Coco Chanel once said: 'Women think of all colours except the absence of colour. I have said that black has it all. ... [Its] beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.'
Here at ELLE, we couldn't agree more.
From duster coats and embroidered knits in the office to satin neck ties and gel manicures for post-work drinks, the noir hue is timeless, effortless and screams the Parisian chic aesthetic, long coveted by us Brits.
And, fortunately, as the nights draw in and the weather gets colder this autumn, we have another excuse to kick start our winter wardrobe shopping and, better yet, indulge in our favourite colour palette.
And there's no better place to start than with footwear.
In the world of shoe-dom, there are three winter shoe styles that are certified to go with everything – a classic high court, a midi-heel pump and a pointed toe ankle boot, all available from the Clarks Black Edit collection.
ELLE's Executive Fashion & Beauty Director Kirsty Dale says: 'The midi-heel black court shoe has long been a wardrobe staple, but add to this a pair of classic high courts and some all essential black boots and you will be fully prepped for all Autumn/Winter occasions.
'We are embracing a return to heels this season, after a heavy reliance on our trainers-with-everything summer and this trio of footwear offers an easy wardrobe solution,' she adds.
Here's how to style the triad this season:
Patent courts with socks
Using Alexa Chung and Debbie Harry as inspiration, style ribbed black ankle socks with a pair of Dinah Keer shoes to add dimension and texture to your 70s rock look.
On top, layer monochrome clothes in embossed leathers, tweed, heavy knits with leopard print and keep hemlines short to accentuate the length of the leg.
Ankle boots and miniskirts
The ankle boot is a perennially stylish wardrobe essential for winter.
This winter, make the ankle boot the focal point of your outfit by choosing a leather point toe boot, such as the Dinah Pixie shoe, that lengthens your spine (and therefore makes you appear taller) with a miniskirt or playsuit.
Accessorise with an oversized black coat and a simple leather cross-body bag to compliment the look.
Classic high court with cropped flares
In recent months, cropped flares and 'mum' jeans have risen – quite literally – to Everest status in the fashion world, thanks to the likes of A-listers like Olivia Palermo to Gigi Hadid.
Pair classic courts – in suede or patent leather – with a denim or structured trouser that cuts mid-calf. For added points, stay on-trend with a frayed hem to contrast the formality of the shoe.
Style with a fitted shirt to create a lean silhouette or an oversized knit for a more relaxed vibe.
Black – the failsafe fashion trend that never goes out of style.
