The Classic Color That's Dominating Street Style During Couture Week in Paris

by Eliza Huber

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

As much as people like to say that fashion people only wear black, that hasn't really been the case in recent years. Sure, the classic color has shown its face during fashion weeks across the globe, but not at the same rate that it once did, when it clearly dominated street style and runway collections alike. Instead, loud, maximalist shades have, in many ways, taken over, as have hyper-minimal hues like ivory, soft gray, and white. Black, in turn, has become less ubiquitous in many ways.

That all changed, though, in Paris this week during the Haute Couture Week shows, where the chicest members of the industry came to witness the unveiling of fashion's most prestigious collections for fall 2023 from brands such as Alaïa, Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Dior. There, black reigned supreme in the way of formfitting dresses, midriff-baring separates, sleek suiting, and more. Scroll down to see fashion people's best black looks on the streets of Paris this week.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A simple halter dress and ballet flats will always be a chic option, whether you're running errands or heading to an elite fashion event.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

This two-piece that Mytheresa's VP of fashion buying, Tiffany Hsu, wore to the Alaïa show is next-level chic, from the bra-like details on the top to the super-sleek maxi length of her skirt.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Caroline Daur never fails to show up to runway events looking glamorous. For proof, see her all-black look comprised of a spaghetti-strap dress, sunglasses, and strappy heels from the Paris shows.

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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

Tracee Ellis Ross is always the star of the show—period. It doesn't matter who else is in attendance. If she's there, she'll be winning best dressed.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

This micro minidress on Tommy Dorfman might be simple and unassuming, but that doesn't take away from its classic beauty.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Christine Centenera, Vogue Australia's editor in chief and the founder of one of fashion's favorite basics, brands Wardrobe.NYC, is known for making all-black outfits look anything but boring and done before, and she proved why during Haute Couture Week. This strong-shouldered dress is both maximalist and minimalist at the same time.

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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

No one goes all out for a couture show quite like Cardi B, whose look for the Schiaparelli fall 2023 couture collection debut was downright stunning, from the exaggerated waist on her strapless black maxi dress to the gold jewelry she paired with it.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

A structured black minidress will always be chic, especially if it's velvet and paired with sleek shades and strappy sandals.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Alaïa's hooded-dress selection, modeled here by Amber Valletta on the street outside of the Paris show, is single-handedly making jersey dresses dreamy again.

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Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Sophia Roe's street style this week has been off-the-charts good, but my personal favorite look was this black ensemble that she wore to the Alexandre Vauthier show alongside the white The Row heels that everyone's talking about this season.

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

When in doubt, put on a beautiful off-the-shoulder blouse and some simple trousers. Let the sandals and bag be the stars of the show.

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