Ask any fashion editor, influencer or industry insider and they’ll say the same thing: Black is the foundation of their wardrobes. The dark and brooding minimalist dresser is a bit of a fashion cliché, but for good reason—black is simply one of the most flattering, versatile and easy-to-style colours in our arsenal, so when it comes to putting together an outfit that’s low effort and high pay-off, a black item is often the first we reach for.
There are a few pieces in my wardrobe that I’m constantly choosing (blazer, leather ankle boots, leather jacket, jersey maxi dress and a trusty layering turtleneck); and it should come as no surprise that all of them are black. Nothing makes me feel as confident and put-together as these classic black staples. But now that autumn is upon us, I’ve been giving my wardrobe some serious thought and considering how I can switch things up to make my black staples feel fresh so that they’re working as hard as possible. Enter, clever colour pairing.
Head-to-toe black is always a winner, but what to wear on the days that your wardrobe (and your mood) could do with a little lift? Sunnier days call for sunnier colours, and even eveningwear can benefit from breaking up all-black with something a little more statement. What are the best colours to wear with black? I have the answers.
So, whether you’ve already stocked up on black dresses for autumn, are looking for a new shirt to wear with your black blazer or the right knit to pair with your leather trousers, keep scrolling to see the six colours to wear with black that look most expensive. I promise you, they always work.
Style Notes: According to the runways, grey is having a moment right now, and what could be a better pairing with black than a colour in the same spectrum? There’s something about black and grey that says you mean business (without the need for pinstripes). Expect to see much more of this combination this autumn.
You can’t argue with this kind of quality at this price.
Easily my favourite slip skirt on the market right now.
A certified cult favourite.
Such a good shape for those who don’t like skinny trousers.
Style Notes: Following on with another runway favourite, hot red is the punchy tone blowing Barbiecore pink out of the water this season, and coal black is naturally the best way to keep those fiery reds burning. Team bright tops with subdued bottoms or make a statement in a red skirt or trousers with a does-it-all black jacket. And don’t forget red accessories.
ARKET knits are unbelievably fluffy.
Just add tights and loafers.
The It bag of the season also comes in spicy red.
When you’re bored of regular suit blazers, try a leather iteration.
Style Notes: And the award for autumn 2023’s most discussed colour goes to… buttermilk yellow. After a dark spring and fleeting summer it seems only fitting that we’d want to bring the sunshine into our wardrobes with this undeniably happy colour, and for those who find pastels too saccharine, adding tough black gives this floaty shade some weight. If it’s good enough for Christopher Kane, Tove, Jil Sander and Givenchy…
There’s a reason that this is selling so quickly.
Ideal with sandals in the summer and with a trench and knee-high boots in the autumn.
I love the dramatic silhouette.
Sure, we all own a white shirt, but what about a yellow one?
Style Notes: It just wouldn’t be autumn without rusty browns, deep oranges, and of course, khaki greens. Over in beauty, olive green has become the breakout nail trend (a testament to the chic colour’s wearability), but it’s been long overdue a fashion revival since the return of the cargo trouser. Khaki green accessories are now popping up on the designer market (thanks largely to Loewe), so when in doubt, add a tote or a coat to an all-black outfit to give it a point of interest.
Well done, Jigsaw. This coat deserves our full attention.
The easiest dress-up or dress-down style I’ve seen in ages.
Loewe’s Puzzle Fold Tote comes in three block colours and three two-tone colourways, but the khaki is my favourite.
I honestly thought this was designer until I saw the price.
Style Notes: Camel is one of those colours (like black) that I’m confident will go with anything, but putting the two together is a masterclass in quiet-luxury styling. As these two muted tones complement each other rather than clash, the result is a soothing, palette-cleansing combination that’s almost impossible to get wrong, and it’s likely you already have enough pieces in each colour to mix and match endless outfits.
No one will believe that this is from H&M.
A Who What Wear UK editor favourite.
So good with a cosy knit.
A strong contender for best leather ankle boots of all time.
Style Notes: A classic pairing so timeless it almost goes without saying, black and cream is like the, well… strawberries and cream of the fashion world. Black and white might feel like the obvious choice, but stark white can almost be too bright (and a nightmare to keep clean), so turn up the warmth in rich shades of magnolia and ivory for a luxurious look that minimalists will love.
Wear this blazer again and again with jeans, leggings, midi skirts, shorts, wide-leg trousers…
