Unless you’ve been living under a rock (or possibly North Korea) for the past few months, you’ll be well aware that monochrome is pretty much a big deal right now. From the black and white stripes at Lanvin to the high contrast mix of monochrome at Missguided, practically everyone from high end to high street is loving the opposites attract approach to Spring/Summer fashion.
Claire and I love it too. In fact, we are so well and truly on the monochrome bandwagon that we’ve started organising wagon activities for our fellow wagon travellers. For me, this is a big deal. As a staunch supporter of leopard print, gold and all things glitter, wearing a simple ensemble of black and white is something relatively unheard of for me. I’d be the first one to shout SNORE at the prospect. Nevertheless, monochrome has grown on me like pretty much every One Direction song ever and I am embracing my inner classy woman with open arms.
It should have come as no surprise really, the black and white contrast mix is a bona fide classic and it is also one of the easiest trends to pull off this season. Paired with the right shapes, prints and accessories, monochrome is one of the best ways of staying on trend this year. Unlike some of the Spring/Summer trends that are not quite as easy to wear (we’re looking at you neon), monochrome is one that any fool (cough, Claire) can get involved with, so it’s definitely about picking what works for you and going mildly cray. And while a simple contrast of black and white might seem a bit dreary, the key to bringing black and white from boring to brilliant is pairing the simple colour palette with outfit statements.
Personally, I like accessorising my monochrome clothes with big, chunky gold jewellery or other items that are currently on trend. Anyone who has spoken to me in the past few months will know how much love I have for my 90s acid wash jeans, so these are another favourite for putting with a monochrome blouse or jumper.
Here are a few of my favourite monochrome pieces currently on the high street and online:
Number and Letter Print Blouse: Missguided
Monochrome Bodycon Dress: Missguided
Deconstructed Animal Print Skirt: Urban Outfitters
Block Contrast Shirt: Topshop
Panelled Leggings: Asos
Monochrome Striped Shorts: Boohoo
Monochrome Ankle Socks: Asos
What I love about monochrome is that you can be as bold or as simple as you like; it all depends on what print (or lack of) you go for. As I mentioned briefly above, I’m definitely more of a bold print fan so the monochrome I’ve been going for this season is a bit more in-your-face than some of what is available on the high street. This Primark blouse is a big favourite of mine at the moment (must stop wearing it literally everywhere).
What does everyone think about the monochrome trend?
