04/08/2022
Monochromatic Dressing
Monochromatic color schemes are derived from a single base hue and extended using its shades, tones and tints. Tints are achieved by adding white and shades and tones are achieved by adding a darker color, grey or black.
I’ve always loved the monochromatic look; I just never knew why…
Monochrome dressing is “universally flattering,” as it creates a single, unbroken line that both elongates and polishes, furthering an illusion of height for almost any body. It also harnesses the power of color to establish or reflect a mood, whether it’s whimsical, romantic, serene or sedate. Also, it suggests commitment and confidence. There’s nothing wishy-washy about going all in on a single shade. And you don’t have to worry about that pesky problem of coordination.
Petite (5’4” and under) women should focus on creating length through their fashion choices. Using color to enhance the illusion of height is a highly effective strategy, as it helps create a vertical line. The reason monochromatic outfits are so flattering to petite women is because they create a column of colors, thus visually elongate the body frame of petite women.
There are many ways to work monochromatic outfits.
For example, this cropped white turtleneck from Zara with these Alo Yoga white moto leggings has been my go-to outfit. I paired it with my white Puma Mayze platforms (not pictured; but added height makes it a bonus!).
How to:
Go for the tailored look
For petite women, the trick to monochrome dressing is to keep each silhouette crisp and tailored. If your sweater is oversized, or your jacket sleeves are too long or shoulders too wide, then even if you are wearing pants or skirts of the same color tone, it still will not look too good.
Mix and match
Mixing and matching different fabrics and texture of your top and bottom will make your monochromatic outfit more fun. For instance, if you are wearing a cashmere sweater, you can match that with a wool skirt of the same hue. The contrast of warmth and thickness of wool vs the light weight sweater will give more depth to your outfit.
My favorite hues are neutrals: black (of course, because I’m a makeup artist & all black always looks classy), white (because it looks simple, clean, & delicate), camel, and grey.
Lastly, and most obvi…shoes. For petite women, always blend the color of your shoes with the color of your pants to make your legs look longer, even if you are wearing flats vs heels…but I love love love wearing heels. If you are wearing a dress or skirt, you should wear tights that match or are close to the color of your skirt and wear shoes or boots of the same color, which will make you look instantly taller.
Don’t get me wrong, I actually love being petite…I just try to create ways to enhance & flatter what God gave me… 🙏🏼