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MASTERING MONOCHROMATIC STYLING

Mastering Monochromatic Styling

Monochromatic 

Containing or using only one color Monochromatic outfits are created by wearing colors based from a single base hue and extended shades, tones and tints 

Have you ever considered wearing a monochromatic outfit but shied away unsure how to pull it off?  

If you have you’re not alone; many women fear they may end up looking bland or boring but with a little a little fashion aplomb you can look fantastic.

Monochromatic outfits have a lot going for them: they’re always in fashion, they can be worn at any time of the day or year and any occasion, they’re chic and can always be counted on to convey a polished and modern elegance. Plus they have the added bonus of being slimming when not comprised of bulky items.

The aim is to create visual interest.  This week we tackle how to wear outfits based on multiple hues of the one color and in a few weeks I’ll follow with how to wear outfits of one color and depth. 

Texture Play

A surefire way to update your monochromatic look is to experiment with various textures and how they visually work together. Consider the surface quality of your clothing, or maybe even vintage finishes, and fabrics with some sheen when shopping for pieces to pull together your monochromatic look. Knit with corduroy, dark denim with leather, faux fur with animal skin, satin and shantung; these texture duos add depth and dimension to these one-color ensembles.

Monochromatic_Texture1

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

The Bling Ring

There’s nothing some sparkle and glitter can’t fix. Upgrade your monochromatic look with choice embellishments on one of the main components of your outfit. Some sparkles on your sweater neckline gives a head to toe hunter green look a little pop and a lot more chicness. An embellished mini skirt, on the other hand, gives your autumn sweater and one color look glittery glamour, just like how layering a bejeweled boxy top breaks up an all white outfit with some glitz.

Monochromatic_Bling

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

Belt It Out

Use one of this season’s hottest accessories, the statement belt, to give your monochromatic ensemble a trendy flourish. This is also a great way to personalize this trend as you can pick a belt that reflects your own style. If you love a bit of glamour, opt for belt with gold hardware. You can also use your belt as a subtle yet effective way to integrate a color splash into your look. For maximum impact and high street style fab quotient, an oversized belt in an interesting shape is the way to go.

Monochromatic_Statement BeltSource: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

Full Spectrum

Harness the full visual impact of monochromatic by creating an outfit using a single color in a variety of its hues and shades to make encompass the current fashion trend. Using colors like gray and pink will increase the elegance of your look, and display your fashion forward smarts at its best. Don’t be afraid to experiment when trying your hand at the monochrome trend. You can integrate different extremes of color depth in a single outfit, i.e., you can wear dark purple and plum or mix together pale pinks with bright bubblegum pink or the extremes of dark to light with black and white combinations – see image above..

Truemonochromatic1

Source: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

Read the Fine Print

Give some complexity to your monochromatic fashion by incorporating a subtle print into it. Pinstripes, snakeskin, and checks are muted prints that subtly add some visual richness to the singular color of your look. Understated sophistication should be your watchwords as you select patterns that are more fine and subdued to complement the color you choose to don that day.

Monochromatic_ComplexSource – Top Line: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

Source – Bottom Line: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4.

8 Comments

  • Lynette Shorten says:

    Loved this article. I use this type of dressing all the time as I’m a pear shape n need same on same for uniformity. I decided many years that using texture was an excellent way to add interest to my style. I have picked up further tips from this – thanks

    • Ann Reinten says:

      Hi Lynette,
      As a pear shape (me too) ensure that you place the texture above your waist rather than below to create the best visual balance for your body.
      Also, people with muted coloring such as Cool and Muted (Summer) and Warm and Muted (Autumn) look wonderful in texture while Cool and Clear (Winter) and Warm and Clear (Spring) color types look best with smooth fabrics near their face.

  • Elsbeth Dahlgren says:

    Thank you for a great article with lots of great ideas.Love the monochromatic look.
    How do I find out what season coloring I am?

  • Sandy Wamble says:

    Just love this lovely Monochomatics article….such great ideas, suggestions, and options. Fantastic writing and pics!
    I also love wearning monochomatic but sometimes feel washed out. I also love wearing solid prints ( just not able to find prints I like or feel uncomfortable in prints)…I have no idea why but, I just love to wear solids and now I will play with a bit of texture , a little bling, and light embellishments. Belts…my favorite! Thank You for sharing!

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