Fashion Love: How To Go Monochromatic Without Looking Drab

I used to shy away from monochromatic outfits. It was almost subconscious: I just assumed any single-color outfit would be boring—or weird! But recently, I've actually been trying it, and I'm loving it. It's so simple and chic! When you open yourself up to monochromatic outfits, you open yourself up to so many more outfit options that are probably already in your closet—score!

Admittedly, it can be tricky to dress head-to-toe in one color. Here are a few ways to don the trend without blending into the crowd, or looking like one of those sports fanatics in a spandex suit.

1Use Different Tones The same color doesn't have to mean the same shade Pair a light chambray shirt with dark jeans for enough contrast to make it interesting. Get the jeans from AG Jeans - $178; Get a similar shirt from J.Crew - $88

Photography by Meghan Residori

2Add Drama With Jewelry Never underestimate the power of a serious statement necklace Whenever I'm feeling a bit bland with my outfit, I add one and immediately feel transformed. Get the jeans from Nordstrom - $113; Get a similar top from Nordstrom - $58; Get a colorful statement necklace from EverEve - $44

Photography by Meghan Residori

3Change Up The Shoes Your shoe choice can change your entire outfit Going all grey? A bright shoe will add a serious pop of color. Already wearing a full-on bright outfit? A neutral, contrasting shoe will balance it out. Get similar jeans from Nordstrom - $107.40; Get a similar top from Nordstrom - $58; Get similar shoes from Nine West - $89

Photography by Meghan Residori

4Go Patterned Adding a pattern into the mix breaks up the singular look, and can even make you forget you're wearing only one color from head to toe Get a similar dress from ASOS - $53; Get similar shoes from Nordstrom - $90

Photography by Meghan Residori

5Layer Up Layers make your outfit more visually interesting by adding another dimension Try a cute jacket, or even a scarf, or that 3-D effect. Get similar jeans from Nordstrom - $107.40; Get a similar jacket from Nordstrom - $78; Get a similar top from LOFT - $54.50

Photography by Meghan Residori

6Mix Materials One major way to differentiate the same-colored pieces of your outfit is to mix up the materials Coated denim pants, a cotton tee and a sequin blazer are about as different as a black jean and white top, as far as I'm concerned. Get the jeans from Nordstrom - $113; Get a similar blazer from Daily Look - $117; Get a similar tee from Gap - $10

Photography by Meghan Residori