A Simple Guide to Monochromatic Outfits

You’ve probably heard of the term ‘monochromatic fashion’ before, but do you know what it means? 

What comes to most people’s minds first when discussing monochrome are black and white photos—so it would be easy to misunderstand that monochromatic outfits refer to all-black, all-white, or black and white outfits.

All-black outfits are easy to put together / Image: Pinterest

But while all-black and all-white outfits are indeed considered monochromatic outfits, monochromatic fashion encompasses much more than just black and white.

Derived from ancient Greek, the term ‘monochrome’ means ‘having only one colour’. When applied to fashion, monochromatic outfits simply mean that the entire outfit consists of only one colour, with no limitations as to what that colour is. From pink, to blue, to even lime green—any colour can be the base colour of a monochromatic outfit.

Nude pink makes for a great monochromatic look too / Image: Pinterest

Wearing one colour from head to toe might seem simple, but monochromatic outfits are harder to pull off than you might think! However, when styled appropriately, monochromatic outfits are an easy but effective way to catch people’s attention and let them know how fashion-savvy you are.

Read on to find out more about monochromatic outfits, and the various ways you can style them.

Basic

The simplest way to put together a monochromatic outfit is by picking pieces that are the exact same colour. This works best with colours that are not too bright, such as pastels, as well as neutral colours like cream and beige. 

This is because brighter colours may be too overbearing and hard to pull off—but if that’s the look you’re going for, then go right ahead! After all, fashion is all about having enough confidence to pull off any outfit. 

The beige aesthetic is especially popular recently / Image: Tumblr

Mahagrid Origin Logo Oversized T-shirt Beige, retailing at sgd65 at StyleupK

Dominant Pintuck Carpenter Stitch Jogger Pants in White, retailing at sgd135.90 at StyleupK

Varying shades

Just because monochromatic outfits consist of a single colour, that does not mean there cannot be any variation at all, or that monochromatic outfits are boring.

One trick to putting together a stylish monochromatic outfit is to mix different shades of the same colour in the same outfit. This will add depth to the outfit, while still retaining the overall aesthetic.

Different shades add variety to the outfit / Image: Tumblr

Dominant Chino Pocket Pants in Beige, retailing at sgd115 at StyleupK

Adding patterns

Other than making use of a variety of different shades, you can also incorporate patterns into your monochromatic outfit. As long as the colours of the pattern are shades of the base colour for the overall outfit, then you’re good to go!

Because patterns are immediately eye-catching, patterned clothing pieces also make for a great statement piece, to add that extra bit of style to your outfit.

Patterns can be made up of different shades of the same colour / Image: We Heart It

AQO Studiospace Teddy Bear Pattern Knit Vest, retailing at sgd72 at StyleupK

Mixing textures

Other than shades and patterns, you can also make use of different textures and materials to make your monochromatic outfit pop even more. This helps to keep the outfit from looking too plain by adding some depth and dimension.

Ribbed tops as well as tops with shirring are a great option for adding texture to your outfit.

The patterned top stands out despite being the same colour as the skirt / Image: Pinterest

Near & Dear Shirring Blouse in White, retailing at sgd115.90 at StyleupK

Jeans are an easy way to incorporate different textures into your outfit! Denim jeans are available in many different colours, and you can easily match the colour of your top to match your bottoms.

Match the colour of your top to the colour of your jeans for an easy monochromatic look / Image: Pinterest

Near & Dear Buttoned V Neck Strap Top in Sky Blue, retailing at sgd99 at StyleupK

ADLV Heart Logo Short Jeans Light Blue, retailing at sgd90 at StyleupK

Layers & accessories

Because wearing only one colour runs the risk of looking a bit ‘flat’, it would be good to include layers and accessories in your monochromatic outfits in order to make sure that your outfits have some depth. 

However, make sure to pick outerwear and other accessories such as hats and bags that match the colour palette of your outfit.

The pink dress matches well with the sheer cardigan and pink handbag  / Image: Pinterest

Donkie Thyme Bag Baby Pink, retailing at sgd95 at StyleupK

Even a colour as bright as green can work as a monochromatic outfit / Image: Pinterest

Opwee Plain Knitted Cardigan in Olive Green, retailing at sgd79.50 at StyleupK

Alki Alka Joy Bag in Green, retailing at sgd119.50 at StyleupK

Celebrity spotlight

Tzuyu (Twice)

Tzuyu’s outfit is simple but stylish! While her button-up top and her denim shorts are both blue, the difference in shade and texture keeps the outfit from looking too one-dimensional. While her sneakers are grey, they have a slight bluish tint that is cohesive with the rest of her outfit.

Tzuyu looking casual but stylish in her all-blue outfit / Image: Pinterest

Near & Dear Women Semi Overfit Shirt in Blue, retailing at sgd at StyleupK

23.65 Fine-1 Shoes White, retailing at sgd129 at StyleupK

Jeongyeon (Twice)

Jeongyeon looks edgy and chic in her all-black outfit. While there is minimal variation in shade, she incorporates many different textures into her outfit, from a smooth cotton t-shirt, to black denim shorts, and even sheer black socks. She also makes use of accessories and layers to keep the outfit interesting.

Jeongyeon rocking edgy chic in her all-black outfit / Image: Twitter

Mutemuse Amuse Bag Black, retailing at sgd360 at StyleupK

Lucas (WayV)

Like Jeongyeon, Lucas also rocks an all-black outfit. His outerwear is a lighter shade of black than his shirt, and the contrast between the shades makes his outfit stand out. His shorts are also of a different texture than both his shirt and his outerwear, and he completes the outfit with a black bucket hat.

While his white bag breaks the monochromatic pattern of his outfit, it works well as a statement piece, drawing people’s attention to it immediately as the only white item in his outfit.

Lucas’ all-black outfit has a distinct streetwear style / Image: Newsen

Fila Korea Nylon Tech Short Pants Black, retailing at sgd85 at StyleupK

Kangol Vintage Washed Bucket Hat, retailing at sgd120 at StyleupK

Somi

Somi makes use of not one, but two different patterns in this particular airport outfit. While black, dark blue, and grey are not the same colour, black and grey are neutral colours, and the different shades of blue in her outfit helps to tie everything together.

Somi shows that it’s possible to be both stylish and comfortable / Image: Pinterest

Quietist Basic Stripe T-shirt in Navy, retailing at sgd42.50 at StyleupK

ADLV Basic Logo Pants Women Navy, retailing at sgd99 at StyleupK

Jennie (Blackpink)

Cream, beige, and brown are popular colours in Korean fashion, and all of those colours can be seen in Jennie’s outfit! Because these colours might seem a bit plain on their own, by styling them with different shades, it helps each piece pop more. 

Jennie completes the outfit with a pair of black sneakers—an interesting choice, as the rest of her outfit has more of an elegant and mature vibe. But it is not uncommon to see Korean women wear sneakers with dressier outfits, and there’s no doubt that Jennie pulls it off amazingly.

Jennie exudes elegance in her beige-toned outfit / Image: Twitter

Fila Korea X Bts Project 7 Court Ace Brown, retailing at sgd115 at StyleupK

Taeyong (NCT)

Taeyong’s fiery red hair may take center stage, but his all-black outfit is worth taking a look at too! By wearing a black denim jacket over a hoodie, Taeyong manages to look both cuddly and cool at the same time. He doesn’t forget to complete the outfit with a black cap—which also helps to keep his hair from stealing all of the attention.

Taeyong’s all-black outfit is eye-catching despite his bright red hair / Image: Twitter

ADLV Basic Logo Oversized Black Hoodie, retailing at sgd148 at StyleupK

Conclusion

Monochromatic outfits can be explained as outfits that consist of only one colour. These one-coloured outfits can be as simple as wearing different pieces of the exact same colour. 

However, monochromatic outfits can also be elevated by incorporating different elements into the outfit, such as various shades, patterns, textures, and accessories. And as seen from the idols who have rocked monochromatic looks, the monochromatic style looks best when the outfits are layered.

Shop for pieces to put together your own monochromatic outfit at StyleupK today! Bonus tip: you can browse items according to colour by entering your colour of choice in the search bar.

StyleupK is an online Korean fashion platform that ships worldwide. Free shipping to Singapore, Malaysia, USA and more.