Sometimes, the best outfits are the simplest ones.
The ones you can just throw on, that you don’t have to think too hard about, but that still feel chic and put-together.
There is rarely a more perfect way of achieving that than an all-black ensemble, like the one I am wearing here. I wear black constantly throughout the fall and winter and love to have a variety of black staple pieces on hand that I can reach for no matter what.
In case you are new to fashion or if you just did not know, staple pieces are the workhorses of your wardrobe. They’re items you wear again and again. They are ones that you rework endlessly into different outfits for different occasions. Staple pieces are items that you have for years to come, as well (not necessarily the same exact one, but the same style). You would feel lost without them in your closet, and they would be items you would repurchase immediately if anything happened to them.
When it comes to black staple pieces in my wardrobe for fall, I cannot live without little black dresses, black long sleeved turtlenecks, black flats, black ankle and tall boots, a black handbag, black slouchy sweaters and black tights. If I were someone who wore jeans often, I’d probably also have a pair of black jeans included in that list.
You may think that having a bulk of your wardrobe in all black would be boring, but that is definitely not the case. While it is true a few of my items are rather plain (these are essentials for creating a complete outfit), I always try to look for black basics with special details. Something that sets it apart from what I already have and from what others already have. That’s a fantastic way to sprinkle on your own personal spin/style on staple pieces.
For example, I am constantly looking for black booties with interesting details. I’ve got some with studs, pearls, gold rivets, and buckles. Something that will add a little area of interest and some pizazz if the outfit I’m wearing is otherwise pretty standard.
When it comes to little black dresses, I love the little details. Take for example the dress I am wearing here. From far away, you can’t really tell anything specific about the dress, but up close you can notice the beautiful swiss dot and lace details and the delicate puff sleeves. I have a feeling I am going to get a ton of wear out of this during the fall. It’s a light cotton so it’s breathable for the hot days still ahead, but it’s going to layer nicely with jackets and boots when the weather chills. It’s also under $50!
The flats I am wearing are such a classic. I have a pointed toe pair from Valentino that I snagged on a super sale from Bergdorf Goodman when they did extra 30 percent off clearance last year (one of my best tips for buying designer items – their sales are legendary). Those are absolutely gorgeous, but I wanted a pair that felt a little more casual and everyday. The leather on these are so stinking soft and comfortable that they needed 0 time to break in, and the darling little bow and charm make the sweetest details. These are super similar, as well!
My bag is an oldie but goodie from Kate Spade. I have always been drawn to smaller bags, and my boyfriend got me this one for Christmas a couple of years ago. The size is perfect, the bow detail is just adorable, and I have gotten so much use out of this bag. It’s the perfect addition to round off an all-black outfit.
Below, I’ve included a collection of other black staple items that will be wonderful options for anyone’s wardrobe. Let me know in the comments what your favorite black clothing pieces or accessories are. I would love to hear about them!
