If you practically live in monochrome outfits, welcome to the club.
While some people might dub an unvarying colour palette ‘unexciting’ or ‘predictable’ this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, monochrome wardrobes are actually a super savvy style move because black and white go with practically everything – duh.
But as you move into Spring and start seeing folks whipping out their floaty floral dresses and pastel-hued suits, you’re likely looking for a way to add a little zestiness to your two-toned uniform.
So, to help you on your sartorial quest, we join forces with Swarovski and their new Mediterranean-inspired collection (prices starting at $119) to bring you five simple, snazzy ways to take your monochrome outfits to a whole other level:
1. Give your nails that little extra something
Nails are one of those things that often get forgotten. But have you ever noticed that, when someone has a fierce manicure, you can’t take your eyes off it? Yup, statement nails are supremely underrated in the fashion department and work every bit as hard as oversized rings or jewels to elevate your look.
If you’re after a simple geometric style, why not have a crack at doing it yourself? Alternatively, if you haven’t got the patience for nail art, simply take some #inspo pics along to your next mani to show the nail artist what kind of look you’re after.
2. Mix & match textures
Keep things interesting by switching up your materials. It sounds simple, but this trick is easily forgotten. Rather than wearing head-to-toe cotton, why not contrast your denim jeans with a fitted crop, a felt hat and dainty, metal details? Or even switch up how you wear the same pieces. if you have a lightweight denim jacket, try unbuttoning it and shrugging off your shoulder to turn it into a sexy top?
The combination of different textures and styles will make your outfit look (and feel) fre$h af, offering variety when you’re wearing only two hues.
3. Add in some funky prints
Give your uniform some extra spice by switching out your regular block pieces for an eye-catching print. The busyness of the pattern will give your outfit another dimension, creating an interesting, fashion-forward vibe.
Of course, if you’re not a big fan of loud designs, you can start small with low-key, subtler patterns. But for the seasoned print fanatics, feel free to go ham with larger-than-life motifs. Either way, prints are a fail-safe op when it comes to monochrome dressing.
4. Go all-out with your accessories
This one is a personal favourite. Aside from being ridiculously easy, the perfect accessory instantly takes your outfit from zero to 100. Inject some serious glam factor into your outfits by finishing your look with bold, statement details.
If you’re wearing black and white, vibrant jewel hues are a great way to incorporate tonality into your outfit. If you prefer wearing rings and necklaces to earrings, try stacking your pieces to create a luxe, layered effect – sometimes more really is more.
5. Experiment with your makeup
Just because your outfit is monochromatic, that’s not to say you can’t get ~creative~ with your beauty situation. Now, we know what you’re thinking: if you don’t like colour, your probs don’t wanna slap it on all over your face, right? Well, the trick here is doing it in a way you feel comfortable with, by using a splash of pigment to draw attention to your favourite assets.
If you tend to accentuate your eyes, try swapping out your black eyeliner for a rich coral or electric blue to create a trippy cat-eye effect. Alternatively, if you love a bit of lippy, try adding a swipe of colour to your pout – whatever floats your boat, folks.
