20 Monochromatic Outfit Ideas For High Impact With Minimal Effort

Just as Picasso had his Blue Period, you may have spent a phase in your life obsessed with a single colour—if not in art, then at least in personal style. It's time to rediscover a fresh connection to colour in your wardrobe again, whether it's the purple you gravitated toward as a child or the bright red trend taking over the runway now. Monochromatic outfits are one of the most impactful ways to stand out in fashion. A head-to-toe ensemble in one shade, even in a neutral brown, grey, or black, conveys a sense of irreverence and put-togetherness all at once. Just see the latest Miu Miu show for proof.

Related article: (G)I-DLE’s Minnie, Thanaerng, And Ways Of Looking At Miu Miu Fall/Winter 2023

Lest you fear wearing an outfit based around a single colour would come off as costumey or inauthentic, there are simple ways to make sure the look stays true to you. “Wear a colour that feels in line with your personality and vibe, also depending on where you’re going,” Danielle O'Connell and Alix Gropper, expert stylists who work with influencer Alix Earle and model Camille Kostek, suggest. In addition, don’t be afraid to break up matching pieces to play with shape and texture. “Introduce various materials into your look, whether that be a knitted or chain top with a monochromatic suit or a leather boot with a cotton dress,” they recommend. “This can help break it up and also elevate the look to feel more styled.”

The bottom line? Even the most intimidating shade (hello, orange) works when you lean into the more-is-more mentality. Drawing on street style outfits for inspiration, find 20 monochrome outfit ideas below to make one-colour dressing your thing.

Related article: This Look Is Money: How Three Influencers Style Monochromatic Outfits

The Knits-on-Knits Monochromatic Outfit

Skip finishing an outfit with the traditional jacket and instead, throw a sweater over your shoulders in a matching hue. This lighthearted lavender ensemble is perfect for a weekend museum trip or a drinks meetup.

Proenza Schouler Rib-Knit Fluted Sweaterdress

SAKS FIFTH AVENUENORDSTROMNEIMAN MARCUS

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Guizio Mohair Ribbed Cardigan

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The Layers of Lemon Monochromatic Outfit

Celebrate the arrival of warm weather with a sunny ensemble that layers on the yellow. Don’t be afraid to add playful accessories to finish the look with a punch.

Weekend Max Mara Cotton-Blend Blazer

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Reformation Landy Wide Leg Cargo Jeans

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The White-Hot Monochromatic Outfit

Down to the matching shoes and bag, this bold white look is the perfect going-out ensemble. The tied-up take on a classic button-down makes the outfit a standout.

Jacquemus Cropped Top

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Madewell The Petite Perfect Vintage Straight Jean

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The Not-Your-Average-Blazer Monochromatic Outfit

The next time you have a black-tie occasion to dress up for, skip your traditional look for a blazer dress and black tights. The outfit is high impact, even if it's colour free.

Theory Blazer Dress in Good Wool

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Wolford Velvet de Luxe 50 Tights

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The Blue Suiting Monochromatic Outfit

"We love a suit," O'Connell and Gropper say. "A monochromatic suit with an interesting top under is always our go-to formula and can be dressed up or down with heels or sneakers depending on the occasion."

Bottega Veneta Wool-Twill Blazer

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Bottega Veneta Trousers

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The Sporty and Spicy Monochromatic Outfit

Balance sporty and feminine touches in a fiery red. A track jacket is a classic piece you can dress up or down, while a statement skirt instantly draws attention to your look.

Adidas Adicolor Classics SST Track Jacket

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Lapointe Sequined Midi Skirt

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The Textured Taupes and Browns Monochromatic Outfit

"2023 is the year of brown—any and all shades!" O'Connell and Gropper say. "We're drawn to brown monochromatic looks because it feels like an elevated departure from a simple black or white look, while staying neutral and timeless."

Extreme Cashmere No. 20 Oversized Sweater

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Savette Symmetry 26 in Coffee Suede

The Almost Coordinated Monochromatic Outfit

A monochromatic look doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy. Choose styles in the same colour family, experimenting with prints and slightly different hues.

Etro Paisley Print Wide-Leg Pants

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Neil J. Rogers Eva Slouch Boot

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The Relaxed Polish Monochromatic Outfit

Instead of traditional suiting, try a more casual track jacket and cargo pants combination. This take, complete with matching sunglasses and bag, is put together but decidedly unfussy.

Zara Jogger Jacket

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Zara Satin Effect Cargo Pants

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The Shades of Gray Monochromatic Outfit

Mix formal and casual pieces, like combining a sleek gray blazer with a pair of slouchy jeans in the same hue. The combo works for the office, but can just as easily be a go-to for brunch with friends or a casual meeting.

Everlane The Oversized Blazer

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AG Alexxis High Waist Ankle Straight Leg Jeans

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The Burst of Colour Monochromatic Outfit

A jumpsuit is a one-and-done outfit that means you don’t need to worry about mixing and matching your tops and bottoms. Choose a bold hue and try adding a bag or jewelry that coordinates with your look.

Stella McCartney Falabella Print Silk Jacquard Jumpsuit

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Alison Lou Medium Jelly Hoop Earrings

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The Luxe Neutrals Monochromatic Outfit

A knit dress in a neutral hue can still make a statement. The addition of a coordinated coat and accessories is a subtle way to stand out.

SIR. The Label Sylvie Midi Dress

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Aritzia The Slouch Coat

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The Denim-on-Denim Monochromatic Outfit

There’s no combination quite as classic as denim on denim. Modernize your look with loose trouser jeans.

Celine Cropped Denim Shirt

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Goldsign The Atticus Jeans Low Slung Wide Trouser

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The Shocking Pink Monochromatic Outfit

For evening, take a shocking pink suit up a notch by forgoing a shirt altogether. Simply let your bra peek out from underneath.

Chloé Blazer

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Chloé Pants

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The Silver Touches Monochromatic Outfit

To dress down a bold silver skirt, style it with cozy gray accessories, like a pair of furry-lined Birkenstocks. A cozy coat on top is the perfect finishing touch.

A.L.C. Tori Pleated Metallic Vegan Leather Midi Skirt

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Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clog

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The Casual Whites Monochromatic Outfit

Come warm weather, keep things cool and casual with a classic white tank styled with a pair of linen pants. To keep the look pristine, be sure to avoid spills.

AYR The Flex Tank

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Faithfull the Brand El Toro Pants

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The Citrus Combo Monochromatic Outfit

Orange is one of those colours that is intimidating to wear at all, let alone head to toe. To ease into the monochromatic look, try styling a pair of citrus sunglasses with a coordinating sweater. You can finish off with a matching skirt, or try neutral tan pants if you’re not quite ready to lean in one hundred percent.

Illesteva Donna Sunglasses

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COS Dropped-Shoulder Sweater

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The Dark Blues Monochromatic Outfit

For a dressier version of head-to-toe denim, opt for separates in a darker indigo. A skirt and structured jacket feel a bit dressier than a slouchy shirt and jeans.

Tory Burch Denim Barn Jacket

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Gucci Denim Skirt

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The Statement Whites Monochromatic Outfit

For the transition between seasons, try a look that balances out the warm and cool: a bright white statement jacket styled with a coordinated skirt. It’s an unexpected way to show a little skin.

Khaite Flinn Jacket

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Frame Recycled Leather Le High 'N' Tight Skirt

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The Dramatic Dress Monochromatic Outfit

Deep maroon is a rich hue associated with colder months. A long-sleeved dress styled with a coordinating bag and matching lip bring drama any time of year.

St. John Flat Rib Knit Dress

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Mark Cross Frame Medium Bag

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This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.