How To Go Monochromatic Like A Pro
Fact: the word monochromatic means something containing or using one color. There’s a reason you’re seeing monochromatic looks in fashion mags and put together on some of the most stylish celebrities, when done right it’s a very cool look that’s unique without being showy. Pulling off an outfit that’s all one color can certainly be a risky move, but it’s really not as challenging as you might think, nor does it only have to be reserved only for slick fashion bros or Ryan Gosling. We’ve cracked the formula to help you understand how to add this simple, clean, and sharp style to your skill set like a pro.
Tip 1: Throw Some (Similar) Shade
When approaching the mono vibe, you might just grab a bunch of things all in the same color thinking that it’s going to look great. So you grab a green dress shirt, tie and pant all the same shade and somehow end up feeling like Kermit the frog and your morning turns into an epic fail. Truth is, the most important thing to first understand is that when you’re dressing monochromatically it’s important to pair together things in different shades of the same color, not a bunch of things all in the same color. All your items should have a slight difference that’s going to come together to give you a cool tonal look without looking like a bunch of items that are the same. The difference in shades is going to add some depth and visual balance to your outfit without making you look like a crayon.
Tip 2: Try Some Texture and Pattern
Now that you’ve got the shades down, it’s time to talk about adding some texture. Just like utilizing different shades of the same color, adding some texture to your look (knits, a textured tie, shirts with different weaves, or a blazer/suit with a textured weave) is going to keep you from looking like some weird space traveler from the future. It’s also going to add that all-important visual interest that’s going to break up the similar colors you’re wearing, but in a way that makes sense. You can even add some subtle tonal pattern (checked tie, printed shirt, light plaids, or subtle stripes) to add further visual interest while still maintaining that monochromatic look.
Tip 3: Proportions Matter
When wearing the same color from head to toe it’s always important to consider the proportions you’re dealing with. The monochrome look is going to blend seamlessly together a bit more than a look that has multiple colors and patterns, so it’s extra important to keep your fit dialed in and the proportions of your items in check. Anything that’s not fitting properly or something that’s oversized or out of proportion is going to become more prominent when you’re working with the same color palette. The key is to have everything in proportion so you can really take advantage of the sleek, modern (and possibly slimming) vibes that a monochromatic look provides.
Ultimately going monochromatic is about adopting a more simple approach to your wardrobe and taking some of the color-matching headaches out of getting dressed. While it may take a few experiments here and there, once you’ve got the basics down you’ll be a dope-looking monochrome pro with a cool edge in your wardrobe in no time.