Out of all the colors in the universe, the easiest ones to wear for any body size, shape, or form are the monochrome tones. It’s no secret that wearing white gives you a fresh and youthful glow while wearing black does wonders to your figure. I have nothing against being loyal to basic colors and styles but I am all for kicking things up a notch to come up with even more fashionable every day outfits. So here are my tips and tricks to taking your favorite monochrome pieces from bland to fab!
First thing’s first, what does monochrome mean exactly? It’s basically wearing all black and white or varying tones of only one color. I know it sounds a bit boring but there are different ways to make dressing up in monochrome outfits very interesting.
PLAY AROUND WITH TEXTURES
Mixing and matching various textured clothing pieces will add interesting design elements to any outfit. Playing around with textures is a fun way to add focal points to the outfit. A tweed jacket, for example, is a great go-to piece to complete a luxe outfit. Don’t be afraid to play around with different textures. It will surely make your outfit stand out!
LAYERS ON LAYERS
Layering not only keeps you warm and cozy but it’s an easy way to make any outfit trés chic. Layering a white vest on top of a white crop top, for example, is an easy way to create an interesting minimalist outfit. When layering clothing pieces, make sure to know when to stop adding layers. Too many layers will leave you with an overwhelming outfit.
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Putting together monochrome pieces with lovely little details will elevate any outfit. Interesting accents like ruffles, ribbons, and prints would definitely do wonders. Remember, it’s the little things that count.
A POP OF COLOR
When it comes to monochrome outfits, it doesn’t hurt to add even just a bit of a different color. Don’t worry, you’re not breaking the rules of the monochrome trend. You’re simply making your outfit even more interesting. You can easily add touches of color on your hair and even on your lips.
ACCESSORIZE
When it comes to dressing up, one of my golden rules it to never fail to accessorize. Adding belts, chokers, and other accessories will make a big difference. Remember, accessories can make or break your outfit.
Now, unto my monochrome outfit. Every single thing I wore at this moment in time costs a total of *drumroll please* Php 1,414.58! That’s right, everything from my earrings to my shoes cost me a little under Php 1,500. That’s a pretty good price considering how many pieces it took to complete this outfit.
I am wearing a PAPER SCISSORS branded top that I got from last year’s Clothes Buffet Manila event. Clothes Buffet Manila is an annual event that gives customers 20 minutes to fill up one bag with whatever clothes they want. It costs Php 2,799.00 to join and I was able to fit 9 lovely pieces in my bag. This amounts to Php 311.00 per item.
I actually made this lovely vest with my own two hands for one of my fashion classes in the Fashion Institute of the Philippines so it didn’t cost me anything really. I found this pair of leather shorts at one of the Supersale Bazaars for just Php 250.00.
I am still so obsessed with this white rose ring! From the moment I saw it, I just knew I had to have it. I got this lovely ring for just Php 100.00 from the Aveadena online shop. I got this pair of diamond shaped gold earrings from Forever 21. It was on sale for just $2.90–that’s 53.58 in Pesos. If you like this pair of earrings, you can buy a similar pair from Forever 21. I got this quilted white leather bag from Divisoria for just Php 200.00!
Lastly, This pair of MIA branded heels costs just Php 500.00 from the Shoe Addict sale. I am a sucker for gorgeous shoes at awesome prices so I naturally turned into a shoe collector. I definitely can’t get enough heels to add to my collection.
What do you think of my monochrome outfit? Try out the monochrome trend for yourself and see if it works for you! Don’t forget to kick things up a notch with my tips and tricks to an even more fashionable outfit.
FOREVER21 Earrings | PAPER SCISSORS Top | DIY Vest | Bazaar Shorts | AVEADENA Ring | Divisoria Bag | MIA, Shoe Addict heels
Photography by Matthew Azada