Monochromatic outfits can be a really easy way of looking put together and stylish. And if you know the right way of creating outfits in monochrome, they will also look way more luxe than your regular outfits.
In this post, I want to share ways you can create a monochromatic outfit. Style tips to elevate your monochrome looks and how to create them in all shades.
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I have been wearing monochromatic outfits for quite sometime now and it makes my outfit look way more stylish and elevated compared to other ways of wearing it. And I will be sharing how you can incorporate monochromatic looks into everyday wear without making it look over the top.
What does monochromatic mean?
The word “monochromatic” is an adjective that signifies a singular color. This does not mean it has to be just black, white or gray. Though this was a popular notion in the early 90s, that monochrome outfits are black and white outfits.
But as you can see from the definition, that is not the case. Anywhere you use a single color is called monochromatic.
But does this mean, you have to wear the same color overall?
The answer is no. monochrome is the appearance of a singular color that could be achieved by various shades of the same color.
What colors can you put together in monochromatic outfit?
You can literally take any color and create monochromatic outfits. That’s the fun part of using this trick for creating a look.
Usually when you put together an outfit. You really have to pay attention to color pairing because not every color looks great together. But, when you build a monochromatic look, this whole problem is completely taken care of. All you need to do is pick pieces in the similar color. And you have a cohesive outfit in a minute.
This really takes the guess work out of getting ready and looking nice. And because your outfit looks well coordinated, it looks so stylish and elevated. Even if you are wearing casual pieces.
Style Tips for Creating a Monochromatic Outfit
When you keep these styling tips in mind, it will make the process of creating monochromatic looks really easy and effortless. It will help you feel confident in wearing them. And you can update your style without really buying a lot of clothes.
Mix textures of Fabric
This is the most important tip to follow which creating your monochrome outfit. Don’t wear the same texture all over. When you match the color and the texture of the fabric all over. Your outfit looks like a giant piece of cloth. You will look washed up. And you will loose the shape of your body.
And yes this is also true with all black looks.
And easy way to create a monochrome outfit is by simply picking different fabric textures for a look.
If you are wearing satin or silk, make sure that you have added some matte fabric clothes to balance the shininess of satin. The same way if you are wearing a knitted top. Open for a woven outerwear with a different fabric texture. This way you are creating a perception of depth in your look. And your top, bottom and outerwear are still distinguished.
That’s the whole point of an outfit, to accentuate your body. Otherwise everybody would be wearing a giant sheet everyday. Why bother with pants and tops.
Add a contrasting Accessory
When you are wearing all the same color, your outfit could tend to look boring or simple. In this case, accessories can come in handy. You can add a contrasting belt or use a scarf to add some variety to your overall look.
This makes your outfit look interesting. And it’s a really easy trick to follow even when you are in a hurry.
And if you dont want to use an accessory, simply pick a contrasting bag or shoes.
Mix Prints & Patterns
You can also add printed clothes with the same color palette and create a really interesting monochromatic outfit. And this is a great way to add prints to your outfit if you have trouble coordinating prints clothes in general.
Since everything else is in the same color, the printed piece stand out and looks really chic and stylish.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite ways of wearing prints. Makes my live so easy.
Balance The Proportions
Even if you are wearing monochromatic outfits, you should still balance the proportion of your outfit to look stylish. This is pretty simple. Make sure you wear something fitted with something oversized. Because monochromatic outfits can hide your body shape, its easy to look frumpy in them.
So don’t pick a fitted top with a fitted bottom. Or wear everything oversized. You still want to wear clothes that accentuate your body.
Ways to Make a Monochromatic outfit Interesting?
Sometimes monochromatic outfits can get a little simple and basic. Here are some easy ways to spice it up.
Wear Bright Colors
You don’t have to wear neon colors to make your outfit interesting. There are plenty of bright shades that are wearable like pinks, blues, greens. These colors look great on all shades and will look really chic and interesting in monochromatic outfits.
I also think all black is a really interesting monochrome look when pulled right.
Add one Contrasting shade
You can also swap one piece of in your outfit with a different shade. While people might call it color blocking. It’s actually not. Your outfit is still monochromatic because the rest of your clothes are in the same shade.
This way of building a monochromatic outfit is also easier, compared to wearing all the same colors.
Create a Suit Style
This is such a fun way of wearing monochromes. And you dont have to wear suits. It means match the shades or patterns of your bottom and outerwear. This is also a cool way of wearing colors in your outfit.
You can match the texture and style or even just shades of your bottom and the third layer like the jacket, blazer or coat. You can still wear the same color in your top, but because it will have a different texture, your outfit will look interesting.
Mix Prints
You can wear different prints together in the same base shades and create a fun monochromatic outfit. This outfit will look interesting and because it’s in the same color palette everything will look well coordinated.
If you use this trick, don’t forget to keep your outerwear and other accessories more neutral. Otherwise your outfit can look busy.
Don'ts of Style a Monochromatic Outfit
While monochromatic looks are easy and stylish. Here are some things you should not do when it comes to creating a monochromatic outfit that might make your outfit look tacky:
- Don’t wear animal print all over. This is a big no no. Now, you do you, but I am here to help you elevate your style and animal prints won’t do it.
- Don’t go overboard with monochrome. Always add something contrasting.
- Stay away from logo prints. You should do this normally, but don’t creating printed monochromes with logos.
- Balance your accessories. Don’t wear too many accessories. This is a rule of thumb for any style of outfit.
