How To Wear a Monochromatic Outfit // Wardrobe
How To Wear a Monochromatic Outfit
Monochromatic outfits are having a moment. You just need to scroll down my Instagram feed and you will see all my monochromatic outfits. Grey is one of my favorite colors which is a color in which I do monochromatic looks often.
While you may think that monochromatic outfits take less energy and thought they can be pretty tricky to get right, especially if you venture into bright colors or light neutrals. Monochromatic style takes some testing to find out what you like and what you will feel confident in.. If done correctly, a monochromatic look can be just as show-stopping as a patterned dress or statement jacket.
Let’s take a look at what is monochromatic, monochromatic colors, what makes up a monochromatic outfit and how to style existing pieces of your wardrobe into a stylish monochromatic outfit.
What is Monochromatic?
The word “monochromatic” breaks down into two pieces: “mono” meaning single and “chromatic” meaning color. So a monochromatic outfit would consist of pieces of one color.
This doesn’t mean that you would only wear solid black or solid red from head to toe. No, the joy of the monochromatic fashion trend is wearing different shades and tints of the same color, these are monochromatic colors.
If you take blue paint and add white to it in increments, the color of blue would progressively get lighter resulting in a variety of lighter blue tints. If you were to add black to blue, it would get progressively darker, resulting in a variety of darker shades. The light tints and dark shades of a single color are what is best used to create a monochromatic outfit.
Monochromatic Outfit Style Tips
Where do you begin? Your first step is maybe the simplest, start by selecting the color you want to wear. Make sure the color is one that looks great against your skin tone and hair, and that you feel comfortable in.
As an exercise in learning how to master the monochromatic style, let’s go into your closet and pull out all of the items you have in the color you want to wear. Make sure to get all your pants, skirts, dresses, cardigans, etc. Once you have the items laid out, start experimenting by combining your pieces into outfits. See what looks good together, what doesn’t work, and come up with several outfits that will be your go-to items.
Here are some style tips to keep in mind when putting together a monochromatic outfit:
Mix Textures and Patterns in your Monochrome Outfit:
Make sure you mix textures within your monochromatic outfit! You want to add visual interest, depth, and dimension to your look so it’s not one-dimensional or boring. Some texture combinations you can try pairing together are denim and chiffon, leather and cotton, suede and silk, wool and sequins.
And don’t forget your shoes or boots when it comes to texture. They play a role in adding interest to your outfit. Consider how leather, patent, suede, or satin shoes will work with the outfit you’re trying to create.
Or sequined heels!
Monochromatic outfits don’t just have to be made up of solid pieces; you can incorporate patterns or prints but be warned it would be a little more difficult to find a pattern that matches your color scheme.
To add visual interest and to break up the solid blocks of color, add a print piece made up of the same color you’re working with. You can also try adding a patterned shawl or scarf for fun.
2. Achieve Balance:
Remember balance when combining pieces. This is a rule for every outfit, not just monochromatic ones. You don’t want the one color to overwhelm you. Quite the contrary, you want it to make you look tall and lean. To achieve this, play with proportions.
For example, if you’re wearing a billowy top, make sure to pair it with fitted bottoms. With a full A-line skirt wear a form-fitting top.
3. Accentuate the Right Areas:
Accentuates the right areas of your body using the right color. When wearing the same color in different tints and shades, you want to pay attention to how dark or light each piece is.
For example: If you have a very wide hips and want to de-emphasize them, you wouldn’t wear light-colored pants or skirt.
More flattering would be the dark shade of the color on the bottom half and the lighter tint on top. Like dark navy pants and a lighter blue shirt.
You could also add a belt to accentuate your waist in the monochromatic colors you’ve selected. A belt is a great option if your outfit is flowier and you need to add some structure or definition.
4. A Petite Advantage:
Monochromatic outfits are great for petite women. Dressing mono-chromatically can make you appear taller and slimmer because a monochromatic outfit creates one seamless line from head to toe. Try it and see!
I hope this post has helped you understand what is monochromatic and how monochromatic colors can be applied to an outfit. Feel free to reach out if you still have any questions and you would make my day if you send me your picture of your monochromatic outfit!