Fashion Goes Back To Black

PHOENIX shows you two ways to style autumn’s darkest trend

For years it was the uniform of Fashion Editors everywhere – a second skin that renders its wearer chic yet severe, and signifies your membership in the I’m-so-important-I-dont-even-need-to-try club. But this summer the street stylers of London braved black on black (on black) with Birkenstocks and tanned limbs, and kickstarted the sleek trend which has no intention of fading away for autumn.

Creating this look is simple. There is no need to go out and spend a small fortune on new clothes – you can easily it piece together from your pre-existing wardrobe. For a laid back vibe, experiment with black in a variety of contrasting fabrics, to create a dynamic yet unified aesthetic; we love Balmain’s rock ‘n’ roll leather trousers, thrown together with a chic slogan tee and a furry McQueen clutch, while a simple masculine time-keeper adds a subtle streak of silver.

For a more sophisticated take on the trend, experiment with sculptural silhouettes in rich, thick fabrics. Perfect for September’s transitional weather, this sleek Stella McCartney number looks lovely with bare legs (to avoid any Victorian-schoolteacher connotations) and pointed ladylike flats, and finished with a matching statement necklace and classic leather holdall. Audrey Hepburn eat your heart out.