Knowing what looks good on you and knowing how to put an outfit together are two very different skills. You may have a closet full of thoughtfully chosen threads but, when it comes time to assemble them into an outfit, things aren’t so straightforward. The refrain “Does this go with that?” is one we’re all familiar with. Here’s a secret to getting around that age-old question: pick a color and pile it on.
It’s a trick that minimalists have long known ensures you look polished regardless of the dress code. Sticking to a single hue when building a look means that no matter what pieces you combine—solid, striped, patterned or otherwise—they will always be in harmony. Moreover, the beauty of monotone dressing is that you likely already have ample options in your wardrobe. Think of all the neutrals that normally play the sartorial straight man, and now recast them as the star player. Here are three examples of how classic gray, navy and even beige can make a surprisingly chic statement.
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Concrete Jungle
Image Credit: Joshua Scott It’s not about matching. Actually, it’s better when you don’t. A medley of gray-scale shades, with a printed scarf and striped trousers in the mix, proves that monotone can really sing.
Paul Stuart water-resistant wool coat, $1,895; J. Mueser cotton Western shirt, $275; Brunello Cucinelli wool-and-cotton trousers, $1,500; Hermès silk scarf, $560; Mark Cross leather portfolio, $1,290; Church’s derby shoes, $690; Postalco for Sunspel notebook, $40.
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Blues Brother
Image Credit: Joshua Scott Monochromatic dressing means more focus on texture. Suede, oxford cloth, silk twill and denim add up to a richly layered look, like this modern riff on preppy classics.
Baracuta suede jacket, $910; Turnbull & Asser cotton oxford shirt, $375; A.P.C. jeans, $265; Tie Your Tie silk-and-wool tie, $310; Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses, $325; Anderson’s suede belt, $170; CQP suede sneakers, $390.
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Cream of the Crop
Image Credit: Joshua Scott Sometimes “beige” means boring, but when worn head to toe it’s quietly, quintessentially cool. Keep things light with a knit shirt (worn like a jacket) and unlined loafers with all the ease of socks.
Saman Amel cotton- and-silk knit shirt, $430; Sunspel cotton T-shirt, $90; Trunk Clothiers corduroy trousers, $200; Anderson & Sheppard wool-and-silk neckerchief, $117; Gucci sunglasses, $420; Tod’s suede loafers, $645; Il Bisonte leather bag, $955; Turnbull & Asser suede belt, $330.
