Classic, elegant, versatile, and effortless, nothing makes a statement quite like playing up a monochrome outfit or brand palette. 

An admirable aspect of this styling technique is its versatility. The monochromatic look works with literally every possible colour known to man. It is harmonious in colour vibration and pleasing to the eye. You really cannot go wrong with it. 

 For some, the idea of dressing in one colour may sound daunting. Many avoid wearing a monochrome outfit simply out of the fear of looking dull and lifeless. Before we proceed further, let me familiarise you with the concept of monochrome style.

Many people mistakingly think that monochrome is wearing black and white.

No! Mono means ‘one’ – single. One colour. And even black and white aren’t strictly colours, there are two of them. Monochrome means taking one real colour and wearing it in various shades, tones, and vibes!

The beauty of monochrome is wearing different hues of the same colour. It’s chic and sophisticated par excellence!

The skill lies in layering, creating dimension by using light and dark tints of a single colour. 

An admirable aspect of this technique is its versatility. It’s the no-brainer way to compose a classy outfit in the minimum amount of time.

Like that idea? Here’s how to start!

Pull out all the items in your closet in your favourite colours—separate them into piles of the same colour. Lay them out in front of you and start experimenting. Mix and match different pieces to see what looks good together and what doesn’t. This way, you can coordinate multiple outfits that can be your ‘go-to’s on lazy or uninspired days.

Monochrome outfits are nothing short of masterpieces. They take the guesswork out of dressing up, making them the most effortless outfits to style. Only mix and match colours if you’re sure. Usually, only designers get it right!

Basing an outfit on only one or two colours, play and experiment with different textures and shades to create your unique custom look without fearing overdoing it. Looking effortlessly polished and chic has never been this easy.

CREATE A KILLER OUTFIT WITH ONE COLOUR

#1. Mix up textures

Monochrome outfits must be designed to spark visual interest. A one-dimensional colour palette does not sound very exciting. For this reason, it is essential to incorporate a mix of textures to give your ensemble depth and dimension.

To create the perfect monochrome outfit, you must first set a point of interest. Think of that piece as the star of the show. All the other components in your ensemble will play the supporting characters.

Take a deep blue denim skirt as an example. Style your skirt with a deep blue chiffon top and a blue leather jacket. Complete your look with a pair of blue ankle boots. Feminine yet edgy, this look will turn heads wherever you go.

If your style preference is more inclined towards casual comfort, pair your denim skirt with a bulky blue sweater or a chic blue turtleneck. Complete the look with blue sneakers and a blue baseball cap or bandana.

Get bold with different tones of the same colour. Experiment with varying combinations of fabric. Try wool and silk, leather and suede, denim and sequins; the sky is the limit. As long as it looks good, you are sorted.

If your outfit features similar textures, switch up your footwear. Suede, patent, and leather shoes are excellent for a casual gathering. If a party awaits you, bling things up with metallic or sequined heels and a matching clutch bag.

#2. Strive for balance

This is a general rule for every outfit, not just monochrome ones.

First of all, your outfit should accentuate and flatter your body type.

To strike the perfect balance, you must learn to play with proportions. If you opt for a loose-fitting top, pair it with form-fitting bottoms and vice versa. An oversized sweater or a puffy top does not pair well with loose, baggy bottoms. Similarly, if you wear a body-hugging top, you can easily pair it with loose-fitting bottoms.

If your monochromatic dress is simple and understated, add some sparkle with monochrome sparkly or metallic heels. If your dress is bold and beautiful, tone down the look with something minimal, like pumps or strappy sandals.

The whole idea behind balancing your look is to ensure that you look just right—not overdressed or underdressed.

#3. Highlight your natural charms

No one on this planet is 100% content with their body. Some might think their butt is too big, whereas others might be self-conscious about their muffin top. To make up for our flaws, we try to conceal them with our monochrome clothes. Nothing is wrong with that except you are beautiful and should remind yourself daily.

Monochrome ensembles are about creating depth and dimension. By highlighting your stronger areas, you can feel more confident and sexy. The trick to highlighting is shading. Generally, monochrome is less fussy; if you are clever with form, any body shape will look sensational.

Here’s how to master this: if you have broad hips and wish for all the focus to be on your shoulders and collar bones, wear dark bottoms to give the appearance of a contoured look and pair them with a lighter-coloured off-shoulder shirt so they grab everyone’s attention.

If you carry too much around the middle but have lean legs, wear longer, non-fitting tops and highlight your leg shape. 

If you feel your dress is a little loose and shabby, wear a lighter-toned fancy belt on your waist to give your ensemble some definition.

Stick to these basic body flattery rules, mix up the shades of your favourite colour, and you will receive many compliments!

#4. Start with simple hues

Selecting the right colours is critical. Your choice of colour should complement your skin and hair. If you are stepping into the beautiful world of monochrome, start with a simple colour palette.

The best starter kit consists of neutral and darker tones.

Brown gives off a warm and soft vibe. And there is grey! Wearing grey sounds boring, but when done right, nothing is comparable to a grey monochrome outfit, and neutrals, in general, are the easiest shades to harmonise in monochromatic.

Once you feel comfortable in dark neutrals, you can start spreading your wings and venturing into bolder choices. Rich tones like purple, burgundy, mustard, and green are lovely for the winter season. Nothing compares to the ethereal aura of pastels for the winter and spring.

And, as an aspiring influencer, let yourself fall in love with timeless, elegant beige, camel, and cream. These monochrome colours scream luxury and elegance.

#5. Be playful with patterns

Who said that monochrome outfits have to be plain?

While the beauty of a minimalist, solid, plain piece is striking, the power of prints and patterns is not to be denied. On the contrary, taking one colour and mixing pattern types is original and bold!

For the summer season, embrace all hues, depending on your skin and hair colour palette: a striking bright yellow, a gorgeous green, a blinding pink, or a soothing blue.

MONOCHROME FOR BRANDING

Now, who is not drawn into a beautiful monochrome Instagram feed? If you research ‘Most Beautiful Instagram Feeds, accounts that use the monochromatic technique to create a deliberate atmosphere get massive followings! Choosing no more than two colours wisely will make your brand instantly recognisable! 

Colour is an art, a science, and a vital tool in marketing, as are messaging and branding. 

Colour has energetic frequency with deep symbolism linked to feelings and emotions. You can use these to elevate your branding, image and style by learning these few groundlines. You can only gain!

Monochrome outfits are nothing short of masterpieces. They take the guesswork out of dressing up, making them the most effortless outfits to style. Only mix and match colours if you’re sure. Usually, only designers get it right!

Basing an outfit on only one or two colours, play and experiment with different textures and shades to create your unique custom look without fearing overdoing it. Looking effortlessly polished and chic has never been this easy.

Restraining a colour palette on a website or social media assets focuses the visitor’s attention—which is what you want! Minimalist websites are trending; less is more for messaging, and pages that are ‘too busy’ with colours and other elements only serve to dilute the power of your brand.

Mono or bichromatic palettes show off your photos excellently, emphasising the focus on your visual messaging. 

When creating a mood board for a client, I begin with a mood board to set the brand’s vibe; then, when the brand or stock photos have been established, I usually review, strip back and simplify. Using just one or two principal colours to enhance the colours in the pictures, I create a new palette that suits the client’s energy and is inspiring and memorable.

Ready for a brand or wardrobe edit? In your closets or on your site, ask yourself if you could only choose two to three colours, which ones would you keep? Love your brand posts? Which colours could you highlight?

Do you see a colour pattern? Could you make these more prominent?

Sophistication is the name of the monochrome game.

Even if you’re not ready yet for a complete rebrand, you can give yourself a brand ‘tweak’ and freshen up your visuals. I recommend doing this at least once a year! 

If you’re introducing new offers or upgrading them, a visual upgrade is in order, too!

So, image or brand (which are really the same thing!) is a simple technique to give yourself a makeover. Who doesn’t love one of those? 🙂