What is Monochromatic?
Monochromatic simply means all one color. Wearing all one color is not only easy, it is also a quick and stylish way to obtain a timeless classic look. I have chosen basic simple white pieces to build this look from dressy casual to complete chic. Have you tried this front tuck look with your shirt and jeans? It also adds some extra style to a dressy casual look.
How to Wear Monochromatic White and Why
Wearing all one color, or monochromatic style, is simple yet instantly sophisticated. The look of white monochromatic is eye-catching and flattering when you choose pieces that are also flattering to your body type. I started the outfit with my casual white Old Navy jeans and white Old Navy V-neck t-shirt. Especially with white, I would recommend wearing somewhat body skimming pieces and avoid too billowy or flowy so it does not look like a bed sheet blowing on a clothes line, LOL. Also, be sure to wear undergarments that closely match your skin tone to avoid panty and bra lines that will silhouette through your white outfit. We are going for sophisticated here, not peek-a-boo, ha!
Yes, you can wear white, do not say that you are too pale, everyone can wear white. If you still feel like you are too pale and need some more color, just slap on some of my favorite sunless tanner, Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanner from Amazon, they have a great price, Tim and I both use it especially on our chalky legs, LOL! You can read more about it on my previous swimsuit post here.
Accents and Accessories with Monochromatic Style
Neutral accent pieces that are also monochromatic give the look balance and compliment the sophisticated feel of the outfit. I have kept it simple with gold drop earrings, one gold statement necklace, one gold bracelet and matte gold wedge sandals. I have skipped wearing a belt to keep the vertical line of the outfit taller and leaner looking. A belt can sometimes cut the look in half and interrupt the concept of monochromatic. A simple white belt with a gold buckle would work well with this outfit. I just found this white belt on Amazon that has a gold accent, ordered it!
I found a similar necklace for you here on Amazon. The earrings are from Versona, I wear them every week. Similar gold drop earrings here at Amazon. Visit this post about my gold bracelet that I bought at an art show on our recent weekend trip to Blue Ridge, GA.
The gold wedge sandals are a few years old and are by Naturalizer. I found a similar option here on Amazon.
Adding the Third Piece with Monochromatic Style
A monochromatic third piece added to this basic outfit takes it from casual chic to sophisticated without being overly dressed at the same time. I have added a simple thin white cardigan from Old Navy. This balanced look would work for numerous occasions where a dressier casual look is most appropriate, and for changes in temperature when going in and out of different settings. This would also work for a job interview by changing the jeans to dress pants. I found a similar open front lightweight white sweater here at Amazon.
The classic preppy look of “sweater around the shoulders” also works to balance the look when you don’t want to actually wear the sweater. This gives a look that is more than casual but not dressed up at the same time.
I contributed this post to “Fashion Friday” on Jolynne’s blog HERE.
*This post is also linked up with Elegantly Dressed and Styled and Dressed
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23 Comments
Hi Lori Jo, I love a monochromatic outfit because you can really dress it up or down with accessories. White is also a favourite of mine and I love the metallic sandals you have added. Your look is so stylish and proves that sometimes simple looks much more elegant than lots of fuss!
Hey, Sue! So glad you like the look in today’s post. Simplicity with a few accessories keeps it workable and wearable. Style and fashion are different – style enhances who you are, fashion comes and goes and can be over-the-top and intimidating sometimes. I am all about being real, no stress with good affordable styling. Thank you for dropping by, talk soon!
Lori Jo
Hi Lori Jo, I am really enjoying your blog. I too am in my 50s and recently wanted to update my look. Your ideas have gotten me to try skinny jeans from Old Navy and given me ideas about other aspects of my wardrobe. I feel better in my skin. And, today I wore a monochromatic look to work. A funny coincidence!
Keep up the great work!
Oh, Karen! I love hearing this! That is what my blog is all about, helping us gals with easy updates that make us feel good. It’s about being put together well, not necessarily “dressed up”, but that is fun too! I have ordered a few things from Amazon and will be doing complete looks from them soon. It should be fun and interesting! Please tell me where you found my blog, I like to know where I am popping up. Keep in touch, talk soon 🙂
Lori Jo
Enjoyed seeing this! Wearing all one color is something I rarely ever do….and will start doing after seeing how you pulled it all together. I really like it! You always looked so nice! Have a great weekend!
Hey, Kathy! Thank you, and I am so glad that the post inspired you! This was new for me too, I am venturing into unexpected looks and combinations. I also ordered a few things from Amazon that will be on the blog soon, my go-to place for good deals and unique things. Talk soon!
Lori Jo
You look great, Lori Jo. Love the accessories!
Thank you and thanks for visiting, Christie! So glad you found some inspiration – I am very new to blogging, launched on May 1st 🙂
Lori Jo
Lori Jo, I love this monochromatic outfit, especially in white! I’ve read that monochrome is very slimming but it’s also very chic when it’s white. The gold tone accessories are perfect. Pinning. 🙂
So glad you were inspired by this look, Stacey! It works for all body types, just pick flattering, comfortable cuts and you’re all set for a simple chic outfit. Thanks for visiting and sharing!
Lori Jo
I love this monochromatic look. So classy, elegant and simple. Nice post!
Hey, Holliday! So glad you enjoyed the post and style inspiration. Monochromatic works for everyone, throw on a few eye-catching accessories and it’s a great look!
I am a new blogger, since May 1st, so really new. I focus on fashion for over 50 reinvention inspiration to fend off staying in a style rut, but have just become comfortable and will be adding more variety soon in my other sections. Thanks so much for dropping by, I truly appreciate it.
Lori Jo
Love your blog! I wear monochromatic colors all the time because I’m petite and it works for me. 🙂 So glad I found you and your cute style.
Thanks, Michelle! I have only been blogging since May 1st, so I am a baby blogger, ha! I suffered through the WordPress learning curve, self-taught with a few tears. We probably have a lot in common with style, I am 5’1″ and cannot be overpowered by too much busy print or too flowy. I focus on fashion for over 50 reinvention inspiration to fend off staying in a style rut, but have just become comfortable and will be adding more variety soon in my other sections. Thanks for visiting, I truly appreciate it 😀
Lori Jo
Love all white and very classy outfit.
Glad you were inspired by this look, simple and easily put together, works for everyone. Thanks so much for visiting! 🙂
Great outfit. I love going monochromatic, especially with white and beige. Hey, I host a link-up party each Wed, so if you’re interested, you’re welcome to stop by and add your posts to the link-up. http://www.thismainlinelife.com
Hey, Julie! Oh, white and beige is very lovely, love that combo also. Thanks so much for the invite, I will drop by tomorrow for the linky. I am very new to the blogging world and learning quickly! See you on your site later, I truly appreciate it 🙂
Lori Jo
Great tips on wearing a monochromatic look and perfect timing for our ageless style link up!
Thanks, Lisa! My blogging is about reinvention over 50, being timeless and stylish feels good and doesn’t have to break the bank. I am a very new blogger, just 3 months, still learning! Thanks for visiting! 🙂
Lori Jo
BTW, just submitted, still learning about linking also! Thank you for mentioning!
Lori Jo
I love that you were in the same theme as we were for our ageless style group Lori Jo!! Talk about birds of a feather!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I know, ha! I didn’t even know about these groups when I put together the white outfit. I am learning every day, catching on with help from my new blogger girlfriends – Thanks for dropping by, I see you everywhere 😀
Lori Jo