Your Ultimate Guide To Putting Together The Perfect Monochromatic Outfit

If you're someone who has a closet full of black clothing, or you wore a groutfit before it was popular, you already know the benefits of dressing in monochromatic tones. After all, the increasingly popular capsule wardrobe is built off the idea of pairing multiple pieces of clothing in similar or complementary shades. Not only is the monochromatic aesthetic all the rage but it takes a lot of stress out of shopping and choosing separates that match.

Choosing a monochromatic outfit simply means wearing one single color. However, just because you're choosing to wear one color doesn't mean that you can't wear a variety of shades and textures to create a unique and exciting look. Monochromatic outfits are flattering because they tend to elongate, which can make you look taller and sometimes slimmer.

When you think about monochromatic outfits you may naturally think of wearing all black, nude, navy, or grey, but the reality is you can pull off this look with any color, which makes this style of dressing so versatile. If you've been trying to embrace this style but are unsure where to start, we can help. Here is your ultimate guide to putting together the perfect monochromatic outfit.

The key to successfully putting together a monochromatic outfit is to choose a color you love, and that you own many wardrobe pieces in. For many of us, those will be neutral colors like black, white, or beige, but it doesn't have to be. You can wear a monochromatic outfit in any color, you just want to make sure this is a shade you both look and feel great in. 

Style blogger Natalie Berger suggests choosing something you love as the first piece of a monochromatic outfit and building around that. "Pull out every clothing item you have in one color and lay them out on your bed. Start combining pieces into outfits and see what looks good together," she suggests. Once you do this you can start to see where you may need to add new items to your closet and build from there.

While you can dress in matching shades of one color to create a gorgeous monochromatic outfit, it isn't necessary. In fact, you can create a completely different mood by incorporating different shades of that color when creating your look. Stylist Sara Griot suggests working in tones is a much easier way to coordinate a piece. "Wearing multiple shades in the same color will keep things interesting and will liven up a simple combo," she writes. 

Aside from looking sharp, monochromatic dressing can also help you accentuate the features you love while camouflaging those you'd like to hide. Wear darker shades on the areas you want to minimize, as the eye will naturally be drawn to the lighter shades first. So, if you want to minimize your hips, wear pants in a darker shade than your shirt. If you want to minimize your bust or stomach, wear a darker-colored shirt. 

Monochromatic dressing isn't the same as 'sad beige.' The beauty of this stunning style is you can add patterns or prints to your outfit to add some personality if they fall into the same shade as the rest of your outfit. This is a great way to elevate a monochromatic outfit or make an outfit less formal. Monochrome doesn't have to mean solid colors. 

Wearing texture is an interesting way to create contrast in your outfit while still wearing one color. Think about mixing fabrics like knits with cotton, or denim with silk. A wool coat can create some visual depth to an outfit while metallic jeans will make things interesting. Whether it be your main clothing pieces or accessories, adding texture is a great way to play with your outfits and create different looks.

If you're struggling to get the hang of monochromatic dressing and you're not quite sure if you can pull it off, start with a suit or coordinating separates. These are pieces that are designed to go. Once you start to feel more comfortable with this style you can then begin to add pieces that will coordinate with these separates or start to put together outfits from your existing wardrobe.

It can be easy to think of neutral colors when considering a monochromatic outfit, but you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't try wearing a bright or bold color. As long as the color works with your hair and skin tone there's no reason you can't wear it from head to toe. Just look how stunning a monochromatic outfit can be when worn in bold, bright colors. This is a look that was made to turn heads. 

Accessories finish every outfit, and that goes for monochromatic outfits too. From sunglasses to shoes, handbags to earrings, wearing accessories in complementary shades takes your outfit to the next level. Don't worry if you don't have bright purple shoes or an orange handbag. The key to wearing accessories with this look is to find something that's at least similar in tone or shade and doesn't draw the eye away from the outfit. 

Just like any outfit, balance is important when creating a monochromatic outfit. You can't assume that pieces will work together simply because they're the same color. Choosing separates in shapes and fits that flatter each other is still important even though the colors coordinate. You may want to wear a fitted top with a looser skirt to create a longer silhouette instead of a loose shirt with a loose skirt. 

One of the best parts of monochromatic dressing is it makes shopping easier and budget friendly. If you're trying to be more aware of what you spend your money on, buying pieces in the same color can ensure they will always match, and you'll always have something to wear. This can help eliminate those impulse buys that result in an expensive item of clothing sitting in your closet with the tags still attached, never to be worn. You can also feel good about spending a bit more on some pieces knowing they will become a wardrobe staple.

Monochromatic doesn't mean boring. Don't be afraid to get creative when it comes to choosing your outfits. From choosing different patterns and prints to adding bright colors, monochromatic outfits can help convey a mood, set the tone for a fun evening, or simply make your life easier when getting dressed. Have fun creating these outfits and don't be afraid to try something new.