17 Stylishly Simple Monochrome Looks

Monochrome ensembles continue to be the best choice for effortless, stylish, and fashion-forward style solutions. Costume designers use monochromatic clothing to rapidly express wealth and power on-screen (as demonstrated on HBO’s Succession as part of the “quiet luxury” trend). Royals have long embraced the look, frequently actually donning it from head to toe.

The absence of a color break or logo allows the eye to take in an ensemble without stopping, an effect that can create the illusion of strength and even added height. As an added bonus, coordinating your ensemble’s shades gives the impression of thoughtfulness and lends an extra buttoned-up feel to even the most casual outfits.

Ready to give it a try? We have 17 inspirational monochrome outfits to get you started.

Include Accessories

If you’ve already matched your shirt to your pants, complete the look by adding a coordinating hat, handbag, or shoes to provide extra oomph. The final look will be extra polished, and works well with pastels and less saturated tones.

Double Up on Denim

The days of never mixing denim pieces are gone. Sticking within similar tones of denim is the key to nailing this approach, and adding a coordinating bag or shoe helps bring it home.

Slip on Those Sneakers

Your favorite dress or jumpsuit matched with comfy footwear of the same color family gives you one less thing to think about in the morning.

Incorporate Outerwear

Your coat, jacket, or raincoat can — and should — get in on the fun, elevating a monochromatic look to its most luxurious potential.

Go for a Sweater Set

A sweater set may immediately conjure thoughts of The Preppy Handbook, but it’s an easy and upscale way to go monochromatic, and paired with the modern silhouette of an oversized trouser, it screams luxury.

Pull on Some Tights

For the winter months, go all out and dare to match your tights to a colorful outfit. Take it over the top by also including your outerwear and all of your accessories.

Add a Little Sparkle

Sequins come in every shade of the rainbow, and those sparkles can easily be coordinated to the rest of your ensemble. Consider a sparkly sweater, skirt, or handbag when you’re putting together your next monochrome outfit.

Find Complementary Shades

Your look doesn’t have to be the exact same shade of whatever color you’re focusing on. The key to working within the same shade family while keeping your ensemble cohesive is to make sure you’re picking pieces with the same undertones.

Reach for a Suit

A suit alone gets you halfway to mastering monochrome, but adding a matching shirt and/or coat will be the cherry on the sartorial sundae.

Don’t Neglect Neutrals

Saturated colors may get all the glory, but wearing a head-to-toe neutral look and incorporating multiple standout pieces in various textures makes it anything but boring.

Show Some Skin

Monochromatic dressing could come off as prim, but adding an unexpected exposed midriff can add some edge to even the sweetest of pink looks.

It Works with Activewear

Even your workout or athleisure look gets an instant upgrade from being color coordinated. A sweatsuit in matching shades looks intentional and thoughtful whether you’re sweating it out or walking around town.

Don’t Ignore Glasses

All accessories are welcome to play in the monochromatic sandbox, and glasses, specifically, are invited. Eyeglasses, sunglasses, and a matching frame (and even lens) can add that extra detail that makes a look pop.

Play with Texture

Ready for the advanced level? Faux fur, leather, lace, bouclé, and the like are a great way to add some interest, and you can even incorporate accessories like a handbag, hat, or shoe. 

Don’t Forget Prints

It may initially seem overwhelming, but this expert-level of monochromatic dressing really lets your personality shine. Keep bags and shoes relatively neutral in order to keep the look from going too costume-y.

Start Small

If wearing a sea of color seems intimidating, start with pieces that show some skin. Think: a jacket and shorts or pants and a short sleeved shirt. You can also work in a removable monochromatic piece like a jacket or cardigan in case you feel overwhelmed with the all-over color.

Don’t Overthink It

Begin with the basics, or simply match your jacket to your dress and add from there. A collared shirt under a sweater, a belt, and matching shoes are simple add-ons that can help you keep building your look.