Monochrome outfits are one of our favorite picks for mornings when we're in a rush or just can't decide what to wear. Simply pick a hue, grab whatever else you have in that color and, bam, you're out the door. But some shades are easier and more flattering to wear than others. These eight monochrome ensembles look good on all skin tones and are probably sitting in your closet right this very moment.
Want to Try the Monochrome Trend? Start with These 8 Flattering Colors
Navy
This particular shade of blue has many of the same slimming qualities as black but doesn’t feel quite as severe. As seen above, even if your navy pieces don’t match perfectly, the combo of midnight hues can add depth to an otherwise simple getup.
Get the look: Line & Dot sweater ($99); Banana Republic pants ($99); Sam Edelman loafers ($84)
Khaki
Yes, even light skin tones can rock pale khaki from head to toe. The key is to select tops and bottoms with a looser fit and enough detail (like pronounced pockets, buttons or pleats) so that the neutral color palette doesn’t feel like a snooze.
Get the look: Reformation trench coat ($268); Alex Mill shirt ($98) and trousers ($125)
Camel
Darker than the khaki basics above, and perhaps a bit more interesting for simplistic designs, camel is another fabulous neutral option for a monochrome moment. However, those with darker skin tones will want to opt for shades that are either darker or lighter than their natural coloring. Because this color is most often associated with buttery leather bags and boots, and wool-cashmere camel coats, it carries connotations of luxury goods, even if you're rocking a $30 sweater that's not even close to cashmere.
Get the look: Bop Basics sweater ($98); MM LaFleur coat ($395); Vince pants ($345); 42 Gold boots ($160)
Gray
All-over gray can go two ways: gorgeous and glamorous or lazy and ready to lounge. So leave loose gray tees and joggers for the gym or you might end up looking like you're dressed as Rocky Balboa. Instead, rock tailored separates that highlight your figure while adding a professional touch.
Get the look: Hat Attack hat ($120); Rachel Parcell coat ($249); Inhabit sweater ($198); J.Crew pants ($98)
Khaki Green
This is one shade that works best when you reach for a mix of textures and fabrics, like the pairing of shiny leather and a chunky knit. It will help you look less like a new army recruit and more like a discerning street-style star. Hot tip: Adding gold-tone jewelry or warm brown boots or a handbag will help boost the richness of this gorgeous green.
Get the look: Topshop sweater ($75); Le Fou Wilfred pants ($168)
White
Crisp, clean and wonderfully fresh, an all-white look pretty much always looks posh and expensive. Whether you consider jeans and a plain white tee as your summer uniform or like to shake up for winter with a cream sweater over matching corduroys, be sure to throw a detergent stick in your bag to avoid any unwanted stains.
Get the look: J.Jill blouse ($60); Tailored by Rebecca Taylor pants ($295); Loeffler Randall shoes ($295)
Burgundy
This deep red works surprisingly well on almost every skin tone. It's sexy and femme without being overt. For day, we love the look of a cozy knit worn over a coordinating slip dress with ankle boots. For night, play up those flirty vibes in fabrics with a satin finish, a curve-hugging suit or that slinky slip dress sans sweater and accessories that match.
Get the look: Express blazer ($78) and pants ($48); Madewell cami ($55)
Black
Last, but most certainly not least, is everyone’s favorite non-color: black. There have been many an ode to the power of a little black dress, the versatility of black boots (and why it’s totally OK to own 10 pairs of them) and the timeless style of a chic black suit. This is one instance in which it's important to make sure each item of clothing is roughly the same shade of black. Double-check by looking at pieces next to one another in different lights before you leave the house and find your tee has actually—gasp—faded to gray.
Get the look: Lauren Ralph Lauren coat ($270); Lands' End turtleneck ($90); Agolde jeans ($178); Vagabond boots ($160)