THE ONE STYLING HACK THAT NEVER FAILS
Fashion in photos
Getting dressed in the morning—or putting together a look for a photo—shouldn’t feel like a struggle. Some days, inspiration strikes, and everything just falls into place. And other days…well… nothing works, your closet feels like a personal attack, and suddenly, pajamas seem like the only reasonable option.
For those days when nothing in your closet sparks joy, I have a foolproof trick that makes any outfit look effortlessly elegant—without overworking a single brain cell.
Wear a monochrome outfit.
Think of it as fashion’s version of a warm hug. Dressing in a single color from head to toe instantly looks polished, put-together, and intentional—without the hassle of mixing and matching. No matter your style, size, or height, it always works. For example, pair blue jeans with a blue sweater, and you're done.
Table of Contents:
Why Monochrome Always Works
How to Do Monochrome Right
Easy Monochrome Combinations to Try
WHY MONOCHROME ALWAYS WORKS
✔ It Makes You Look Instantly Polished – Matching tones create a seamless, intentional outfit that looks elevated, even if you’re just wearing basics.
✔ It’s a Cheat Code for Looking Expensive – High-end fashion relies on minimalism and clean lines. A well-executed monochrome look gives the same effect without requiring designer pieces.
✔ It’s Foolproof and Easy – No worrying about whether your top and bottom match—if they’re in the same color family, you’re good to go.
✔ It Creates a Longer, Leaner Silhouette – Wearing one color head-to-toe gives the illusion of height and elongates the body. It’s one of the oldest styling tricks in the book.
HOW TO DO MONOCHROME RIGHT
Mix Textures – A head-to-toe black outfit looks even more stylish when you mix satin with knit, leather with cotton, or denim with wool. Playing with textures keeps the look dynamic and prevents it from feeling flat.
Play With Shades – You don’t have to wear the exact same color from top to bottom. Varying shades within the same color family (like cream and beige or navy and sky blue) add depth and dimension.
Similar items: Drapey wide-leg jeans, cotton shirt, and headband. Use Accessories to Break It Up – A monochrome look doesn’t mean you can’t add interest. A statement belt, structured bag, or bold shoes can elevate the outfit while keeping the overall tone cohesive.
EASY MONOCHROME COMBINATIONS TO TRY
As I mention before, monochrome doesn’t mean it has to be only black, or even the exact same color. Here other examples
FINAL THOUGHTS
Monochrome dressing is the easiest way to look put-together with minimal effort. In a world full of mismatched patterns and complicated layers, choosing one color feels a little rebellious.
If you enjoyed this post and want more like it, give it a like—this lets me know to keep creating!
And if you loved these ideas, share them with a friend. Because in fashion, as in life, there’s nothing better than passing on a good secret.
Tell me—what’s the best color to wear for a monochromatic look? Drop it in the comments.
Quick Reminder
Paid subscribers have been getting the inside scoop all month with the Love Challenge—the kind of tips that make you want to break up with bad photos forever. We’ve been diving into:
How to take photos as a couple—without looking like you’re posing for a stock image titled “Couple Who Just Had an Argument.”
How to take "revenge photos" and feel sexy. Sometimes, the best way to move on is to look so good, your ex might reconsider every decision they’ve ever made.
This week, I’m hosting a special workshop to connect with our roots through photography. And next week, it’s all about finding love in everyday life.
So, become a paid subscriber. Don’t leave personal and artistic growth on the table—unless it’s brunch, in which case, leave nothing behind.
With love (and maybe a little drama),
Bonnie
