If you’re looking to experiment with your fashion choices, don’t be afraid to look back at monochromatic outfits. While many of us think of only wearing neutral colors, especially black, when it comes to monochromatic outfits, you certainly aren’t limited. However, you’d be surprised how many ways you can truly dress up a monochromatic outfit, as well as how easy it is.
Do you need a few tips for creating the perfect monochrome outfit? What if you’re on a budget and you only want to work with the pieces in your closet? And what do industry experts have to say about building an outfit that’s mainly just one color? If you need help, this might be the perfect article for you. Keep reading to ensure you avoid the fashion-don’ts and grab some well-deserved attention with your monochromatic look.
Stick to Just One Print
If you’re struggling to include just one color in your monochrome outfit, allow yourself to use a little pattern. However, there are a couple of things to remember if you do this. “Try not to include too many prints,” starts Omid Semino, the CEO and Founder of Diamond Mansion. “This might take away from the singular color you’re trying to feature.”
This can also be summarized a little differently: “Simplicity is the key note of all true elegance,” as Coco Chanel says. While sticking to just one print is not a hard and fast rule, it might be helpful to remember that some of the best outfits look best if they’re simple. That might mean only choosing one or two patterns instead of including print on most of your pieces.
Mix Textures
You might also think that you’re restricted to liking textures while you’re styling, but this definitely doesn’t have to be the case. “I love mixing blue denim with flowy fabrics,” explains Ann McFerran, the CEO of Glamnetic. “I’ve never found this to take away from a blue outfit, and actually makes it easier to coordinate.”
If you’re looking for some suggestions, you can try playing with light in your wardrobe. “One of my favorite texture combinations is velvet with anything,” says Gigi Ji, the Head of Brand and Business Development at Kokolu. “It’s a great way to play with light and draw in a little extra fun attention.” Velvet is definitely becoming quite the popular option because it refracts light in a delicate way, so this might be fun and beginner friendly.
Coordinate Your Metals
If you have the flexibility, it might also be a good idea to try to focus on matching your jewelry and hardware to your outfit as well. Karim Hachem, the VP of eCommerce at Maxine of Hollywood, claims, “You don’t always need to, but try to coordinate your metals with your outfits. If you’re wearing yellow, try to wear gold, for example.”
Doing something like this will make your outfit look especially tailored and fancy if that’s what you’re looking for. You might also consider wearing silver or white gold if you want to wear all white or gray. Remember to do the same with any hardware on your bags or purses, as well.
Use Different Shades of the Same Color
“If your goal is to go monochromatic for the day,” begins Karim Hachem, the VP of eCommerce at La Blanca, “don’t think you have to wear the exact same shade. Wear varying purples if you’re wearing purple, yellows if you’re wearing yellow, and so on.” In other words, you don’t need to worry about wearing exactly matching colors.
Many colors don’t work in the same way black typically does. What I mean by this is, that you don’t need to make sure all of your hues are the same shade intensity and warmth in the way you might need to with black or white. So wear 12 different shades of purple in one look and be completely pleased with the gorgeous outcome you get.
Feature Some Statement Shoes
Haim Medine, the Creative Director of Mark Henry, thinks that “Going monochromatic is a great way to feature some of your favorite shoes in your outfit. Maybe it’s got some major hardware and it’s not even in a matching color, but that’s okay. Let your shoes shine for once.” This is definitely a great reason to break out the shoes you’ve been dying to wear.
And if you’re worried about justifying purchases of statement pieces, have no fear. As Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs explain, “Life’s too short to wear boring clothes.” Indeed, being able to pull out your favorite statement shoes and pieces comes with such a feeling of fulfillment. Show off those spikes, tassels, or crazy patterns you’ve been hiding from the world. Those definitely don’t belong in the back of your closet, and they’re ready to come out.
Add a Couple of Accessories
If you want to step up your monochromatic outfit game, just as with regular outfits, try to accessorize. Try to pair jewelry pieces, shoes, bags, or anything else you might have hidden in your closet. As long as it’s the same color as the rest of your monochrome outfit, you can be absolutely sure it belongs!
Or, in other words: “How do you make a monochromatic outfit really work?” asks Zach Goldstein, the CEO of Public Rec. “Pick matching accessories. You’d be surprised by how much a matching purse can make you look incredibly put together. A burgundy purse with your little red dress? Yes!”
While there are some people who think you can go too over-the-top in this way, you shouldn’t need to be scared of accessories. As long as you think you look good, you’re doing this whole fashion thing correctly. So wear those green earrings with your emerald-colored dress, match your shoes if you can, and walk out onto the town in style.
Feature a Splash of a Different Color
If you really need a purse but desperately want to go monochrome, you don’t necessarily need to worry about buying a brand new bag to make your outfit “work.” Jordyn McKay, the Social Media Manager of Chirpyest, says, “Bend the rules! You don’t need to go 100 percent monochromatic. Put in a splash of color that complements the rest of your outfit and give that piece a chance to stand out!”
You can do this with a well-loved belt, different colored socks or pantyhose, or with a fun print on a graphic tee, as well. You’ll be especially successful with this tactic if you select a color that you know goes well with the predominant hues in your outfit. Many people will use neutrals for these color splashes, but you can also do this with other colors of the rainbow. Add some yellow to your blue outfit, some green to your pretty pink fashion statement, and almost anything else you can imagine.
Play With Silhouettes
If you’ve been wanting to experiment a little bit more with your silhouettes, maybe monochrome is the way to break out of your comfort zone. “If you’ve been afraid of going really big or especially body-con,” explains the CEO of Ourself, Vimla Black Gupta, “Going monochrome gives you a bit more permission to experiment. It looks a little less overwhelming because there are fewer elements to take in.” And I definitely believe this to be true.
Monochrome outfits really allow you to get a little more experimental on a day-to-day basis. You can pick out more pieces with cut-outs, wear extra flowy sleeves or skirts, or just really try to accentuate the parts of your body that you love. This might be especially fun if you’re petite, as monochromatic looks tend to create a long, continuous line of color up and down your body. Look a little taller, create a little confidence with the new shapes, and carry on.
While this certainly isn’t the only way to experiment with silhouettes and you should feel the need to limit yourself, this may be one of the most beginner-friendly ways to start changing up the looks you’re ready to wear out of the house.
Pick Colors That Look Great on You
Rachel Reid, the CEO of Subtl Beauty, explains, “Wear things that look great on you and you love. Pick pieces that look gorgeous against your skin.” This is a great way to keep things simple, as well as guide you in the right direction if you’re new to exploring fashion. If you’re looking to get better at finding pieces you’ll love quickly, this is a wonderful way to narrow down your options when you’re staring down the shelves.
Odds are, you’ve already got some colors you love to wear for one reason or another. Don’t be afraid to wear an ensemble full of those items you already know you love, even if they’re all in the same color family. You’ll likely be enchanted with the way you look, as well as impress everyone who sees you.
Creating a gorgeous monochromatic look doesn’t need to feel difficult, even if you still consider yourself to be a beginner in the world of fashion. Use these helpful tips to make your fashion journey a little easier, and don’t be afraid to have some fun!