Dressing monochromatically is nothing new. In fact, women who favor classic style often use the power of a single color to elevate a look. Today, I’m going to answer common questions surrounding how to wear a monochromatic outfit to help you look sophisticated and pulled together.

What is Monochrome Fashion?

Mono = One Chroma = Color

The term monochromatic literally means “one color.” In terms of fashion, the definition of monochromatic is slightly more flexible. A monochromatic outfit can be varying shades of the same color. In other words, if your outfit is camel, the colors can be a little different but the hues must complement each other. It could be all blue (or shades of blue), all green (or shades of green), or even all shades of gray.

Are Monochromatic Looks in Style?

Although wearing one color head to toe may have once been considered a bold move, it really is a classic style. So many First Ladies have opted to wear a monochromatic look for inaugural ceremonies over the years: Melania Trump in her powder blue suit, Nancy Reagan in her signature red, and Michelle Obama in a lemongrass-colored dress and coat, just to name a few.

But, like everything in fashion, you need to follow certain guidelines to make this look impressive and not fall flat.

What Are the Benefits of Dressing Monochromatically?

One benefit of monochromatic dressing is that it gives you an elongated look - it creates a single, unbroken line that both elongates and polishes, which creates even more of an illusion of height for almost anybody.

Dressing monochromatically also captures the power of color. Wearing head-to-toe shades of one color makes it easy to convey a mood: Serene, optimistic, sedate, or maybe electric.

Another benefit is that it’s a simple way to elevate any outfit, even your joggers! The part that sometimes falls short is the execution. Keep reading for the things you will want to keep in mind in order to maximize the benefits of this style choice, no matter which color you decide to wear.

What is the Best Color for a Monochromatic Outfit?

Almost any color will work for a monochromatic outfit, depending on what kind of a statement you’re trying to make. it could be all blue (or shades of blue) all green (or shades of green) or really any color that suits you. Many people think it means exactly the same color head to toe, it can be, but it doesn’t have to be.

I have a lot of winter white, camel, navy and gray (and of course black), but I also wear a lot of red. When I wear red monochromatically I usually accent it with black and white or just black.

In general, color determines formality as well. An outfit of black from head to toe can be interpreted as dressier and more sophisticated. Winter white, camel, gray, and navy aren’t as formal but are definitely a sophisticated and chic look. Then you get into bolder colors like fuschia, red, purple, etc.

How to Create a Monochromatic Outfit

Step One - Choose the Right Color for YOU

It’s important to think about the colors you’re drawn to, but you should also consider the colors you’re wearing when you get compliments. Finally, think of colors you tend to accumulate in your wardrobe.

Keep in mind that colors communicate, and perception is all in the brain. When you see red, you think of passion, anger, and prosperity. Blue is related to happiness, energy, and sadness. Yellow means joy and green is tranquility.

Step Two - Vary Tones/Shades

So what if nothing matches perfectly? Wearing multiple shades in the same color will keep things interesting and will liven up a simple combo. And yes, accent colors are allowed when doing monochrome. Also, remember to wear darker shades in areas that you want to camouflage and lighter shades in areas you want to accentuate.

While putting these colors together, you want to do it in a subtle, stylish way. Instead of trying for a perfect match, working in tones is a lot easier. As you know, from trying to force two black shades together, getting two colors to work together doesn’t work well when the undertones are different.

Adding a pattern to the monochromatic look - in the same color family, of course - steps the look up a notch. A pattern breaks up the outfit just enough, without taking away from the overall positive effects of one color being worn. For example, a striped skirt, a polka-dot scarf, a patterned handbag, or a checked blouse.

Step Three - Check Texture

Monochromatic outfits can be fun and interesting – to pull one off you need to think about texture as well as shade. If your shirt is flat cotton in navy, then think about a cornflower tweed for your jacket or skirt. If your pants are charcoal gray leather, then think about a textured angora cardigan in pale gray. For a casual weekend look, pair a denim jacket with a navy t-shirt dress, a scarf in shades of blue, and tennis shoes. Playing with these textures gives your outfit visual interest and makes the monochrome look work even better.

Step Four - Add accessories

Accessories and shoes don’t have to be the same color. Especially if you’re wearing a very bold color like pink or purple. First of all, it’s unlikely that you’ll have shoes that color, and secondly, I think wearing shoes that are more neutral would balance out the outfit. If your shoes and accessories match, it’s too much sameness.

The bottom line: Avoid the temptation to throw on one color and consider yourself done. It doesn’t always work.

Monochromatic Outfit Ideas

I have pulled together some mood boards to show you how monochromatic style can result in polished, classic looks!

One of my favorite ways to dress monochromatically is in ivory. It is my favorite blank canvas.It has an air of sophistication and elegance, especially in the middle of a dark winter. The bonus of dressing monochromatically is that it elongates the body while looking chic and pulled together.

Blue is a perfect weekend color. As I mentioned above it represents happiness and energy. And who doesn’t want that on a weekend. These pieces would work well for a weekend trip as all of them can be used in multiple ways - paired with jeans , a dressy top and the scarf with the skirt takes you to dinner, and the cashmere t-shirt and denim jacket pair well with a pair of trousers for breakfast the next today. An easy travel capsule wardrobe.

Light gray is a great color for transitioning from winter into spring.When it’s still cool outside but it looks and feels like spring, pairing your gray blazer that you’ve been wearing all winter with some spring pieces changes the look dramatically. Especially with the addition of a slingback shoe instead of a full pump or bootie. I really love gray with white (especially jeans) in the summer as well.

I hope this post has given you some inspiration and guidance for how to wear a monochromatic outfit! If you’d like more personalized style guidance, feel free to contact me for a complimentary consultation. I love to help women elevate their style so that they love what they wear!