Black sleeveless turtleneck with belted wide-leg trousers

A black ribbed knit turtleneck, sleeveless and fitted, tucked into black wide-leg trousers with a high waist, single pleats and a wide leg that falls to the floor. A black leather belt with a square gold buckle marks the waist. Black leather pumps with a pointed toe and a slim heel, a small black bag on the table, and a black leather biker jacket hung on the back of the chair for later.

All black, but with three different surfaces so it does not go flat: rib knit on top, matte wool below, leather on the belt and the jacket. Spring and autumn, a bistro chair on a pavement, a coffee stirred for longer than it needs. The sleeveless neck is the trick: it shows the arms and the ink and still looks dressed. Jacket on when the sun goes.

I answer messages at this table. Three days late, but at this table.