If you think only of black, white, and gray when you hear the word “monochrome,” you’re missing out on a world of fun, colorful fashion–not to mention outfit options! Monochromatic fashion can be achieved in any color, it’s just about choosing a color and sticking to it. Monochromatic outfits can be black, white, or other neutral shades, but they can also be pink, orange, blue, and any other hue you can imagine.
In this quick guide to dressing monochrome, we’re sharing tips and tricks for styling your own outfits, and a selection of monochrome outfits we’ve styled to get you feeling inspired.
Tips for Fail-Proof Monochrome Styling
There are no hard and fast rules for fashion, but when you’re trying to achieve a specific look, it can be helpful to follow some guidelines. Here are a few strategies we use when styling a monochrome outfit.
1. Wear Different Shades of the Same Color
Think of monochrome fashion as fashion that utilizes the broad spectrum of hues within each color family. If you choose to style a purple monochrome outfit, you can combine everything from lilac and lavender hues to deep plum and royal purple shades. Combining different hues of the same color adds dimension to a look while still achieving the sleek monochrome vibe.
2. Add “Pops” of Neutrals
If you aren’t quite comfortable in an entirely monochrome look, try working in neutrals like black or white. Adding “pops” of neutral shades won’t change the overall effect of the monochromatic look, but it can help to break up big swaths of color that can feel a little bold (if you’re not used to wearing a lot of colors).
3. When in Doubt Wear All-White
All-white is an easy, go-to monochrome vibe that is right for (almost) every occasion. White pairs easily with itself, and can be styled casually or formally for most situations. As long as you aren’t attending someone else’s wedding, an all-white look is always a win.
4. Mix Textures & Prints
If your outfit consists of lots of pieces in similar shades of the same color, try breaking it up by choosing different textures, fabrics, and prints. Pairing something like leather with satin can feel really luxe, and the difference in finish helps to add visual interest to your outfit.
5. Add Shine, Shimmer, & Embellishment
Another easy way to break up a monochromatic outfit is to add accessories and embellished accents to your outfit. Metals like gold and silver and glittery rhinestones and sequins make perfect additions to a monochrome outfit and will feel extra glamorous against a single-color palette.
Rust Orange Monochrome Outfit for Coffee Dates
Rusty orange is such a rich, gorgeous, cozy color, and can easily carry an entire outfit. We love to pair different soft textured rust-orange fabrics like suede, knits, and corduroy, and think this look would be perfect for a coffee date or a day of shopping with friends.
Wine Red Monochrome Outfit for a Night Out
Forget black and white, what about black and red? This bold wine combo feels powerful and sexy, the perfect red-hot look to wear for a night out on the town. To match the glam vibes of this adorable beaded handbag, try accessorizing this look with sparkly silver statement earrings.
Hot Pink Monochrome Outfit for Glam Events
This look is a Barbiecore dream, and an outfit that is just begging to be worn to your next big event. Whether you love to go to fashion shows, attend glam events with your friends, or are just always the best dressed in the room, this all-pink look has everything you need to stand out for all the right reasons.
Burgundy Monochrome Outfit for the Office
Monochrome fashion can be toned down just as easily as it can be made glamorous. For work, we love styling tones of deep red and burgundy and choosing pieces that feel both comfortable and elevated. This look is a great example of combining textures with this super cute fuzzy knit cardigan and the sleek shiny vegan leather pants.
Ivory Monochrome Outfit for Brunch
Easy, breezy, and sweet, this all-ivory look is perfect for brunch, date, or even to a nice theater event. Sophisticated and feminine, this fit is a good example of how effortless it is to combine tones of white and ivory.
Olive & Cream Monochrome Outfit for Date Night
Another great example of combining textures and patterns, this fit draws on two compatible colors–olive and cream–to create a look that feels perfectly put together. Pay attention here to the snake print knee-high boots–they don’t technically have any olive in them, but the light gray/brown combined with the cream makes them perfect for this fit.
Cognac Monochrome Outfit for Work to Happy-Hour
Perfect for work and for drinks with friends afterward, this look feels simultaneously professional and sultry, and a great example of the versatility of monochromatic styling.
We want to see your monochromatic outfits! Show us on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus–and head to see the latest in our What’s New Shop!
This post was originally published in 2017 and has been updated with new content.
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