As image & personal stylist, I often find it frustrating when the term monochrome is misused, particularly in fashion media and by some style influencers. True, monochromatic dressing involves wearing one single hue in varying shades, tints, and tones (for example, light to dark blue or soft to deep olive).
What many refer to as ‘monochrome’ (such as black and white, grey and black, or white and grey – see image just below) is actually achromatic – combinations that contain no hue at all. These are technically colourless neutrals or the ‘non-colours’ and while striking and stylish in their own right, they are not monochromatic.
It may seem like a small distinction, but as someone who works closely with colour theory and personal colour analysis, using the correct terminology is important, not only for clarity, but for deep understanding how colour harmony truly works.
Individuals can be monochromatic in their personal colouring also. They will always look fabulous in an outfit in a monochromatic colour scheme – like many of my clients – e.g brunette hair, brown eyes & brows.
Fun Tips For Styling Monochrome!
1. Play with texture:
Keep the outfit interesting by mixing different textures and fabrics. Think knits with leather, denim with silk, or linen with wool. Texture breaks up the uniformity and adds dimension.
2. Layer different values:
Combine light, medium, and deep versions of the same colour depending on your own value contrast level. Are you high, medium or low value contrast?
3. Use accessories to create a monochromatic colour scheme:
Keep them in the same colour family – a neutral tan bag with a brown belt & skin colour shoes.
4. Monochrome with colour:
Mix a bunch of blues with a pop of orange or pink for some fun & wow factor & particularly if you’re bright in your natural colouring. For example, navy jeans, mid-blue tee & a red or orange jacket.
5. Mono with a complimentary or an analogous colour:
For some wow factor try your fave colour head-to-toe such as different shades of green with a pink blazor or pink scarf. Or different shades of blue with a green jacket or cardi.
