A Monochromatic Moment

We try to make it easy to wear (IN)LARKIN, and all of the styles in a collection can mix and match effortlessly, but we also understand that not all of our customers are perfectly fashion-minded. Luckily, monochromatic outfits can be exceptionally effortless and chic and are extremely simple to pull together. Here are three of our favorite monochromatic (IN)LARKIN looks.

What is a Monochromatic Style?

To achieve a monochromatic look, you'll want to choose a base hue or color and add shades and tints of that hue to your outfit. We don't want to limit ourselves to just one shade of a particular color because different hues add depth to your monochromatic outfit. The easiest colors to start with are black and navy, simply because they are flattering, and you may already be creating monochromatic outfits with these hues without realizing it. 

Black Monochrome

We love to start with our favorite black dress, the Mariposa Dress, for a black monochromatic outfit. Its streamlined look is the perfect base for layering, and the flattering fit hugs every natural curve. Next, we can add a shirt over the top, like the Flight Shirt tied up from the bottom to show off our natural waist, or you can belt it at the waist (hint, hint, we have some new belts dropping soon-stay, tuned). Depending on the season, you can add the Elise Black Stretch Bootie from Loeffler Randall or the Clarita Block 60 Sandal from Alexandre Birman. Finish off your monochromatic look with the Small Nora Tote by Kaite. If you want to add sunglasses or jewelry, stick to darker colors that don't stand out against black, such as the sterling silver onyx choker by Sophie Buhai.

Navy Monochrome

A navy monochromatic gets trickier because you must decipher what is considered navy and what is considered blue. We like to stick with a classic rich navy color for a monochrome outfit, but you can add other blues if you feel bold. We start with the Unreal Jeans 2.0 in indigo and pair the new Aliferous Shirtdress in the navy. Also, purchasing the Velour Jackie Jacket last season adds a rich, layered look to this ensemble. Suppose you want to dress this outfit down. In that case, pair colorblock sneakers, like the Poliana from Pedro García allow you to add different blue hues without a lot of effort or sex it up with a pair of Tamara Mellon's Pillowtop 'It's Trippy' Stillettos in opus blue.

White Monochrome

s you move into more exciting neutrals, you can start to use different shades and tints of your chosen hue. For a white monochromatic outfit, we start with the Mariposa dress in white. We then want to add the Beauty Bomber in white. This ensemble makes a real splash in an understated cosmopolitan way. Pair this with Celine's new retro sunglasses and Loewe's small leather-trimmed basket tote.

Building a monochromatic outfit is practically effortless, but you still have complementary shades of your base color. So stick with your neutrals, such as black, navy, and cream, for those new to monochromatic dressing. Once you master these color families, you'll be ready to move to brighter and bolder colors.

What is your favorite monochromatic base color?