The Guide to Monochrome Outfits

Monochrome outfits (wearing one color from head to toe) are a very interesting type of look that can be hard to pull off and wear. However, once done right, a monochrome outfit will only get you the right kind of attention, as it is a very special look and makes an instant statement.

To sport a monochrome outfit like no other, you must consider four main things: the intensity of the color, the cut of the clothes, the shade of the color and whether you will break up your outfit or not.

Here is a breakdown of these for elements that will offer you more insight into what makes a great monochrome look.

One thing is that is highly important to consider when you are putting together a monochrome outfit is the intensity of the color you wish to wear. Like it or not, some colors are just more striking than others. Neutrals are usually more easy on the eye. Wearing all-brown, gray, khaki, tan, ivory, white, black etc. won't be a very harsh look. On the flip side, wearing an all-red, green or yellow outfit, regardless of the shade or tint of the color, will be quite striking and you should process hard whether it will really look well on you or not. Usually, but this is hardly a general rule, fairer men look better in darker shades, while darker men look better in light shades (also called tints) or in toned down hues.

For example, a very fair man will look well in an all-dark blue suit, while a man with a darker complexion might look swell in a pastel blue suit.

When you wish to sport a monochrome outfit and especially if you wish to sport a monochrome achromatic look, meaning to wear only neutrals such as tan, black, white, ivory, khaki, gray, etc., you should pay a lot of attention to the cut of the pieces. The pieces you wear should be cut with great skill and style.

Otherwise, you risk looking like you either draped yourself in some wallpaper or that you are wearing a curtain, which is something that is rarely flattering.

Therefore, make sure you that only wear well-sewn pieces, that will make your personality and body stand out and that not only the clothes themselves and their color will be what you and others see.

One of the best ways to go when you are wearing a monochrome outfit is to wear multiple shades of the same color at the same time. This is a look that is extremely hard to pull off right, but it is very elegant and looks extremely sophisticated and polished.

Instead of wearing clothes that are the exact same nuance, go for shades that are quite different from one another. This way, you will have both a monochrome outfit and you will have dynamism, structure and subtlety, which will make your outfit more interesting from a visual point of view.

A monochrome outfit can be broken down very easily. Not with other colors (you can do that too, but then it wouldn't be a monochrome outfit anymore), but with a pattern or a print. For example, if you wear an all-gray look, you can break it up with a tie or a vest that features stripes in different shades of gray. This way, you will add depth to your outfit and will stand out in a positive way. Breaking up a monochrome look will add a lot of dynamism to your overall presentation and will make you appear polished and interesting in the eyes of others.

Following these four parameters will result in stunning looks that will let others know who you are without you saying a word. Monochrome outfits are one of the ultimate style statements and are a great way to express your taste, style and personality.

Fraquoh and Franchomme

Further reading:

A guide to coordinating the colors of your clothes (+examples) Choose the colors of your clothes like a pro! Choosing the colors of your clothes according to your skin tone Discovering what colors to wear according to your natural features Choosing the best color of clothes for dark skin tones The complete guide to mixing patterns and prints

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