Who doesn’t love a monochromatic outfit that’s chic and sophisticated? Most of us will gravitate towards a black or a white monochrome outfit as they’re easy to put together. But you can opt for any color that suits you and your lifestyle. Bright colors are trending this year, so you can easily throw together a pink, cobalt blue, or saffron ensemble. Today, I’m ditching bold colors in favor of neutrals. And I’m sharing a few tips to build and style a monochromatic outfit so it will be second nature to you.
A monochromatic outfit in a dark color like black or navy will help hide your hips or tummy. Dark colors draw attention away from those areas. A lighter color will draw the eye, whereas a darker color will detract attention. I don’t always follow this simple style rule as I don’t mind looking bigger or wider from time to time. Half the fun of fashion is having FUN, whic means breaking the rules from time to time. But if your goal is to look slimmer, this style rule is for you.
TL;DR
Today, I’m showing you how to style a monochromatic outfit
I’m featuring one of my favorite tops of the season—a ruffle top from Ann Taylor
I’ve also put together two alternative stylings of the top
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How to Style a Monochromatic Outfit
1. Ruffle Button Top
Today, I chose a simple black blouse and black pants from Ann Taylor. Don’t be afraid of bringing in contrasting colors to your outfit Wearing different shades and tints of the same color is a great way to enhance a monochromatic outfit to keep it looking modern and fresh.
The Straight Pant (Ann Taylor) | Ruffle Button Top (Ann Taylor) | Leopard Faux Fur Shawl Collar (Donna Karan) | Willis Top Handle Crossbody (COACH) | Mabi Pointed-Toe Pumps (DKNY) | Imitation Pearl Strand Necklace (Charter Club) | 57mm Square Sunglasses (Gucci) | Cultured Mabé Pearl Earrings (Macy’s) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS)
Shop the outfit
2. Mabi Pointed Toe Pumps
(DKNY)
Footwear is a key part of your monochromatic outfit. Today, I picked a sleek and sophisticated pair of black pumps.
The Straight Pant (Ann Taylor) | Ruffle Button Top (Ann Taylor) | Leopard Faux Fur Shawl Collar (Donna Karan) | Willis Top Handle Crossbody (COACH) | Mabi Pointed-Toe Pumps (DKNY) | Imitation Pearl Strand Necklace (Charter Club) | 57mm Square Sunglasses (Gucci) | Cultured Mabé Pearl Earrings (Macy’s) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS)
Shop the outfit
3. Leopard Faux Fur Shawl Collar
(Donna Karan)
Last but not least, since it’s cold outside, I added a faux fur leopard coat in a complementary shade of brown and black that adds texture to the outfit.
The Straight Pant (Ann Taylor) | Ruffle Button Top (Ann Taylor) | Leopard Faux Fur Shawl Collar (Donna Karan) | Willis Top Handle Crossbody (COACH) | Mabi Pointed-Toe Pumps (DKNY) | Imitation Pearl Strand Necklace (Charter Club) | 57mm Square Sunglasses (Gucci) | Cultured Mabé Pearl Earrings (Macy’s) | Caviar Icon Beaded Bangle Bracelet (LAGOS) | Smart Caviar Stainless Steel Apple Watchband (LAGOS)
Shop the outfit
Alternative Stylings
Left Board: Ruffle Button Top (Ann Taylor) | Tie Waist Slim Ankle Pants (Talbots) | Hanna Loafer (COACH) | Mixed Texture Jacket (Talbots) Right Board: Ruffle Button Top (Ann Taylor) | Checkerboard & Stripe Long Cardigan (TopShop) | Button Fly Jeggings (Talbots) | Woven Double-T Espadrille (Tory Burch)
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In Case You Missed It
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5 Winter Style Formulas to take the Stress out of Dressing
About The Author
What is up with your hair? Are you letting it grow out or something???
Love monochromatic outfits – quick, easy, sophisticated. I like to add a touch of colour, with accessories though.
I love the coat! That being said, I prefer real fur to fake fur. I know, I know, cruelty etc., but being a farm girl, unless you’re a vegan, what the difference between leather shoes, wallets, bags, clothing and fur? The only difference is that the fur has been scraped off. If any type of farming is done properly, it is humane in this century. Another thing to really focus on, is that fake leathers and furs, are usually part of the plastics family and are just as toxic for the environment. For example, I have several of my mother’s fur coats, which are now at least 50 yrs old and pristine. They are extremely warm and will be that way, long after I pass. The best wool coats are leather lined to the waist for this reason also. My furs, will outlast any fake fur, and will therefore not be part of the plastic/landfill problems. The irony being, I saw a magnificent full length fur the other day and complimented the lady (my age). She thanked me and said she had picked it up at a thrift store for $25.. It was -30, and we were both warm.
My point being, that we need to realize how things ‘really’ impact our landfills. Modern materials are not always better. There is a real movement now for recycling and repurposed wool/polyester in stores like Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Lily Silk. Just saying….no offence to anyone meant.
Andrea, thank you so much for your perspective. I recently saw a woman about my age (mid 40’s) in a real fur coat and it was beautiful. I have a friend who has a real fur of her moms and she let me borrow it one evening when we were sitting outside – so cozy, so soft. Here in the bay area it is pretty taboo, but its something I’ve been thinking about a lot (because of those 2 jackets I saw first hand), and I was tending towards agreeing with your views on the farming part of it (no different to leather or eating meat), also vintage coats are already there, so refusing to wear fur is a waste with those coats. But then I read your comments about the sustainability re: landfill and fabric composition (with faux being plastics family) and you’ve convinced me! I’d not thought about that angle, but it is such a good one.
Wow Beth you always look stunning but who would have thought monochromatic could look this good?! I’m wondering why it looks so youthful. Maybe the sleeve length of the blouse coupled with the bare legs/nude hosiery ? Any way, love it! Thanks for sharing.