Plum and black is how to look dramatic this fall without looking loud. These five outfits put plum cashmere, jersey, suede and silk satin with black cady, leather, lace and denim. Let plum be the jewel and black handle the rest.
Plum and Black Outfits to Try This Fall
At the January 2021 inauguration, Michelle Obama wore a plum-colored suit by Sergio Hudson: a flowing overcoat, a fitted turtleneck and wide-leg pants, all in the same shade. Business Insider noted that she finished it with a gold belt at the waist, black gloves and a black face mask. It was the outfit everyone talked about that day, and the black accents are a big part of why it worked.
Plum and black is what I wear when I want to look dramatic but not loud. Plum is a dark color with a lot of warmth in it, somewhere between burgundy and purple, and black makes it look richer. Together they read as evening even at breakfast, which I mean as a compliment.
A quick test: wear one plum piece with black everywhere else. If the plum looks like a jewel rather than a bruise, you have the right shade.
Plum Bag and Heels, Black Tote and Belt
Balenciaga's Le City is back, in glossy plum leather with the studs, tassels and little mirror tag, and it is the loudest thing in this edit. Amina Muaddi's Holli slingbacks are plum suede on her flared martini-glass heel. For black, Studio Nicholson's Hoho tote is a plain pebbled leather bag on a long strap, and Givenchy's belt is black leather with an oval buckle and a gold tip. Put the plum pieces with an all-black outfit and you are done.
A Plum Cardigan, Black Cady Trousers
Allude's cardigan is plum cashmere with a crew neck and round, full sleeves, and Maticevski's Afterword trousers are black cady, straight and long with a pressed crease. Jacquemus' Collant boots are black leather that fits close up to the knee like a sock, on a little kitten heel. Balmain's 64-83 bag is a black leather baguette with gold tips. How to wear it: button the cardigan up and wear it as a top so the plum sits close to your face.
A Black Turtleneck, a Plum Jersey Skirt
Citizens of Humanity's Caradene turtleneck is slim black rib, and Rabanne's midi skirt is plum jersey gathered at one hip so it drapes and swirls when you walk. Jennifer Chamandi's Brando boots are black lace-ups with a patent toe cap, a little Victorian, and Vivienne Westwood's Dolce bag is black leather with a gold chain and the Orb logo. What I would skip: plum tights. Black legs keep it sharp.
The Plum Jersey Dress and a Black Wool Coat
Self-Portrait's maxi dress is plum jersey, ruched through the bodice with short sleeves and a long, fluid skirt. Sportmax's Arena coat is short black wool with a collar and a row of bright silver buttons, which makes the dress feel more like day. Tory Burch's Fellini boots are tall black leather with a gold logo strap at the ankle, and Lié Studio's Grace tote is black suede, square and soft. This is the outfit for a dinner where you want to be the best dressed person there without looking like you tried.
Plum Satin, Black Lace and Black Jeans
Heirlome's Sybil blouse is plum silk satin with a draped cowl at the neck, the dressiest plum in the edit. Wear it with RRL's high-rise wide-leg jeans in black, which keep it from looking like a wedding guest outfit. Comme des Garçons' top is the alternative, a crumpled cloud of black lace and georgette ruffles you could also throw over the blouse like a little jacket (very Rei Kawakubo). Amina Muaddi's Ami pumps are black croc-effect leather on that same flared heel.
Let Plum Be the Jewel
Plum and black works best when plum gets one or two pieces and black handles the rest, the way a ring sits in a black velvet box. Look for plum in shiny or soft textures, like satin, suede, glossy leather and cashmere, because they show off the depth of the color. A plum that leans pinkish can look flat next to black, so go darker. A plum knit with black trousers is the outfit to try first.
