Hue do you do? How to wear spring's monochromatic look
Streetstyle inspo and styling tips you can use
One of the most eye-catching of the popular women's wear trends for Spring/Summer 2019 also happens to be one that is easy to pull off. The monochromatic look — spotted on the runways at Boss, Michael Kors and Gucci — could even be re-created using pieces you already have in your closet.
Monochromatic dressing, where each outfit (for the most part) features a single hue in one or more shades, is an easy way to elevate classic designs in flattering cuts through the impactful use of colour and repetition. For example, where red pants might stand out, a head-to-toe outfit in matching or complementary reds immediately becomes an off-the-moment look.
The best part? You can pick the highlight colour that works best for you, and incorporate existing pieces from your wardrobe into each outfit. Pink, yellow, neon green, and beige were some of the most popular colours on the runway, but really, anything goes. Designers showed everything from white and beige to pastels and brights in monochromatic combinations this season.
Ideally, the colour of choice would be worn head-to-toe, but the trend works even if you simply focus on including two matching pieces. Try to avoid introducing more than one key colour into each outfit, since that will detract from the overall impact. But otherwise, pretty much anything goes with this trend; you can go wild, or opt for a restrained, minimalist effect.
To get you inspired, here's a look at how 6 fashion insiders styled this trend, and tips on how you can wear the look this spring.
The inspiration: Model Eniola Abioro
The inspiration: Fashion Buying Director Tiffany Hsu at Paris Fashion Week
The tip: Hsu looks amazing in this oversized, tailored suit from Australian label Ellery, accessorized with a matching velvet hairband by Bluetiful Milano. Instead of a yellow knit top, Hsu has toned the trend down a notch by layering in a black ribbed knit top with embellished buttons. Rocking the monochrome look doesn't mean that everything you wear has to be in the key colour; mixing in one or two black or white extras is fine as long as the standout pieces coordinate perfectly.
The inspiration: Author and Song of Style blogger Aimee Song in Los Angeles
The inspiration: Buying Director Elizabeth von der Goltz at London Fashion Week
The tip: Break out all of your beige and brown leather accessories! Styled with head-to-toe khaki- and ochre-coloured clothes this spring, they'll be given a fresh new look. As long as you stick with generally complementary beige and brown tones, combining multiple shades and tints in one outfit looks perfectly seasonal.
The inspiration: Influencer Olivia Lazuardy at New York Fashion Week
The tip: Here, Lazuardy layers a teal-blue blazer over a pleated dress in a slightly darker shade of blue, and her black leather purse has a design accent in the same hue. She's opted for black tights and burgundy boots to complete the look instead of trying for head-to-toe blue, which grounds the look and makes it work for everyday, too.
The inspiration: Fashionista Nnenna Echem in Paris
The tip: It's possible to embrace the monochromatic look without having to buy all new accessories. In this case, Echem's yellow blazer and dress are in similar shades of pale yellow, and her white boots and dark brown clutch and sunglasses don't distract from the impact of the primary colour. Perhaps it's time to buy a matching dress or skirt for your favourite colourful blazer?
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.