Hold the Basic Button-Downs—*This* Is the Shirt Trend to Wear With Black Trousers Come Fall
Want to make your black trousers feel fresh this fall? This elevated shirt trend will do the trick.
Fall is around the corner, and no matter your style, there's a good chance you'll be looking for endless ways to wear your tailored black trousers. For those who want to create a very 2026 outfit, skip the predictable white button-down shirt or tee and opt for an elevated alternative like a tuxedo shirt—a blouse with stitching on the front to create a bib-like shape. One celebrity recently making the case for it is Monica Barbaro.
In NYC this week, the actress starring in the new movie One Night Only was spotted in a sophisticated pants ensemble. She wore a look from Tom Ford's Pre-Fall 2026 collection, which featured a striped tuxedo shirt and high-rise black trousers with a thin belt. She completed the outfit with classic black pumps and cat-eye sunglasses.
On Monica Barbaro: Tom Ford Pre-Fall 2026 shirt and trousers
Those in the know may be aware that the tuxedo shirt is quietly trending. Most notably, it appeared on the Chanel runway in March when Matthieu Blazy presented his S/S 26 collection for the fashion house. The shirt, designed in collaboration with French shirtmaker Charvet, was a white oversized style with a red script "Chanel" underneath one side of the bib, and it was paired with an asymmetrical black skirt. Funny enough, the same shirt was worn by front-row attendee Nicole Kidman, who styled it with gray trousers and black pumps. All that's to say one thing is certain: expect to see a lot more of the understated yet luxe hero piece in the coming months.
If you're inspired to shop, keep scrolling to discover my curated edit of tuxedo shirts to wear with black pants, as well as jeans and maxi skirts.
Shop Tuxedo Shirts:
The British brand With Nothing Underneath has been worn by Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and many of NYC-based fashion editors.
I love this colorway.
This shirt was styled with white jeans for Ralph Lauren's S/S 26 runway show.
Just add a bralette and black pants.
This looks very similar to Barbaro's designer shirt.
Get to know 63997, the workwear-inspired New York-based fashion label.
Sale alert!
You can't go wrong.
Hurry, this one is already selling out.
