Happy Tuesday, ladies!ย Yesterday, we talked about how to get out of a fashion rut. One of my tips was to build an outfit with classic, neutral color combinations.ย I wanted to build on that idea today and talk how to wear monochrome.
Obviously, monochrome is the simplest combination.ย White on white; black on black; grey on grey; etc.ย And sometimes, I think, monochrome is overlooked, which is unfortunate, as it truly is a blank canvas where you can unleash your creativity.
Take the most basic of outfits, the one I’m featuring today:ย a white button-down and white jeans.ย It’s a total blank canvas in which we can build something interesting through the use of accessories.
Accessories can bring a monochrome outfit to life.
- Add a pop of color with your shoes.
- Add a bit of elegance with all leather (or suede) accessories, including your belt, bag, and shoes.
- Add visual interest with a scarf, poncho, ruana, or jacket.
So let’s take a look at what I came up with today.
The Summary
ย Today I’m showing you how to wear monochrome
ย I modeled an outfit, and I pulled together 2 alternates
ย The outfit is shoppable via a text or image widget
ย Each alternate is shoppable via a text widget
How to Wear Monochrome
1. Plaid Open Front Poncho
(Ann Taylor)
My outfit—or “base canvas” is a pair of white straight-leg jeans and a button-down.ย Could not be simpler.
I went with all-leather, light brown accessories: shoes, belt, and bag to elevate the look.
Finally, to add visual interest, a chose a plaid poncho, because nothing embodies “Fall” more than plaid.
High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans (Talbots) | Plaid Open Front Poncho (Ann Taylor) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Leather Belt (Talbots) | Leighton Brogue Nappa Loafers (Talbots) | Similar Handbag |ย Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS) | Square Sunglasses (Gucci)
Shop the outfit
2. Details & Accessories
High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans (Talbots) | Plaid Open Front Poncho (Ann Taylor) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Leather Belt (Talbots) | Leighton Brogue Nappa Loafers (Talbots) | Similar Handbag | Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS) | Square Sunglasses (Gucci)
Shop the outfit
3. High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans
(Talbots)
High-Waist Straight-Leg Jeans (Talbots) | Plaid Open Front Poncho (Ann Taylor) | Perfect Shirt (Talbots) | Leather Belt (Talbots) | Leighton Brogue Nappa Loafers (Talbots) | Similar Handbag | Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS) | Square Sunglasses (Gucci)
Shop the outfit
Alternative Stylings
Left Board:ย The Perfect Vintage Flare Jean (Madewell) | Quinn Platform Suede Espadrilles (Talbots) | Mixed Media Button Front Top (Ann Taylor) ย Right Board:ย Portland Faux Leather Leggings (Talbots) | New York Double Decker Sneaker (Kate Spade x Keds) | Solid Tank (Talbots)
Style Tips
In Case You Missed It
Yesterday, I shared a few simple tips and tricks to get out of a fashion rut.ย Click the title or image below to read the article.
How to Get out of a Fashion Rut
About The Author
Great outfit. Monochrome so overlooked lately. Also where ever these photos were taken, beautiful flowers and fountain.
Hi Beth,
Love this look and just ordered the poncho. New for me as I’m usually more of a jacket girl – but, looking forward to trying something new.
Something you’ve talked about lately has puzzled me: sometimes you refer to shirts with front closures as button-ups and sometimes as button-downs. Is there a difference?