Monochrome Outfit Ideas & Style Tips for Trendy and Timeless Looks
A curated collection of monochrome outfit ideas for every wardrobe.
There’s no easier way to look effortlessly put together than a monochromatic outfit. This statement-making trend of coordinating hues of the same color from head to toe has become an iconic style worn by celebrities, stylists, and your chicest friends.
Not only are monochromatic outfits simple yet sophisticated, but with just one color palette, you can create an array of looks that are sure to turn heads. Whether you’re going for classic elegance or modern minimalism, mastering the art of styling a monochrome outfit will give your wardrobe a serious upgrade.
What is a monochromatic outfit?
Monochromatic outfits are rooted in a base color and consist of contrasting shades of the same hue. While you can embrace the same shade for each piece in your monochromatic look, you can also use light and darker shades in the same color family to create visual interest. Overall, monochromatic outfits are incredibly versatile and an easy way to create a cohesive look.
We’ve curated stylish monochrome outfit ideas and where to shop so you can find the perfect outfit for your style. Whether you’re looking for a classic ensemble or an edgier look, you’ll step out in style with these on-trend monochrome outfits. Our editors curate our collections against our vetting criteria while also taking into consideration trending styles and brands. By shopping our curated collection of monochrome outfits below, you help support our publication as we may receive a portion of sales.
Monochrome Outfit Ideas
Get inspiration from these monochrome outfit ideas to elevate your wardrobe.
1. Keep it simple and sleek with a blazer and matching skirt.
A blazer with a matching skirt not only channels 90’s fashion (as if), it’s one of the most effortless monochrome outfits so you can get ready in a pinch and look pulled together.
Cropped Blazer and Skirt
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From Blvck Paris, a boutique brand that knows a thing or two about all-black everything, we love this mini wrap skirt and cropped blazer combo for a chic black monochromatic outfit. Pair it with your favorite pair of black ankle boots and a black leather clutch. The mini wrap skirt features a high waist and asymmetric hem, while the cropped blazer features a lapel neckline complete with sleek and subtle black buttons engraved with snakes. Wednesday Addams would approve.
Brown Leather Cropped Blazer and Skirt Set
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VEGAN LEATHER DICKY JACKET -$240
LAZANA CASHMERE CARDIGAN – $180
If brown is more your color, consider this vegan croc-embossed leather cropped blazer and mini skirt for a matching set moment. The cropped blazer features strong shoulders and a tailored silhouette while the skirt features an asymmetrical button front with Veronica Beard’s decorative crest buttons. Create contrast by pairing it with a tan sweater or button-down and complete the monochromatic look with matching brown leather pumps.
Wool Shirt Jack & Skirt Set
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We love the warmth and mixed patterns of this wool jacket and skirt set perfect for colder months. This fashionable shirt jacket features a checked pocket, a hip-length cut, and a relaxed silhouette. The matching mini skirt exudes a retro flair inspired by vintage suits that brings a sense of nostalgia to this ensemble. Pair this monochrome outfit with a cream sweater and cream boots for a truly classic look.
2. Style a cream monochrome outfit with black accessories and accents.
Nothing looks quite as high-end as a cream monochromatic outfit in the same hue. From casual ensembles with denim to sleek styles with silk or satin, styling your cream monochromatic outfit with black leather accessories and shoes will add a hint of edge to your look.
Ivory Denim Monochrome Outfit
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We can’t get enough of this relaxed denim ivory monochrome outfit. These cropped high-rise jeans paired with this oversized button-up from Khaite in pure cotton denim with contrast buttons are the weekend uniform you never knew you needed. Pair with a black belt and black leather ankle boots.
Darian Two Piece Set
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If you’re going for a more classic look, the Darian two-piece from Reformation is a timeless ensemble. Pair this monochrome outfit with black pumps and a sleek black clutch for a look that’s ready for daytime brunch or a night out on the town.
3. Keep your cream monochrome outfit on-hue from head to toe.
If you want to lean into your cream monochromatic outfit and not deviate from the script, you can style your outfit in different shades of cream and tan from the same color family head to toe.
Classic Cream Monochrome Outfit
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Sometimes less is more when it comes to creating monochromatic looks. In spring and summer months, style a tan cropped tank with cropped cream high-rise jeans from Everlane with matching cream slides. In winter months, you can pair your cream jeans with a matching cream sweater and boots.
Cropped Cashmere Tee and High-Waist Trousers
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CASHMERE SLEEVE SWEATER – $240
SATEEN CROPPED TROUSERS – $350
For casual and understated elegance wear a single shade of cream in different proportions. Pair a cropped cashmere short-sleeve sweater, sateen cropped wide-leg trousers, cream pumps, and a chunky gold necklace. Wearing a single color of cream is the perfect way to play with proportions vs experimenting with similar colors and tones in your monochromatic outfit.
Sleek Meets Sneakers Monochrome Outfit
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If like us, you can’t resist the latest trend in sneakers, style your monochrome outfit with your favorite pair of cream sneakers, these easy chic trousers that can be dressed up or down, and the perfectly matching textured sweater from The Reset.
These eco-friendly trousers are loose through the leg with a modern ankle crop that works perfectly with boots, heels, and sneakers while the cream cashmere sweater features multidirectional rib stitching to add visual interest and texture to your monochromatic outfit.
Tonal Cream and Pink Monochrome Outfit
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HIGH-WAIST KNIT TROUSERS – $550
BRUSHED MOHAIR CARDIGAN – $520
HEELS WITH CHAIN DETAIL – $650
For a dressier all-cream outfit, pair these cream high-waist trousers, cream bralette, and this stunning pink brushed mohair cardigan with an edgy pair of cream pumps. One of our favorite monochromatic looks, these quality pieces are worth the investment. For a less revealing look pair it with a cream wrap top.
Cream Sweatshirt and Classic Skirt
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If you’re in the mood for a cream monochrome outfit with a hint of prep, pair this cream sweatshirt and the LIVIA skirt from Ba&sh for an elegant look with a little retro 50’s aesthetic. Pair with cream knee-high boots and your favorite clutch.
4. Style monochrome outfits with mixed textures.
Creating a stylish monochrome outfit doesn’t have to be boring. By incorporating different textures, you can make a monochrome ensemble look interesting and unique. Textures like leather, velvet, sequins, fur, and even cotton can help add depth to your look. For example, pair a black leather jacket with black velvet trousers for a sleek evening look or layer a white cotton tee under a long white shearling coat for the ultimate winter chic style. With the right mix of fabrics and textures, it’s easy to create an eye-catching monochrome outfit.
Black Plunge Blouse with Black Leather Trousers
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Pair the elegant refinement of this long sleeve and plunging V-neckline top with the black leather Hael pants with their figure-hugging harem style design, high waist, and V-shaped yoke on the hips. Complete the look with black suede or leather ankle boots and a matching black leather clutch.
Deep Purple Dress Set
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TIERNY 2-IN-1 ROLL NECK DRESS – $212
We can’t get enough of the moody color of this deep purple dress with a matching sweater from AllSaints. This elegant satin slip dress with a detachable, cropped roll-neck sweater can be worn together or separately. Pair it with black patent leather boots or go full monochrome with matching shoes and a handbag in the same rich hue.
Tinsel Dress Set
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ROSETTA 2-IN-1 TINSEL DRESS – $204
For a slightly dressier version of this mixed-texture look, go for this metallic satin dress with an accompanying tinsel sweater.
Navy Blue Coastal Grandma
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SHELLY WIDE-LEG TWILL PANTS – $475
If you are looking to channel coastal grandma in a darker hue, wear a navy blue monochrome outfit for a classic look. This ribbed crew neck sweater crafted from merino wool with gold signature dagger buttons from Rag and Bone paired with navy trousers will bring a nautical touch to your wardrobe.
Business Meets Casual in Gray Tones
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DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER – $1,000
COTTON FLEECE TRACK PANTS – $300
In addition to mixing textures, mix dressy and casual garments for an effortless, edgy look. Match a gray blazer with a gray t-shirt, joggers with white leggings underneath, and complete the look with white pumps for weekend brunch, dinner with friends, or simply a day out on the town.
Pretty in Poppy Monochrome Outfit
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Brighten up your wardrobe with this poppy-colored monochromatic outfit featuring this 100% cashmere oversized sweater and matching poppy-red trousers.
5. Get cozy in matching loungewear.
One of the easiest monochromatic outfits to style is matching loungewear in the same fabric. You can toss out the style tips and simply focus on different silhouettes that are fashion-forward and flattering.
Casual Navy Pant Set with Button Detail
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This crop top funnel neck crafted in a soft cotton blend fabric with decorative buttons along the flared sleeves pairs perfectly with the matching causal pants featuring a relaxed fit and the same decorative buttons down the side. Pair with your favorite pair of sneakers or lug-sole boots.
Cashmere Set
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CASHMERE RIBBED KNIT SET – $566
VINTAGE STYLE WOOL COAT – $299
You can’t go wrong with these 100% cashmere wide-leg pants with a matching top that can be tucked in for a polished look or left loose for casual comfort. You’ll love wearing this throw-on-and-go matching set that can be elegantly paired with this double-breasted vintage-style wool coat. This set is available in 8 classic colors and the wool coat is available in four complementary hues.
Ribbed Knit Skirt and Sweater
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If there’s one outfit that’s truly effortless and will never go out of style, it’s this Kiera Ribbed Knit Skirt with a matching sweater from Modern Citizen. Pair with feminine lace socks and lug sole loafers for instant sophistication.
Cross-Front Pullover and Pants
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Another take on the casual set in pastel blue, this cross-front pullover with matching wide-leg pants is a sexy yet casual outfit.
6. Keep it classic with a suit and don’t shy away from bright colors or pastels.
If you’re looking for a trend that will never go out of style, one of the most classic monochrome outfits is the two-piece suit. Whether you keep your outfit understated with a tan, gray, or blue suit or venture out into pastel territory, you can’t go wrong with a matching suit paired with the perfect shoes and accessories.
Tan Suit
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THE WAY-HIGH DRAPE PANT – $128
These high-waisted pleated trousers with the matching oversized blazer from Everlane pair perfectly with a bralette in a darker shade of tan or brown to create a monochrome outfit with contrast. For a more conservative look, pair it with a dark brown bodysuit.
Single-Breasted Jumpsuit
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This Norma Kamali single-breasted jumpsuit in powder blue makes the perfect monochrome outfit when styled with the right accessories.
Capsule Two-Piece Dress
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Because we love our 2-for-1 ensembles, This cropped short sleeve blazer and skirt can be worn together as a dress or separately as a skirt. Pair it with tights and boots for fall, and strappy heels in warmer months.
Single-Breasted Jumpsuit
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Make a statement with this velvet mauve suit and a complementary button-down shirt with a Peter Pan collar from Scanlan Theodore. Style it with brown leather shoes and a clutch or go full monochrome with matching accessories.
Monochrome Outfit Styling Tips
1. Choose the right colors.
When it comes to monochrome outfits, not all colors are created equal. Some colors, like black and white, naturally lend themselves to monochrome looks. Other colors, like green or purple, can be more difficult to style in a way that looks intentional and pulled together. If you’re just starting out with a monochrome look utilizing the same color palette, stick to classic colors like black, white, grey, or navy in multiple shades. You can always experiment with other colors once you’ve mastered the basics with your monochromatic look.
2. Mix different textures and fabrics, while playing with proportions.
To add interest to a monochrome outfit with minimal effort, mix textures and fabrics. For example, if you’re wearing a black sweater, try pairing it with a pair of leather pants or a satin skirt. Not only will mixing textures help break up the solidity of the color, but it will also add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your monochromatic look. You should also play with proportions by mixing and matching different silhouettes such as cropped sweaters, high-rise pants, and oversized cardigans in your monochrome look.
3. Accessorize with a strategy.
When it comes to accessories, less is more when wearing a monochrome outfit. This is especially true when creating a monochromatic outfit with brighter colors. A few well-chosen accessories will elevate your look without overwhelming it. If you choose to accessorize in different shades of the same color family, keep accessories understated for a streamlined look. A classic pump and a delicate gold necklace are the perfect finishing touches for a chic monochrome look.
4. Know when to break the rules.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule—and that’s definitely true when it comes to fashion statements like these. If you’re feeling daring, go ahead and experiment with brighter color combinations or patterns to add visual interest. Get creative with multiple shades in the same color family. After all, fashion is all about having fun and expressing your individual style.
5. Incorporate your personal style.
When putting together your monochrome outfits, don’t neglect your personal style. Just because you are styling your outfit in matching shades, doesn’t mean you have to color within the lines. Bring your favorite jacket, accessories, and shoes into your monochrome outfits, and don’t forget the little details. When it comes to tiny details like hair accessories, sunglasses, or even your lipstick, make sure it polishes off your monochrome look, but most importantly, feel uniquely you.
How We Vetted These Brands
Quality: When curating this collection of monochrome outfits, we evaluated the quality of the materials, garment details, and value for the price point.
Style: We curated monochromatic outfits with unique garments, flattering fits, and on-trend details.
Versatility: We focused on women’s monochromatic outfits that can be dressed up and dressed down.
Vetting Criteria: We have four core principles for vetting the brands that we feature in our publication. Our brand ethos is our guiding principle to ensure that the products we feature align with our values and yours.
Reviews: We only picked garments and brands with rave reviews from customers. This ensures that you are shopping for products that are not only loved by our curators but are also loved by the rest of the internet.
