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Monochrome outfit: how to make a one-color look stylish
A monochrome outfit looks calm, polished and stylish. Here is how to combine shades, textures and accessories, and how to choose a color family that suits your season.
Which colors make you glow?
An outfit in one color may sound boring or flat. Yet a monochrome look, also called tone-on-tone, is one of the most stylish ways to dress. It looks calm, polished and often more expensive than it is. Provided you know what to pay attention to. And a monochrome outfit is easier than you think.
Below you can read how to put together a monochrome outfit that is anything but boring, which colors work well per season and why your own colors play such a big role here.
What is a monochrome outfit?
In a monochrome outfit, you wear garments from one color family. They do not have to be exactly the same shade. In fact, combining different shades of the same color, for example light blue, grey-blue and navy, creates a rich, layered look.
The big advantage: your silhouette looks longer and calmer, because the eye is not interrupted by different colors. And when the color suits you, a monochrome outfit makes your face stand out beautifully.
Monochrome outfit: choose a color that suits you
In a monochrome outfit, you wear one color from head to toe. If that color does not suit you, it is all the more noticeable. So choose a color family from your own palette. Do not know which colors those are yet? Read what colors suit you.
6 tips for a monochrome look that is not boring
1. Play with different shades
Exactly the same shade from head to toe can look forced. Rather combine a light, a mid and a dark shade from the same color family, such as sand, camel and taupe, or light pink, dusty rose and raspberry.
2. Use texture
In one color, garments can merge into one flat whole. Different materials prevent that. A satin blouse with a wool skirt, a knitted sweater with leather trousers: all the same color, yet layered and interesting.
3. Play with shape and volume
Combine oversized with fitted, or flowing fabrics with structured pieces. A belt in the same color family emphasizes your waist and makes your silhouette more exciting.
4. Choose accessories in a slightly different shade
A bag or shoes in a slightly darker shade gives your outfit depth. Shine, leather or relief also add something without disturbing the calm.
5. Dare to wear a subtle print
A monochrome look does not have to be plain. Jacquard, fine stripes or a check in the same color family add just a little extra interest. You can read more about prints in how to mix prints.
6. Match your make-up and jewelry
A lipstick in the same color family completes the look. Jewelry in gold or silver, depending on your undertone, adds a small accent that does not interrupt the outfit.
Three monochrome outfits for inspiration
Soft and refined in camel
A cream turtleneck, camel wool trousers and a coat in a slightly darker brown. Gold earrings and a cognac leather bag complete it. Ideal for warm types with low to medium contrast.
Fresh and cool in blue
A light blue blouse, a grey-blue knitted cardigan and navy trousers. With silver jewelry and a navy bag this looks calm and polished. Perfect for summer types, at the office or at the weekend.
Powerful in royal blue
A blazer and trousers in royal blue, with a top in a darker navy underneath. Silver jewelry and a bright pink lipstick add a small accent. A look with impact for winter types.
Monochrome and your contrast
How much difference you create between the shades depends on your own contrast. If you have low contrast, for example light blonde hair and light eyes, a monochrome look with shades that are close together often suits you beautifully. If you have high contrast, choose shades that are further apart instead, such as icy blue with navy. More about this in your personal contrast level.
Start with a monochrome look in your neutral colors, such as camel, dove grey or navy. If that feels good, try it in a real color from your palette, such as olive green or lavender.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a color that does not suit you: in a monochrome outfit that is all the more noticeable.
- Everything in exactly the same shade and fabric: then the outfit looks flat.
- Mixing warm and cool: a cool light blue with a warm turquoise often clashes. Stay on one side.
- Accessories that add nothing: this is exactly where a bag, belt or piece of jewelry makes the difference.
How to start with a monochrome outfit
- Choose one color family from your palette of which you already have a few pieces.
- Put everything in that color together and sort from light to dark.
- Create an outfit with three shades and three different materials.
- Add one accessory in a slightly different shade or with shine.
Want to know which color families suit you best? Take the free color test or get your colors analyzed. With a color fan you quickly find the right shades in the shop.
Looking for inspiration? On our Pinterest page we collect outfits and color combinations for each seasonal type.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between monochrome and tone-on-tone?
In practice they are often used interchangeably. Both mean an outfit in one color family, with different shades.
Can I wear a monochrome outfit in black?
Yes, if black suits you. For most types, another dark base color works better. Read who can wear black.
Does a monochrome outfit make you look slimmer?
An outfit in one color family often looks longer and calmer, because the silhouette is not interrupted.
Read also: How to combine neutral colors and How to find your power color
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