Eight Black Outfit Ideas From New York Fashion Week Street Style

With the Met gala already behind us, September’s biggest events have come and gone in a flash. And this includes the long-awaited in-person return of New York Fashion Week. After a handful of seasons viewing the collections virtually, show-going New Yorkers were finally back together to see the collections IRL during five jam-packed days that led up to a night at the museum.

In true New Yorker fashion, street-style usuals like Lauren Santo Domingo, Richie Shazam, and Rachel Seville Tashjian opted for all-black ensembles. Whether it was sleek tailoring or interesting silhouettes or shoes and accessories, these looks were just as striking as their brightly colored and loud printed counterparts. Head-to-toe black isn’t the least bit dull when cutout tops, balloon-shaped pants, or textured fabrics are incorporated. So if you find you’re out of ideas on what to wear, you can never go wrong with the iconic New York uniform—the effortlessly chic and unendingly cool.

Ahead, eight all-black outfits captured on the streets during New York Fashion Week to inspire your ensembles for fall. Nobody wears black better than New Yorkers.

Photographed by Phil Oh

Elevated Basics

Opt for a cool pant silhouette and a visually striking long sleeve top for an update to the basic jeans and T-shirt.

Everlane utility barrel pants

Photographed by Phil Oh

Striking Suiting

There are few things better than ultra-sleek, all-black suiting—plus the suit vest is having a moment too.

& Other Stories oversized buttoned vest

& Other Stories wide-flared trousers

Photographed by Phil Oh

Well Embellished

Give your all-black look some shine with added embellishment, from gold charms to crystal accents.

Bode Appenzeller Ohio embellished jacket

Miu Miu cat-eye crystal-embellished acetate sunglasses

Photographed by Phil Oh

Pushing Buttons

Button-front details add a nice contrast to fall’s black dresses.

Sandro knit midi shirtdress

Stella McCartney small chain faux leather shoulder bag

Photographed by Phil Oh

Printed Matter

Okay, it still counts if the prints are black-based—especially when incorporating onyx-colored accessories.

Chopova Lowena Taz corset flocked-cotton midi dress

Photographed by Phil Oh

Soft to the Touch

Plain black won’t fall flat if it offers a little something extra: A bit of texture, like cloque or puffed padding, goes a long way.

Cecilie Bahnsen Clara puff sleeve minidress

Coach pillow Tabby shoulder bag

Photographed by Phil Oh

Anchored Embroidery

Not-so-subtle statements feel grounded when anchored with black, like this embroidered dress and embellished sandal.

Muzungu Sisters floral-embroidered silk dress

Roger Vivier Viv’ Rangers strass buckle sandals in leather

Photographed by Phil Oh

Gold Dust

Gold hardware adds a nice contrast for an elegant, evening-ready look.

Boutique Moschino single-breasted fitted blazer

Proenza Schouler Rolo fringed leather shoulder bag