can't help but get excited for a new season of outfits. We're finally ready to pack away the linen dresses and bare legs until next year. And while we're drawn to seasonal shades like pumpkin, black will always have a place in our wardrobes. Because, no matter the season, all black outfits are the easiest, chicest way to dress.

Because we all know black outfits never fail, we're here to show you how to wear the classic colour for every day of the week during the year's second-to-coldest season. Whether it's trying out the pleated skirt trend or elevating your favourite tank top, keep going for endless outfit inspiration.

Try Out A Pleated Skirt

Street Style - September 2022 - New York Fashion Week
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We've told you how pleated – mini or midi – skirts are key for autumn. And Aimee Song agrees. We love how the style insider has worn hers with tall cowboy boots and a cute waistcoat and jacket co-ord. You'll definitely want to screenshot this one to copy later.

If you're opting for a midi length skirt, Teija's asymmetric style is bang on the money. The best black outfits have some variation in texture so consider pairing this pleated skirt with a mohair jumper or a plissé blouse.

Aligne, Kinga Long Pleated Skirt
Price: £119

aligne.co

Aligne's black pleated skirt is designed to sit on the hips so if you want it to hover around the waist instead, the brand recommends you size down. Aligne is brilliant at ready-made black outfits, FYI, because you can also buy this skirt with a matching waistcoat.

Invest In A Bandeau Dress

Street Style - Day 3 - Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2023/2024
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The fact is, the black dress is the most versatile and loyal item you can own. Going to dinner? Wear a black dress with heels. Heading into the office? Wear a black dress with chunky sandals. The list goes on, but we love how influencer Caroline Daur keeps her bandeau style (a key trend this season) smart with a classic camel coat and statement, yet sleek, accessories. It's a classic of the black outfits canon.

A tube dress might sound like something you can only wear in summer but not according to Arket, who styled theirs over an off-the-shoulder top.

A Y2K special - the bandeau dress - was back in a big way for summer 2023. With Christmas party season just around the corner, we guarantee it'll also be an headline act in December.

Go Top-To-Toe Tonal

Salvatore Ferragamo - Front Row - Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023
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When we talk about tonal outfits, we often mean beige, cream and tan, but black can still be added to the mix. Basically it just means any colour worn head-to-toe, and model Paloma Elsesser gives the look an edge by wearing interesting separates all together. The ultimate cute yet casual outfit.

It always pays to have some summer-appropriate knitwear on hand when the weather takes a turn. Chinti & Parker's wool-cashmere sweater is unbeatable in terms of price and plush-factor - and can be part of so many black outfits, from wide-legged slacks to miniskirts to slip dresses.

Cargo pants are the new jeans, especially if you buy yours in classic black instead of khaki. Psst: The Frankie Shop makes some of the best wide-legged styles in the business.

Match Your Jacket To Your Top

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - August 27, 2022
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Co-ordinating your top half is an easy styling trick that makes any outfit look polished. Model Elsa Hosk illustrates our point perfectly in this black polo neck and biker jacket combo with the skirt of the moment: a denim maxi. The belt, top-handle bag and court heels (a similar pair to the ones you wore on a night out in 2012) makes it the ideal bottomless brunch look.

Never Underestimate A Suit

Street Style - Berlin - April, 2022
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A trouser suit can be worn together or as separates and can be dressed up or down no matter your plans. An easy way to wear it for work or the weekend is with trainers, a white tee and classic accessories. Equally, you could easily pack a pair of heels and a cami top in your bag if you're heading out.

This M&S trouser suit is such a good find (hence why the shop's new brand ambassador, Sienna Miller, wore it in the advert). It's got the oversized fit you're looking for - and the matching trousers even have an elasticated waist.

Wear A Blazer As A Top

Street Style - Day 2 - Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023
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A capsule wardrobe classic, the humble black blazer can be worn so many ways. We love how this street-styler has buttoned it up as a top but kept it laidback with cargo pants. Of course, Prada pumps give it that put together look we expect to see during fashion month.

Weekday's double-breasted blazer is designed to be oversized so take your normal size.

Add A Bright Skirt To Your Black Basics

Street Style - Day 3 - Milan Fashion Week S/S 2023
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The vest top will be worn on heavy rotation year in, year out so make sure to snap them up in all colourways. When it comes to black, you can wear it with literally any colour but we love how creative Tamu McPherson wears hers with an A-line skirt (a mini trend right now) and timeless accessories.

Everlane, The Organic Cotton Cutaway Tank
Price: £22
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Nicole Richie swears by the organic cotton tank tops from Everlane - and so do we.

Since it's close to party season, why not give your black tank top a little something extra? COS' high-shine miniskirt is just the ticket.

Hush's double-breasted coat is the perfect over-layer for such a high-octane skirt.

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