Living in New York City, I have a front-row seat to some of the world's best dressers. Looking at runways is great, but there's no determinate of trends better than seeing what really chic people are actually wearing. For anyone I can't see up close and personal while perched at the corner of Mercer and Prince with a Campari spritz on the red-checkered tablecloth at Fanelli Cafe and my best outfit-scanning sunglasses atop my face, an Instagram feed full of elegant sartorialists in Paris, London, Copenhagen, Milan, and more does just fine. It's actually kind of perfect.
Right now, the chicest thing I'm seeing—both on the streets of New York and virtually in the most notable fashion cities in the world—is a shockingly easy-to-style color combination that's seemingly taking over the fashion world: gold and black. A great black belt with a gold buckle, point-toe black pumps with gold hardware, or an all-black ensemble with gold earrings and a matching bracelet—the styling options are endless. To prove just how elegant and effortless the pairing is, I collected nine ready to be copied outfits and dropped them below. Hop to it.
Hardware is at the center of this micro-trend, with belts, bag fasteners, and shoe embellishments dominating the space.
Shop the look:
This outfit is ridiculously simple, yet I see it and immediately want to go home and change into my own version of it. The gold bracelets and earrings really top it off perfectly.
Shop the look:
Who knew all it took to put together a great photo-worthy outfit was a leather jacket and big gold earrings?
Shop the look:
The gold-and-black trend has officially made its way to London, where versions of it are being debuted on the daily. For proof, just see this Hermès-clad ensemble.
Shop the look:
Something about pairing lace with gold accents is just so sleek, sexy, and Parisian to me.
Shop the look:
Though I most often associate the color combo with colder temperatures, it's surprisingly adaptable for warmer ones. Just swap out your black sweater for a poplin sundress, but keep the gold hoops.
Shop the look:
If you wear a lot of black during the fall and winter months like I do, you probably know how monotonous the color can get by the time December and January hit every year. By adding a gold belt, earrings, or watch, though, every look is instantly made more interesting.
Shop the look:
Going-out outfits are so simple when all you need to create a stellar one is an LBD, some oversize gold studs, and a pair of sheer tights.
Shop the look:
The next time you're in leggings but have to quickly change for a nice dinner or night out, just add a gold-hardware belt and some heels to match.
Shop the look:
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
I'm Clearing Out These Winter Trends and Buying These 7 Anti-Trend Alts InsteadThis for that.
-
The Pretty 2025 Color Trend That'll Dethrone Burgundy Just Got a Major EndorsementA celebrity endorsement, that is.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025Prepare your wardrobe.
-
Everything You Need to Look Elegant in 2025 Just Arrived at Nordstrom—EnjoyNew year, new clothes.
