I love an all-black outfit, but keeping it fresh is always the challenge. The trick is mixing textures and updated silhouettes, and that’s what I was going for when I put this look together. I wore it in New York City last week, and it felt just right for the fall-like weather we were having. It features my new 90s-inspired leather jacket paired with fresh black denim—a chic combo that’s perfect for transitional weather. Let’s break it down.
Michael Kors Short Leather Jacket (S) (option for less) // EVEREVE Bevan Crew Neck Sweater (S) (option for less) // FRAME The Lax in Set List (also at EVEREVE), (29) (option for less) // similar Vince boots (8) (option for less) // FRAME belt (M) (option for less) // Celine sunnies (option for less) // similar bag // Jenny Bird earrings (on sale) // similar J.Crew link bracelet (on sale)
This leather jacket turned out to be my sleeper pick from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I didn’t notice it at first, but it caught my eye later on (fortunately before the sale ended!) and I decided to give it a try. I love that it’s not a bomber or a moto, and the 90s-inspired vibe feels fresh and fun for the season. The quality is excellent, too, so I’m thrilled I managed to snag it on sale. If you’re looking for something similar at a lower price point, I found a great option at Quince.
These FRAME jeans are another recent discovery I came across at EVEREVE while researching denim trends, and I knew I had to try them. Made from rigid cotton denim, they have a high-rise fit with a relaxed wide-leg flare silhouette that feels like a fresh update to the more fitted flares I’ve been wearing the past few seasons. The structure gives them a vintage charm, while the shape has that same leg-lengthening effect I love, but with a more modern, laid-back vibe.
Since we’re still getting warm afternoons, I layered a sleeveless black sweater under the jacket. I love how the polished gold buttons on the shoulder elevate the simple design, and the luxe knit adds a nice contrast to the toughness of the leather jacket and faded black denim. That way, even without the jacket, it still feels like a complete outfit.
To tie it all together, I added a black leather belt with a gold buckle that ties in with the buttons on the top, and I like how it creates a focal point and breaks up the look when I’m wearing the jacket. This belt is wider than some of my others, and I chose it intentionally because I felt like the outfit called for a larger-scale accessory. It keeps the look balanced without feeling too dressy.
I finished the outfit with black leather booties and a black leather shoulder bag, but this is where a suede piece would have added another layer of texture. I do have black suede booties that would work beautifully, but I didn’t bring them to NYC since it was rainy. A slouchy black suede bag would also be a great option—something still on my wish list! All that said, I was really happy with how the look came together.
So that’s the full look! I feel like it strikes the perfect balance of simple and a little edgy, which is just right for this in-between weather. I know I’ll be reaching for these pieces a lot this fall, both together and on their own.
Hopefully this post inspires you to shop your closet and try a monochromatic look of your own. Even if black isn’t your vibe, you can create something similar with just about any color palette.
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photo credit: Kate McReynolds Photography
33 Responses
Note to self: buy buttons to add to tops! I love this look, Jo-Lynne. I do like a column of color. Enjoy your trip!
Great idea!
That’s a great idea!
Nice look! I live in Nashville area and was at opry mills mall today and I thought I saw you….. I actually asked the lady if her name was Jolynn. I figured why not! Well, it’s wasn’t you but she definitely was your twin. I showed her your picture and you would be twining! Anyways, happy
Monday and thanks for the post!
That’s so funny! I was not there yesterday, I can confirm that was not me. 🙂
Love, love, love this outfit on you! I just returned the Frame Lux jeans as I felt that they were too bell bottomed for me and am still looking for the perfect black jean for the fall. Waiting for the Paige Anissa to arrive, although I have my doubts about them as I really wanted a finished hem (I do have them in blue, and they are my favorite jean currently), we shall see. I’m very tempted to try the Quince leather jacket, it looks gorgeous and the price is definitely right.
You look great!
Why thank you!
Looks great on you! I prefer maybe a pop of color for jacket & maybe a navy top and bottom. Black is not your friend for tops as you might expect over a certain age – navy softer. I am not a basic person as much as I need to be as styles are running that way. I like extra pretty sweaters and blouses – dream of them returning , ha! I can wear jeans all day every day but I like the specialness of cute tops to offset the jeans. I can dream on I know. 🙂
Navy head to toe would be beautiful.
Thanks, I really enjoyed a good o’le fashion outfit post. It felt great to really dissect an outfit.
Do you like the Michael Kors black leather jacket better or the Marc Andrew from the Anniversary sale that you showed ?
I think I do. I like the collar better.
I like this look on you! Have fun in Nashville!
I LOVE the NYC backdrop! Can’t wait to see more.
Love this on you!
Great outfit. Please do a post on finding a great pair of black jeans. Have fun in Nashville. we are heading there soon.
I really love your NYC Urban-chic look! I especially like the gold accents since I would normally wear silver with black. And that jacket, I have one exactly like yours that I have had since….the 90’s!! Believe it or not. It is Charter Club from Macy’s and has only gotten softer over the many years! I will try to style for a Wednesday post! Enjoy your trip back to Nashville!
That is so cool. Guess you’re glad you saved that jacket!
Love this outfit! And love it on you. Looks great. I am definitely a black-column girl, usually with a contrast layer, but sometimes black monochrome is IT. (My two “basic” capsule colors for fall/winter are black and ivory/ecru/cream. One of my fave outfits is a black sweater with black pants with an ivory leather jacket.)
Love this look! I’m mentally shopping my closet. I’m in Scotland at the moment and it’s been warmer than expected so dressing in layers. Cool mornings and evenings. Beautiful weather though!
This outfit looks very chic on you! You sure can pull off monochromatic in black!
Hi, Jo-Lynne
As you know, black is always perfect for NYC! Your look is great!
On a travel note, I will be in Iceland in 2 weeks, too. Can’t wait to see all the amazing natural wonders. We might even be surprised and see the northern lights. Maybe I’ll cross paths with you. As for warm clothes, I was very lucky purchasing items from Amazon. I know it’s not everyone’s first choice but the waterproof jacket, waterproof pants to wear over fleece leggings and the waterproof gloves all worked out very well. Lots of sizes and colors, too.
Of course, London and Scotland are wonderful. If you are in Glasgow, try to eat at the lovely Willow Tea Room and try to visit the Burrell Collection. Of course, in Edinburgh see the castle and walk the famous Royal Mile. There are great woolen shops that sell beautiful cashmere items and plaids. Don’t miss the shortbread. I hope you travel to the fantastic highlands and get to one of the islands. I highly recommend the Isle of Sky with amazing landscapes and a lovely silver shop and a pottery place as well.
Oh my goodness, if you see me, Please stop and say hi!!!! Thanks for the Glasgow and Edinburgh recs. And yes, we are going to the Highlands.
PS
In London, I recommend making a reservation for dinner at The Sky Garden. Great views and there’s a bar and outdoor terrace on the floor below. Close to the Tower of London. Another very nice restaurant is The Ivy. There are a few around London. Of course, eat at a pub. There are so many to choose from as you probably know. Can’t miss having fish and chips with mushy peas! The V & A museum is definitely a must as is Kensington Palace nearby. A ride on the Thames is perfect. There are “water taxis” so you can get on and off at different stops. Enjoy it all!
U go girl!! Loved that 90s style leather jacket from the beginning!
Great look Jo-Lynne!
Stunning! Love everything about this look, head to toe. You are one of the very few people I ‘know’ who can wear all black and look amazing in it!
Tres’ chic
Thank you for breaking down the components of a stylish monochromatic outfit. I just received the Old Navy wide leg jeans in the dark wash and I love them for fall outfits! If I do monochromatic in navy what color belt/shoes would you recommend?
You can do navy to keep it purely monochrome. But a contrast of chocolate brown would be really pretty too. And you may have more of those pieces already.
I love this outfit! All black with different textures looks so amazing. There’s just something timeless and chic about it. I wish I had seen the leather jacket during the sale. I’m looking for similar jeans, but I don’t think I can go with 100% cotton. I’ve tried rigid denim a couple of times, and it feels so stiff and heavy.
Note to self: bookmark this page. Its ideas, elements, and textures will introduce some fun and excitement into the winter months when all black becomes a uniform of sorts here in the Northwest US.