We are LOVING the monochromatic look this Spring for so many reasons – it makes you look instantly thinner, taller and more pulled together and you aren’t bound to just black anymore with the incredible assortment of gorgeous, vibrant colours on hangers in every Target, mall and boutique around the country.
So why on Earth are people so intimidated of this all-one-colour look?
Probably because its…all one colour.
We are trained to “match” colours from day one – black and white go with anything, don’t mix pink and orange, always wear sensible shoes…We say it’s time to break out of those old habits and master this chic, fun, versatile skill of Monochromatizing your wardrobe (I just made that word up! Like it?!)
photo credit: http://www.chaos-mag.com/make-it-monochromatic/
Monochromatic just means dressing in basically the same colour (or some variation of one colour) from head to toe. Believe me or not, it’s faaaar from boring – colours out right now are incredibly fresh and without multiple colours in one outfit hogging all the attention , you’re free to showcase different textures, little details and cool accessories that might have gotten overlooked before!
Think of the colour you choose as the perfect background for all those fun, gorgeous details! It’s their turn to shine!
Since there’s going to be pah-lenty of the colour you choose actually ON you, one thing to be mindful of is that you can’t get away with one that doesn’t look good with your natural skin tone, but…
Don’t Panic!
No need to go out and get some skin-tone expert to give you a colour reading, circa 1995 – just go with your gut! Typically, colours that you’re drawn to naturally complement your skin tone (somehow, on a deep psychological level, your body WANTS to look fabulous and lets you know…that’s what the scientists say, anyway…). If you’re concerned about rockin’ fuschia from noggin to tiptoe, hold it up to your face and ask a friend to give you the thumbs up or down. And listen to them. You just don’t want your entire body to look washed out or sallow.
Monochromatic is definitely not defined by the all-black look anymore.
Emerald green and royal blue are ruling this season, but so are colourful denim and leather – there’s something for everyone and the trend can make you look equally pulled together worn on the weekend or to the office..there are just a few things to consider:
#1. The colour you choose doesn’t have to be a crazy, bold one (although by all mean, go there!) – your pieces just need to have consistency
#2. Don’t drive yourself bananas shopping forever for the exact same colour in multiple pieces (a top, skirt and jacket in the EXACT same coral, for instance) – it’s great if you can get it, but not always possible. Try different shades of the same colour instead!
#3. Play around with textures and prints – set your imagination free!
#4. Last one – Let your colour, texture and accessory choices do the talking for you and ease up on the makeup
Please, for the love of Giorgio Armani, don’t try to match your makeup to your colour choice or you will look like this:
Photo cred: jennysuemakeup.com
For some more fantastic ideas on making this your new Spring look, a list of places to shop and to see monochromatic looks that work on real women, check out this recent segment on our local Twin Cities Live with the always lovely stylist, Sara Rogers.
Then go through your closet and send us a picture of YOU rocking your monochromatic look at thetodolistpodcast@gmail.com, you fabulous thing, you!
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