14 All-Black Winter Outfits Perfect for Days When You Can’t Be Bothered

The key to making any monochrome look work (especially those in darker hues) is to mix up the fabrics. So rather than wearing a matching wool blazer and trousers, swap in a leather or silk jacket instead. The contrasting materials give depth to your ensemble and help maintain your figure, even if you opt for looser silhouettes.

Shop similar styles: Remi x Revolve Chloe Faux-Leather Blazer ($140); Vuori Lux Crewneck Top ($64); Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Pants ($90); B-Low the Belt Taos Belt ($106); Charles & Keith Drawstring Bucket Bag ($76; $69); Reformation Agatha Loafers ($268)

Another way to avoid turning into a shapeless void is to choose pieces that help define your shape. For example, a curve-hugging skirt paired with a chunky sweater that hits right at your waist. The result is an outfit with plenty of coverage to fight winter’s chill, but that doesn’t feel frumpy. P.S. Pointy-toe shoes can further help elongate your frame.

Shop similar styles: L’Academie Lucia Cropped Turtleneck Sweater ($168); M.M.LaFleur Orchard Skirt ($295); Tory Burch Small Perry Bag ($398); Sam Edelman Hazel Heels ($150)

Another great mix of fabrics, this look combines rock-n-roll leather with girly Mary Jane flats and a classic preppy trench. While it might be tough to make so many different aesthetics work together in one outfit if you’re rocking multiple colors or patterns, in head-to-toe black it comes off uniformly chic.

Shop similar styles: Mango Oversize Wool Coat ($170); Quince Mongolian Cashmere Sweater ($50); Old Navy Faux-Leather Pants ($55); Stradivarius Studded Belt ($22); Free People Platform Mary Janes ($178)

Balance the sexy vibes of a slim-fitting knit dress with a structured blazer and lug-sole ankle boots. In terms of lengths, opt for a jacket that hits either just below or just above your hips and a dress that hits somewhere between mid-calf and right below the knee for a perfectly proportioned look.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Oversize Blazer ($57); Rails Mila Sweater Dress ($268); Polène No7 Crossbody Bag ($210); Thursday Boot Co. Dynasty Boots ($190)

A cable knit or otherwise textured sweater will pop against plain denim better than smooth cashmere. That said, sometimes you really do need a splash of contrasting color to keep things fresh. Opt for white, gray or even dark green sneakers to prevent your loose-fit jeans from looking sloppy.

Shop similar styles: Something Navy Cable Knit Sweater ($225; $135); Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans ($108); Kate Spade Sadie Bag ($109); Cariuma Canvas Sneakers ($79)

We adore the peek-a-boo effect of this sheer tulle midi skirt, but for those who’d prefer not to show quite so much skin, a silk, sequin or even a fully lined tulle skirt will work just as well. As for footwear, stick with pointed toes or Mary Janes over clunky ankle boots or demure ballet flats.

Shop similar styles: Lucy Paris Two-Button Blazer ($128); Rouje Laure Belt ($125); Boden Polka Dot Tulle Dress ($320; $96); Cole Haan Bridge Mary Janes ($150)

Remember when we suggested swapping either your suit jacket or pants for something in a different fabric? Well, adding small pops of color is another way to give some definition to a matching black two-piece. Brighter shades obviously work better than dark navy or gray, but you don’t have to stick to neutrals only. A bright pink, icy blue or even a print will also work.

Shop similar styles: J.Crew Willa Blazer ($278) and Wide-Leg Pants ($198); Naadam Essential Cashmere Sweater ($75); Athleta Midtown Button Up Shirt ($98); Allbirds Wool Pipers Sneakers ($110)

Another cute balancing act, this combo actually works beautifully with any mix of colors or patterns. The knit material offers just enough volume to be proportionate with a wide-leg silhouette (leather or not), while elbow-length sleeves offer warmth without looking bulky. Bookmark this one to repeat with all your favorite sweaters and trousers.

Shop similar styles: Uniqlo Merino Short-Sleeve Sweater ($30); Banana Republic Wide-Leg Leather Pants ($750); Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Mini Bag ($548); Sam Edelman Wanda Pointy-Toe Flats ($130)

Of course you can opt for a black shoe if you prefer, but we prefer an unexpected pop to punctuate a uniform jumpsuit. It also makes it easier to find shoes that work with a faux-leather one-piece, as black leather shoes can end up looking either too matchy-matchy or not matchy enough. If you do want to rock a black shoe, look for one that leaves some space between the hem of your pants and your footwear and try something a little outside the box like mohair, sherpa or satin.

Shop similar styles: Bebe Faux-Leather Jumpsuit ($149); Nina Shoes Stacie Heels ($99; $70)

Black leggings and a matching black sweatshirt may work for the weekends, but for days when you need to dress to impress you’ll need something a bit more posh. Slip on some knee-high boots and layer a booty-covering jacket (like a blazer or tweed style) over top. The result is more equestrian chic and less “headed to the gym.”

Shop similar styles: Uniqlo Lambswool Sweater ($40); NA-KD Oversize Twill Blazer ($102); L.L.Bean Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($25); Aerie Offline Leggings ($25); Aerosoles Waterproof Boots ($170; $85)

Suede over-the-knee boots can feel heavy when worn with leggings and a chunky sweater, but a lace frock breathes new life into the early aughts wardrobe staple. You don’t need to forgo a slip altogether, just opt for a style that shows some pops of skin to balance out your full-coverage footwear.

Shop similar styles: ASOS Broderie Midi Dress ($225); Marc Fisher Mayko Over-the-Knee Boots ($149; $90)

The ultimate cold-weather fabric combo, cozy sherpa fleece and warm faux-leather will keep you toasty on even the chilliest winter nights. P.S. We suggest you opt for a slim-fit T-shirt or thinner knit to offset voluminous wide-leg pants and an oversize coat.

Shop similar styles: ALO Oversize Teddy Coat ($298); Italic Mila Cashmere Sweater ($150); Wilfred Melina Faux-Leather Pants ($148; $110); BP Niya Chelsea Boots ($70)

Loose-fit jeans don’t necessitate a tight top to help you maintain your figure. You could also try a cropped anorak as a way to shake things up. And be sure to roll your hems to give your ankles some shape as well.

Shop similar styles: The North Face Ripstop Wind Jacket ($119); Agolde Lana Jeans ($178); Coach Jade Boots ($133)

Don’t save your fringed frocks or sequin minis for special occasions only. Adding a tailored jacket over the top instantly gives stand-out, party-ready styles a more casual vibe so you can get more use out of those specialty items.

Shop similar styles: Good American Faux-Leather Jacket ($195); Ronny Kobo Kaipo Knit Dress ($578)