The Chic Outfit Anyone Can Re-Create Right This Second
In fashion terms, when we use the word monochrome, it can mean two things: 1) dressing in one solid colour or 2) when black and white are paired together. Today, we're going to talk about the latter, which has made a comeback of late.
If you've already consulted our new-season trend report, you'll know that Chanel, Max Mara, Rosetta Getty, Jil Sander, and Prada, to name but a few, all presented black-and-white monochrome outfits on the S/S 21 runways. But why now?
Natalie Kingham, buying director at MatchesFashion, notes that this is the perfect backdrop to highlight bold accessories, another trend that's set to be big news this season. "Monochrome always works—anything black or white is a good investment, and you will always wear it," confirms Kingham. "Right now, it feels appropriate. It's also great for showing off all the hardware we're seeing everywhere and works very well with statement jewellery."
What we love most about monochrome outfits is that you can easily assemble such a look from basic items you already have in your wardrobe. From simple skirts to knitwear to trousers to blouses, we'd be amazed if you can't immediately style up a handful of monochrome ensembles from your existing wears.
Needless to say, monochrome's broad appeal means that many of Instagram's best dressers are already getting in on the black-and-white action. Scroll below to see our favourite monochrome outfits of spring so far. Then shop the key pieces you need to re-create them for yourself.
1. ABISOLA OMOLE'S T-SHIRT AND STATEMENT SKIRT
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2. DAWN TAN'S PRINTED TROUSERS AND KNITTED TANK
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3. DÉBORA ROSA'S SLOUCHY TAILORING AND BRA TOP
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4. MONIKH DALE'S PRETTY DRESS AND CHUNKY BOOTS
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5. AMY LEFÉVRE'S CROPPED TROUSERS AND HIGH-NECK TOP
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6. CAMILLE CHARRIÈRE'S MINISKIRT, JUMPER AND CALF BOOTS
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7. TANDYA'S SWEETHEART TOP AND LEATHER TROUSERS
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8. MARIANNE SMYTH'S WIDE-LEG TROUSERS, SHIRT AND TRENCH COAT
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Next up: Trust Monikh: The Items That I'm Adding to My Wardrobe This Spring
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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