The Rules of Monochrome

Recently I have become quite a fan of the monochrome look. Of course, most of my monochrome looks are either in white or black. (But can you blame me? Who in their right mind can own a orange trouser and top?)

But I have gravitated towards white-on-white on black-on-black looks, even if not in monochrome. To explain: instead of wearing a black blazer on my white top, I wear a white one. Its not particularly exciting (even in my case where red clothing is as wild as it gets) but definitely a slightly more updated look than wearing contrasting layers. Try it.

But there are rules of monochrome. (Sorry, that sounded more ominous than it is.)

1. Texture: if its monochrome in the strictest sense (only one colour), the different items should be of different textures. Cotton with cotton, with silk that looks like cotton, (this is why I said texture and not material)? No, thats not monochrome. Thats just blah. So try viscose with leather with silk with linen – you get my point. Exception: denim-on-denim.
2. There has to be something to break it up. If its the same colour, then a belt, a scarf, a vest, a necklace – anything that will complete the outfit. If its two colours, then something in one of the colours you are already wearing to finish it up. I would definitely recommend avoiding the overly matched accessory – don’t use a light grey and charcoal bag if your outfit is all grey. In that case, go for a black bag for a minimalist look or a bright pink one for colour. Or of course, a grey bag in a different texture. Perfect.
3. Try some print or pattern in the same color family. Not only is it a great way to break up the sameness of the color, its also a great way to do monochrome if  your outfit doesn’t have different textures or a lot of accessories. Like a printed shirt paired with a solid skirt or pants, provided of course they are of the same color.
4. It has to be different shades of the same color. There should be at least some variation in the color of your top from your bottom. Ok I’m aware that sounded pretty funny but you get the gist. You can’t be clad in the same shade of say…yellow from head to toe. You will look like a banana. However, if you wear two slightly different shades of yellow with say a tan bag or nude shoes, now thats a completely different story.
5. Wear it with confidence. Don’t second guess yourself. If you put something on and not sure if it all goes together or not, I usually take a picture of my outfit, or lay it out on the bed to see if it works well together or not. Seeing it all laid out can be very helpful and that way you can add or remove items from the outfit without having to wear them.
6. If you are wearing a single colour from head to toe, mix textures and fabrics. This is key to breaking up what could otherwise be a flat or dull outfit. Think of pairing a chunky knit with tailored trousers or silk with wool. Accessories also play a big part. A sleek belt or structured bag can add definition, while something classic like real pearl bracelet lends an elegant contrast to heavier textures. It’s all about adding dimension without disrupting the monochrome palette.

So these are our rules for wearing monochrome. To demonstrate we thought it would be really fun if we each did one monochrome outfit ourselves. Something similar to our Take 3 series! We didn’t discuss our outfits at all apart from telling each other what color we were doing so we didn’t clash. Bidisha went with pink (no surprise there), Anisha picked  blue, and I decided on red after being told (very vehemently) that black wasn’t an option. Also because I wanted to wear my cute red bag again. So enjoy the pictures and let us know what your rules of wearing monochrome are!

Anisha

Top – Whistles, Skirt – Closet London, Shoes – All Saints, Hat – H&M

Bidisha

Jeans and t-shirt – Zara, Shoes – Forever21, Sunglasses – Rayban, Cuff – Zara, Necklace – Forever21, Bag from Poland

Satarupa

Dress – Shein, Bag – Forever 21, Necklace – Splash, Shoes – Street Style Store, Lipstick – MAC Ruby Woo

Phew that was a lot of pictures! Hope this was as fun to read as it was for us to do. We’re planning a lot more of these for the blog. If you have ideas or themes for us in mind do let us know in the comments, we would absolutely love to try them out!

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–Sat