“I like to mix and match vintage with designer. It’s how I create my own style.“
— Carly Rae Jepsen
SHOP THE LOOK:
Top – Zara (similar) || Skirt – Vintage (from my Nana, similar) || Bag – Chloé Mini ‘Drew’ (budget options: 1 / 2) || Pumps – Aquazzura ‘Belgravia’ (in black) || Jewelry – c/o Bauble Bar Earrings & Necklace || Sunglasses – Flea Market Find (similar)
Photos courtesy of fellow blogger Heidi
It took me YEARS to come around to monochrome outfits. I was scared of them for so long.
Scared that wearing a single color would feel boring.
Or uninspired. Or, well, … who knows why.
But, as I shared in Part One last week, my attitude towards them has changed substantially in recent years. I may have waited far too long to give them a chance but now I’ve a complete convert!
Monochrome looks are quite possibly one of the quickest ways to throw together a chic outfit. A versatile outfit suitable for anything from casual coffee meetings to formal dinners. Years ago I never would have thought that limiting my outfits to a single, simple palette would give me so many options but now I feel like a fool for not mixing up my own monochromatic looks years ago.
Learn from my mistake — mix up your current closet with a chic monochrome outfit and be prepared to be amazed at the results!
How to Wear Monochrome || Part Two
1. Play with Texture
Similar to the idea that mixing different fabrics can build depth to a monochromatic outfit, so can texture. I love how the lush velvet of my grandmother’s burgundy skirt plays off the dynamic fabric of this old Zara top. It’s a great way to add visual interest without having to resort to prints or other hues, too.
2. Mix Old With New
I LOVE vintage clothing. And I love mixing it into my wardrobe. There’s so much quality and charm to be found in vintage pieces you just can’t find in more modern ones (not to mention so much value). Mixing them into a more modern wardrobe helps to add depth and character to most outfits but especially boosts monochrome ones. It’s the perfect way to add that je ne sais quoi to a monochrome composition.
3. Keep Flattering Proportions
Be sure when building a monochromatic ensemble to think about the fit and silhouette of your look. Since I’m naturally very curvy but with a small-ish waist, I try not to hide that under a solid wall of color. I’m always sure to highlight my figure with the right cuts and proportions, otherwise I’ll get lost in a monochrome outfit. Take my advice — forget about your personal proportions at your own peril!
4. Keep Your Make-Up and Accessories Simple
Since monochrome outfits have a lot of impact on their own, it’s best to stick to simple and minimal accessories that won’t compete with the effect. Find sleek, minimal pieces to help complement your sleek monochrome look. It’s a simple way to make your outfit feel “finished” without integrating too many prints that could possibly break up the monochrome effect.
5. Pair it With Metals
Metallic bags are seriously trending right now — they seem to be cropping up everywhere (I certainly love and use my gold Chloé plenty!). And they also happen to be a great way to brighten and complement a monochrome look without competing with it. Extra bonus? Metallic accents also happen to be a great way to look expensive without breaking the bank — my $25 silver Asos flats add just the same luxe touch as my gold designer bag at a teeny, tiny fraction of the cost. When in doubt — go metallic!
