#1: Stick to classics

You can never go wrong with classic separates. A well-fitted blazer, a timeless button-down shirt and a pair of straight cut pants will forever be in style, and they look very chic worn together. You can also choose to add some interesting elements like a stylish belt or a pair of trendy shades.

Linen and cotton jacket, $74.95, H&M
Gabriela Hearst silk and wool=blend blazer, $1,950, www.net-a-porter.com
Cotton-blend shirt, $49.90, Zara
Max Mara wool trousers, €335 (S$541), www.mytheresa.com
Delpozo cotton pants, $630 (S$858), www.modaoperandi.com

#2: Play with accessories

One way to spice up a monochromatic look is to go big on the accessories. Try on a quirky hat like a beret, rock a pair of oversized earrings, or go for an eye-catching bag. Let your outfit be a blank canvas and go wild.

Equipment cashmere sweater, US$395 (S$520), www.net-a-porter.com
Fabiana Filippi suede trousers, $2,618, www.farfetch.com
Eugenia Kim leather beret, US$295 (S$388), www.modaoperandi.com
Kate Young acetate sunglasses, $325 (S$442), www.modaoperandi.com

#3: Mix textures

Different textures can make a monochromatic outfit more exciting as they provide some much-needed contrast. Do like mega streetstyle star and fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert and match leather with sheer pieces.

Le Ciel Bleu nylon top, $153, www.farfetch.com
Isabel Marant Etoile alpaca-blend knit, $385 (S$524), www.modaoperandi.com
Red Valentino silk blouse, $485 (S$661), www.modaoperandi.com
Pu skirt, $34.95, H&M
Gianvito Rossi leather boots, €1,220 (S$1,971), www.mytheresa.com
Stuart Weitzman suede knee boots, $795 (S$1,083), www.modaoperandi.com

#4: Take note of fit

With a head-to-toe monochrome look, it is exceptionally important to pay attention to the fit of the clothes – anything that doesn’t fit well will standout instantly (in a bad way). Invest in quality pieces that flatter your figure.

Modal-blend shirt, $59.90, Mango
Y-3 cotton-blend asymetric tank top, $96, www.farfetch.com
Polyester trousers, $63,90, Topshop
Ellery polyester-blend flared trousers, $731, www.farfetch.com
Current/Elliott leather jacket, US1,170 (S$1,541), www.modaoperandi.com

#5: Have fun with prints

Monochrome does not mean you can’t include some pretty prints in your outfit. For example, fashion blogger and model Doina Ciobanu matched a floral printed blouse with fashionable striped boots.

Giambattista Valli silk blouse, $1,807, www.farfetch.com
A Peace Treaty silk linen-blend top, $292, www.farfetch.com
Viscose skirt, $69.90, Zara
Kitx silk skirt, $267, www.farfetch.com
Leather boots, $196, Topshop

#6: Proportion matters

Donning a monochromatic look is a great opportunity to experiment with more adventurous proportions, like this oversized blazer. Also, matching different shades of the same colour is another handy styling trick.

Prada wool blazer, $3,680, www.farfetch.com
Khaite viscose sweater, $810 (S1,100), www.netaporter.com
MSGM cotton-blend pants, US$324 (S$427), www.net-a-porter.com
The Elder Statesman cashmere sweater, US$715 (S$942), www.modaoperandi.com
Nicholas Kirkwood calf leather, $464 (S$632), ww.netaporter.com

#7: Try unique materials

Some less common materials like slightly vintage-inspired ribbed wool or suede can really work well in a monochromatic outfit – just take some style cues from our very own Yoyo Cao.

Pierre Balmain Vintage wool suit, $3,474, www.farfetch.com
Clyde leather beret, US$293 (S$386), www.net-a-porter.com
Polyamide-blend jumper, $54.95, H&M
Prada cotton corduroy skirt, $771, www.farfetch.com
Raffia bag, $89.90, Zara

Streetstyle images: Showbit.com

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