There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt. Still, there’s something about going back to basics at the dawn of a new season that feels especially right. Enter the tried-and-true minimalist uniform: the black-and-white outfit.

A longtime fashion-girl favorite, the look is clean, refined, and, perhaps best of all, leaves ample room for playful styling tricks—think tassel scarves worn as cumberbunds, lace sarongs, and even fringe belts. During Copenhagen Fashion Week, the monochrome palette appeared on nearly every showgoer—a stark contrast to the week’s historically maximalist approach. One look in particular was on our radar: a long-sleeve white tee with a simple black satin slip skirt, finished with a pair of elegant velvet slippers. The result was casual, comfortable, and entirely cool.

Other standout looks include tailored black Bermuda shorts with a bright white pump, a ruffled skirt layered atop simple white jeans, and collarless leather jacket made modern with a white column skirt. Recreate these and more black-and-white outfits that hold the key to chic transitional dressing.

Photographed by Acielle/ Style Du Monde