monochromatic dressing

Monochromatic Linen Scarves In The Summer

~ sweetlifestyle ~ 2 Comments
Kala Scarves
Handpainted Linen Kala Scarf

In my last post on scarves, I showed how a contrasting scarf adds interest to an outfit. Well, a monochromatic scarf can also enhance an outfit!

The scarves here are by the Canadian-based Kala Scarves. The Spring/Summer 2017 collection includes a wide range of fabrics, from lightweight wool/silk, modal/silk, to linen. There are many colors and designs, some abstract and some with summer themes like boats. In the warm weather, I love wearing linen for its lightweight texture.

Kala Scarves
Handpainted Linen Kala Scarf

In these photos, I’m wearing two different rectangular linen scarves with the same jacket. Because the scarves are handpainted, each one is unique and a piece of wearable art. No two scarves are exactly the same! I love the pink/red patches of color on the neutral cream and beige backgrounds. The tweed jacket has pink and red threads in it and I think the linen scarves dress up the jacket even more. On its own, the jacket is smart casual and can make any jean outfit look put together. By adding the linen scarf in the same tones, there’s that extra layer of color and richness. Plus, if you tend to run on the cold side like I do, you can use the scarf as a wrap in the air-conditioned indoors! Continue reading →

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Monochromatic Dressing: A Very ‘Late Summer’ Edition

~ sweetlifestyle ~ 2 Comments
Photo: Lauren R
Photo: Lauren R

Monochromatic dressing, or dressing in colors and hues that are very similar, keeps cropping up on the runways.  Both InStyle magazine and The Globe and Mail have covered this trend for fall.

It’s pretty easy to pull off this trend by choosing a color that you like and that looks good on you, then finding items in the same hue or tone.  Of course, you can break up the look with a color very close to the one you have chosen, or a neutral, like I did in the feature image.

I like monochromatic dressing for a few reasons.  It’s relatively easy to find items that are the same color, especially if you purchase them from the same store or designer or go through your closet looking for that one color.  Also, wearing one color palette gives an outfit a look of elegance and style.  The outfit feels simple because the color flows from one part of the outfit to the other.  It is also sophisticated because it can indicate a certain effort has gone into putting together the outfit to make a statement.  People notice when you are wearing one color!

Altuzarra at Vogue.com
Brunello Cucinelli at Vogue.com
Elie Tahari at Vogue.com

In the photos below, I am wearing a khaki blazer, with a tank top in the same color.  When you choose pieces from the same designer, monochromatic dressing is that much easier.  The blazer has two textures, a smooth twill in the body of the jacket, and a ribbed t-shirt fabric in the sleeves.  The tank top is made of the same fine ribbed cotton as the jacket sleeves.  You give interest to your look when you mix textures within the same color.  The statement necklace, another way to add interest to mono-color dressing, is brushed nickel and is in the same tone as the rest of the outfit.  To tie it all together, even though there are white pants featured, the shoes are khaki/taupe toned and the bag is in the same color family.

Photo: Lauren R
Photo: Lauren R
Photo: Lauren R
Photo: Lauren R

So, I thought I would sneak in this one last summer-styled post, even though Fall officially arrived early this morning. When you live in Toronto and the weather is still summer-like in late September, you just go with it!

Let me know if you have a favorite monochromatic look, and…stay tuned for a fall/winter post as well.

(Blazer and tank: Marc Cain; necklace: H&M; jeans: Jessica Simpson; bag: Massimo Dutti; shoes: AGL)

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