A monochromatic outfit will turn heads any time of the year, but winter is perhaps my favorite season to dress head to toe in one color. Let’s talk about why you may want to lean into monochromatic outfits this winter and how to make them look interesting and chic.
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I’m wearing a monochromatic outfit comprised of favorites from my closet, and I think most everything is still available in at least some sizes. I’ll be focusing on my 5 keys to creating monochromatic outfits in this post, but if you’d like to shop any of the items in my outfit you’ll find links in the captions of the first and last photo, as well as the shopping widget at the bottom of the post. Everything I’m wearing fits true to size.
5 keys to creating monochromatic outfits this winter
1. Aim for harmony in your outfit, not one note.
The term “monochromatic” comes from “mono,” which means single and “chromatic,” which implies color. By sticking to one color, or shades within the same color family, the outfit remains harmonious. Like music featuring interesting harmonies, an outfit comprised of various shades of your chosen color will give you a more nuanced look that will be easy on the eyes.
2. Use various shades of the same color throughout your monochromatic winter outfit.
A monochromatic look can be so chic because it appears intentional. Remember, intentionality registers as chic and stylish to the eye. But when it appears that we have over thought our outfit choices, the look can come across as contrived and we get that “trying too hard” result. It’s a fine line for sure. But by using various shades of the same color rather than just one exact color throughout, you’re more likely to create an interesting look that “goes together,” but isn’t over-matched.
So don’t overthink it as you pull selections from your closet. Simply pull garments and accessories that have the same color base – such as camel, ivory, black, grey, blue, pink, red, etc. – and begin “playing with them.” The goal is to land on a combination you like and that feels harmonious to you, not perfect.
3. Look for selections in the same tone of the chosen color for your monochromatic outfit.
So no, everything in your winter monochromatic outfit does not need to be the exact same shade. But, especially with some particular colors, you’ll do well to try to find items in a similar tone. To accomplish this, you’ll need to choose the one item that you are building the outfit around. I started with my light camel Fair Isle sweater. (If you don’t choose the one item you’re trying to create around, you’ll grow frustrated as you mix pieces in and out.)
I was a little surprised to find that some camel, brown and even ivory garments in my closet didn’t work at all with this sweater. But I quickly realized the problem was that the sweater is decidedly on the more cool to neutral side, whereas these pale bone corduroy pants I’d originally ordered to wear with it almost look yellow in comparison. They’re not yellow; they’re definitely ivory, but a warm toned ivory. If you’re feeling frustrated over your attempts at creating a monochromatic outfit, this just may be where your combinations are falling apart. Have you experienced this? I sure have!
If, because of your own coloring, you predominantly wear either cool or warm tones, you may not struggle with this part of the equation as much. But I have neutral undertones, so I have built my closet with mostly neutral toned items, but some do have a warm or cool cast. If you need help determining your own undertones, check out this blog post from my archives.
4. Create a monochromatic winter outfit with various textures to add depth.
Using different shades of the same color adds depth to your outfit, but so does wearing a variety of textures. Texture also adds dimension and interest.
This is why I believe that winter especially lends itself to creating beautiful monochromatic outfits: we have so many great textures to work with this time of year. My outfit features a wool/cotton blend knit, corduroy, ribbed cashmere, alpaca wool, a touch of suede and leather.
Of course I have a variety of shades of camel, as well as a coffee bean brown coat. But especially if you do wear the same color (in the same shade) head to toe, you’ll look all the more interesting if you add some texture somewhere in your ensemble.
5. Accessorize your monochromatic winter outfit in harmony.
I sometimes get stumped at the accessories when building a monochromatic outfit. I have everything I need hanging in my closet to create a cohesive look, but then I have to select shoes and a handbag to complete the look. With a limited shoe selection you could easily get frustrated and throw in the towel.
But again, don’t overthink this. Simply choose a bag and shoes that “work with” your chosen combination. Since I was wearing light camel throughout, I just chose medium camel boots and purse. And I was delighted to discover that my sweater actually features that same medium camel in the yoke design. Of course, in the winter you also may need to add a coat. Sure, I could have worn a camel coat if I had one that was in the same tone, but a cool dark brown coat works just as well, if not better.
I hope these tips help you to create beautiful monochromatic outfits this winter. They can be so easy on the eyes and appealing. Let me know if you have other tips that help you wear monochromatic outfits. I’d love to hear from you. Remember, you can shop this outfit through the links below in the shopping widget.
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Blessed for My Day
I’m grateful for parents who passed down to me a strong work ethic. It is good to make wise use of our time each day, to keep our hands busy and to complete the work assigned to us. It’s smart to be industrious. And when we sow laziness we reap poverty. So working hard is a good thing.
But as Christians we can sometimes begin to confuse working hard with working for approval. We begin to feel like “it’s all up to me!” Have you ever uttered that sentiment, even just under your breath? I certainly have. As women we tend to take on the bulk of Christmas preparations, and we can work ourselves to a frazzle. Let’s remember, dear friend, that apart from the Lord we can do nothing of any value. Take time today to make sure that you are “abiding in Him,” not just working your fingers to the bone. Our most important job is to dwell in Him, and I’ve learned that takes intentionality and humility.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” ~ John 15:5,8
Funny, but right before reading this blog post, I put together a monochromatic outfit for tomorrow’s errands and appointment at the insurance office. I went with all shades of burgundy with my burgundy cashmere turtleneck, burgundy/plum cords, burgundy leather bag, burgundy/plum leather booties but I did break up the all one tone look a bit with my sherpa and tan vest. I like the way that came together. Thanks for all your inspiration. I might have to duplicate your look here for a future outfit.
Sounds perfect! Thanks for sharing. 🥰
Cute monochromatic outfits Too bad the sweater is almost all wool. Allergic.
Wow!!!!! You look so chic in the outfit with the hat and coat. Great look on you. Even the sunglasses add. You look like a model.
Yes!!!! You should take time off for yourself. You always have such thorough and detailed post but I hope you give yourself time off.
LOVE!!! I adore wearing monochromatic outfits, and agree with you, winter is a very easy time of year to do that due to all the interesting textures in the clothing. Your outfit featured today is gorgeous! And you are correct, the tone (undertone) – be it cool or warm – is what makes outfits cohesive. I sit firmly in the warm-toned-skin family, so all the clothes in my closet have warm undertones. With the small exception of a few black items for when I’m required to wear black (but boy oh boy it’s not my best look!).