I unofficially declared this week Fall Fabric Trends Week on Monday when I realized I was planning to share outfits in some of the most on trend textiles for fall each day this week. But today I’m actually doubling back to the plush, soft fabric I shared in Tuesday’s blog post and talking all things corduroy. Today I’m sharing four monochromatic outfits for fall.
While a “pop” of true red continues to trend, the hue of red that we’re going to see more of as we move into fall and winter is definitely burgundy (sometimes called Bordeaux, wine, oxblood, etc.). And I especially love wearing a deep and impactful color like this head to toe. (Well, almost toe in this case!)
My stretch corduroy relaxed straight leg pants from Talbots fit true to size; I’m wearing a 10 misses. They also come in petite sizes, and they’ve available in ivory and deep walnut as well. Keep in mind that I’m 5’8″ and I need to wear mine with a bit of heel.
For a casual but chic monochromatic outfit for fall I topped my straight leg cords with the polo cardigan in the same color. Again, this comfortable, stretchy top fits true to size and is available in petites.
I accessorized my monochromatic burgundy outfit with black mules and a black leather tote bag. I think keeping your accessories in the same intensity as the garments works nicely when you don’t want to wear the same color as your pants in your footwear.
Next I’ve created a tone on tone look with ivory wide leg corduroy trousers. Remember, the wide leg jean and trouser will definitely look the most modern. These cords from J.Crew are the same fit and silhouette as my trouser jeans shown in this blog post. They fit true to size and I wear a 30.
The regular fit in these cords has a 12″ rise, a 32″ inseam and a 23 1/2″ leg opening. Again, I need to wear a bit of heel with these wide leg pants and I’m 5’8″. But they also come in petite and tall lengths as well as a full range of sizes. I wore my wide leg pants with the Paul Green booties I purchased in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (so comfy!). Oh, and those booties are 40% off again.
I topped my ivory cords with a cable knit sweater in the color maple oat heather, but they also carry this yummy, soft raglan sleeve sweater in ivory. I like the little bit of contrast here and you still get the monochromatic effect, which is just as slimming in lighter colors as dark.
My next outfit has even more contrast, but it’s still a monochromatic outfit for fall. I’ve topped those same wide-leg corduroy trousers in deep chocolate with a soft polo collar sweater in heather mushroom.
This slightly cropped length sweater is a 56% polyamide, 30% wool, 10% alpaca and 4% elastane blend, but the feel is luxurious and soft. I like the length because you can leave it untucked over high rise jeans and pants to get those great proportions, whether the pants are full length of cropped. The sweater comes in a few other colors and a full range of sizes, and it’s temporarily marked down a bit.
By the way, I do love these Macarro mules from Madewell. They fit true to size, stay on my feet very comfortably as I walk and come in a beautiful aged cognac suede as well.
Again, you don’t have to accessorize a monochromatic outfit with the same color. Sure, brown shoes and bag would work here nicely, too. But I actually think that adding those touches of black keeps the outfit a little more interesting and adds a richness.
Pro Tip: Create interesting monochromatic outfits for fall by layering on the textures. Here I’ve combined a soft knit with corduroy and leather, but you could also add in suede, silk, textured wool, denim or velvet.
And, as a nod to all thing corduroy, I’ve added in the green corduroy dress I wore in Tuesday’s blog post, too.
You can learn more about this tonal outfit in yesterday’s blog post. I also gathered other pretty corduroy dresses there in a full range of prices and styles.
Do you enjoy wearing tonal or monochromatic outfits for fall? Would you like to see me style more of those here? I actually prefer them because they help me keep the contrast in intensity low, which is generally best for me. Speaking of that, would you like for me to share more about contrast in intensity? Let me know in the comments section below. Just tap on JOIN THE CONVERSATION.
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Blessed for My Day
Earlier this week when I attended LTK Con, a conference for women who use the LTK affiliate program in their businesses, I was reminded of the power of our tongues. I enjoyed meeting with so many women who do what I do, and I learned a great deal from them. We certainly shared our “war stories,” but for the most part conversations remained uplifting and positive. We all love what we do, even if it is a lonely job at times.
But the women I gained the most from were those who truly used their words to encourage and uplift. And it wasn’t just the words they spoke directly to me that struck a chord. Sometimes it was what I overheard in conversations around me. Let’s remember that what we say often has ripple effects, and we want those impressions to be positive and gracious.
Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ~ Ephesians 4:29
Kay, you look wonderful in all of these! I am loving the polo cardigan and pants in burgundy, and the off white pants – yum! I would like for you to show more monochromatic outfits! I think they are my favorite ways to dress.
Great. Thanks for letting me know.
Love your “ mono” outfit ideas… seems it would be a slenderizing/lengthening effect for 5’3” me!… I am 80+ , and still enjoy “dressing for my day”… such a boost to your entire being… also appreciate all your mini devos!… THANKS!
Hi Kay! I enjoy your blog every day – both the style tips but especially the Blessed for My Day topics. Welcome to Abilene – if I see you out and about…I’ll be sure and say hello!!
I would love to know more about contrast and intensity
Thank you for your ideas and inspiration
I especially love the burgundy outfit!
like most of your advice on DFMD
I like to see monchromaic colour.
pull up pants, I cannot wear pants with zippers anymore.
how can I use my gold and silver jewelry together.
Use your gold and silver together by making it look intentional. Use at least two pieces of each.
I’d love to hear more about contrast in intensity. I think I grasp the concept but I definitely need more guidance!
Will do! Next time I’ll include more tips.
I love how the rich burgundy outfit looks on you. Coincidentally, I bought those same two pieces and am really enjoying them. The weight of the polo sweater is perfect for our California temperatures right now. Talbots also has some similar monochromatic looks in a deep moss green color that I also purchased. I think the monochromatic look is so slimming and classic.
Yes, monochromatic dressing is just very in style and I love brands like Talbots that make it easy for us to do. Thanks for sharing. 🥰
I study your monochromatic outfits because I am trying to find a color combination that works for me, although I haven’t yet! Your coloring works well with these neutrals, and you really glow in them. I am salt and pepper, so I need to find the colors that work with my coloring. Fun trying anyway! Also, I watched yesterday’s video and can’t figure out how to comment there, so I wanted to add here that your insight yesterday was very helpful. Sadly, my husband passed away in November and I found myself immediately thinking, “Why bother getting dressed? Why fuss? What’s the point?” I wondered if I would continue to follow your blog since I didn’t see much point in how I dressed or what I wore. But except for the occasional days I really need to give in to doing nothing, I continue to dress, wear jewelry and makeup, nail polish, etc. It’s different, and not as much fun, but I found out that for me, it’s still important. It helps to keep me uplifted – being pulled together is one of the little things that helps to keep me from slipping into giving up. And as you can see, I still find I enjoy following your blog. 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Diane. And please keep getting dressed for your day as you have. You still have so much life ahead of you, no matter your age. I know you must have people who still love and need you in their lives. Keep mending. Bless you.
Thank you – I appreciate that. Bless you too.
❤️🩹Xx
I love the look of monochromatic outfits – so classy! Could you show us how you’d put together a monochromatic outfit utilizing blue jeans?
I really like your new shorter hair style. Could you share how you style it and show the cut from the back. Also, is it layered and any other helpful tips. Did your stylist pick it for you or did you show a picture to them as to what you wanted? Do you have special products to achieve the look?
Though I am a big lover of color, I also enjoy wearing monochromatic outfits. In fact, I wore one today, in hues of brown. I love your burgundy outfit, that is a great look!
Love the burgundy outfit! Don’t care much for the wide leg cords, but I would love to dress all in ivory! Thanks for the monochromatic looks!
I love the devotional. I like all the outfits on you. I like the mushroom sweater because it doesn’t need to be tucked in. I wish I could find more sweaters on petite sizes like that. I would like more posts on contrast in intensity. I love your hair. I took a screenshot to show my stylist next week. I want a cut like that. I’m going to not color my hair anymore and want a shorter haircut. I don’t look good in a pixie but a haircut like yours will work.
Thanks for your hard work. Thanks for inc. 4colors of the corduroy. I really like that dark violet color.
The monochromatic looks were beautiful on you!
I like that look also.
Yes, please include more posts on contrast intensity.
Enjoy your time with family!
All these outfits are lovely and achievable, as they don’t involve figuring out if one color “goes with” another – I like easy when it looks this good! Your BFMD reminded me of advice I read to remind yourself when you are making yourself pretty by putting on lipstick not to let ugly words come out of that mouth. Or as I read somewhere else, “Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth,” LOL! It can be very hard to do sometimes, as we all know! Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip and come home happy :)!
I love the monochromatic look! In my opinion, clothes have a richer and appealing look and feel to them. I welcome more on this topic.
Living in Arizona, I have discovered that corduroy and woolen items are beautiful, however I do not purchase them as my winter season is too warm and short. I purchase more cotton and linen items. Also, I want to tell you how much I love Bless For your Day!
Thank you.
Marilyn Taylor
OK, all these outfits look amazing on you. I love the monochromatic style, At 5 foot 4, Curvaceous, and shrinking just a bit, I think it is flattering. I have read your articles on intensity, but I do think it is a challenging concept to apply to myself. Thank you for all of your Posts and keeping us motivated to present are most authentic self.
Love Love Love those Monochromatic and Tonal Looks , they all look Rich and Luxurious and Elevated ♥️It’s my favourite way of wearing my clothes , being just under 5’ tall dressing like that actually makes me look taller even though my heels are only 2and a half inches . Kay more of these please,I still remember that gorgeous Red Cardigan+Red Trousers Outfit from January I think , I got same and got so many compliments . And the Denim on Denim look too Fab♥️. Love your BFMD too , so so true Xx
Loved these looks
Appreciate learning about contrast, intensity in outfits. I believe I first read about this in one of your previous blogs from a few years ago. Has been so helpful to me. Thank you.