The idea of matching head-to-toe can feel so stuffy. But monochrome outfits can look very cool if you know how to pair pieces together. I like to mix different shades of the same colors but also play with mixing patterns when putting together an outfit in all one color. Here are a few of my favorite ways to put together a monochrome outfit…

Outfit 1 – Mellow Yellow
This color just screams happiness! While these two pieces are not part of a set, the yellow tones are so close that they work together. One rule I apply a lot (in both fashion and home decor) is that mixing patterns is easier when the two patterns have a uniting color. These two both have different abstract patterns, but the dandelion yellow shade unites the two for a textural and fun outfit from head-to-toe.

Zara (past season) top, Whit NY skirt (past season), and Loeffler Randall heels (similar); FROM REEL: Sezane Coat (past season)

Outfit 2 – Laidback Lavender
This is a great way to get into tonal outfits because there is one clear color in the solid top with patterned pants that have lavender, too. The colors match but it doesn’t feel too fussy because of the contrast in the matte cotton top with the more silky pants. Contrast in texture or color is what makes an outfit really pop.

Mille (past season) top, Rhode pants (past season), and Loeffler Randall heels (similar); FROM REEL: Mounser ring

Outfit 3 – Bold in Blue
Here we have three different blue pieces: a base floral dress in a few shades of blue, a darker blue sweatshirt on top, and both punctuated by a solid bright blue bag. What makes all three pieces work together? Contrast! They are all blue but different shades of blue. When combining multiple shades of the same color in one look, the different pieces either need to be very close in color OR clearly contrasted. What you don’t want are two pieces that are just slightly off in color but not clearly contrasted or connected.

Voloshin (past season) dress, Clare V sweatshirt (similar), Clare V bag (past season) with strap, and Loeffler Randall heels (similar)

Armoire by Industry West

P.S. Check out my Reel on Instagram today showing how all three looks came together!