Monochrome Fits All 2021

from REFINE Magazine Spring/Summer 2021: The Dream Issue

Monochrome Monochrome Fits all 2021 Fits all 2021

We know you saw the inauguration and obsessed over the fashion -- we did too! Jill, Michelle, and Kamala inspired fts and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe this spring.

By: Jocelyn Brechbill

Spring fashion is here, and monochrome trends are one of our fave looks for the upcoming season. Not only are they still with us, but they’re picking up speed and creativity with bold colors, all-out leather looks, and an inauguration day flled with one-color styles worn by strong and truly beautiful women. We’ve seen these looks for the last few seasons in anything from comfy sweatpants styles to powerful and elegant suits. This spring, the neutral creams and blacks stick around, but a much-needed breath of color has arrived with soft yellows, bubblegum pink, tennis-ball green, and some rusty and sunny oranges characterizing the season.

Inauguration Inspiration

Some say the monochromatic looks of the inauguration were symbolic of unity, and the unique style of many of the women present seemed to be a testament to how far we’ve come. Women are powerful and strong, but they don’t have to be like men to be in power. They are beautiful (all of them), and statement fashion does not diminish their ability to lead. “I was a fan of the monochrome look at the inauguration,” Abby Steinour, a senior graphic design major at Temple, said. “It was a very respectful amount of style and fare for politicians. It said, ‘Our job isn’t to be fashion icons, but we can still look good at work.’” The simplicity of their outfts also looked affordable, like I could go to my nearest Banana Republic and get a similar coat as Michelle Obama, which was probably a calculated move on the stylists’ parts, considering the economic crisis going on.” Our country’s leaders, talented artists, and the next generation all brought colors that shook up social media. Feeds were flled with pictures of Michelle Obama’s perfect plum pant-set, Kamala Harris’s vibrant purple coat, and Jill Biden’s elegant blues. Four of President Biden’s granddaughters and Vice President Harris’ stepdaughter gave us some tweetable neutral fashion inspiration, too. The theme of this day may have been professional and formal, but monochrome really is for every day too. Take your favorite pants, pair them with a jacket, shirt, and boots of the same color, and you’re good to go. If you’re at the offce, exploring the city, or in your apartment, monochrome has got your back.

How to wear it

The best part of monochromatic outfts is the simplicity. You can use what you already have and love, pairing together pieces of the same shade or color family for effortless style. Haley Williams, a senior public relations student at Temple, agrees. “I love monochrome outfts because of the ease of it,” she said, “It is so simple to throw on a matching loungewear set, and it makes me feel like my style is more elevated.” The consistency in color also leaves room for easy additions of pattern or bold looks in your bags, shoes, or makeup. Red lips with neutrals. Patterned purses and heels with an all-out pink suit. I’m serious about the pink suit. So are some other Temple students. “I have been on the market for a good pink suit so I can pull a monochrome business moment, but make it more my style.” said Williams. Steinour is feeling the bright colors too, “I’m a big fan of the monochrome pink look. I’ve always been a tomboy and hated pink my entire life, but I’ve been obsessed ever since I saw Natalie Biden wear it at the inauguration. I actually bought bright pink Nike shorts this morning,” she said. Mixing textures adds to any monochrome look too. Leather, sheer, denim, lace, silk, cotton-- anything your heart desires. Pairing different fabrics gives an outft depth and character. One consistent fabric can be just as effective, but make sure to layer. All that said, the true secret to a one-color look is to fll it with pieces that you love. What are your go-to staples? What makes you feel like you? Take those and build around them, keeping in line with the color family of that piece.

Why simple, why colorful, why now?

In the article “Basic Color Theory” by Color Matters, the effect of visual harmony is discussed: “In visual experiences, harmony is something that is pleasing to the eye. It engages the viewer, and it creates an inner sense of order, a balance in the visual experience.” Our world so often overstimulates yet leaves us begging for something more. When we create outfts that are both fun and harmonious, our brains relax. Perhaps the trends emerging from this season refect what we want more of in our lives: simplicity, peace, freedom, and joy. Or maybe we’re all subconsciously so ready to hop on a plane that we’re prepping our wardrobes to fll a suitcase with one-color-fts ready for anything. Who knows, but monochromatic outfts do it all.

1. What is your favorite thing about monochrome styled-outfts?

AND/OR How do you incorporate monochrome into your personal style?

HW: I love monochrome outfts because of the ease of it, so it’s certainly great for me that they are on trend right now! It is so simple to throw on a matching loungewear set, and it makes me feel like my style is more elevated. I usually choose to wear monochrome looks with my loungewear. I have been on the market for a good pink suit so I can pull a monochrome business moment, but make it more my style!

AS: I love monochrome styled outfts because they look put-together, even if the shades are mis-matched. As a student who doesn’t have a lot of disposable income to spend on clothes, I’ve always gravitated towards classic styles and neutrals. The brown trend that’s going on right now is cool, but it is what it is: a trend. If I’m going to spend money on clothes, I want to get something that’s “in” but still long-lasting and more versatile. When shopping for pieces to refresh my spring wardrobe this year, I opted for tans with a range of textures: suede, knit, corduroy, etc. I think tan is just as cool as brown, but it goes better with all of my black accessories and looks expensive when you wear it in monochrome.

2. This spring, there’s an increasing trend for monochrome outside of neutrals (i.e. soft yellows, bubblegum pink, tennis-ball green and some rusty or sunny oranges on the runways and in street style) What colors are you excited about/do you think you’ll be trying for the spring/summer?

HW: I am a huge pastel fan, so I’ve been really excited to see more colorful monochrome options. I defnitely will be rocking monochrome looks all summer long.

AS: I’m a big fan of the monochrome pink look. I’ve always been a tomboy and hated pink my entire life, but I’ve been obsessed ever since I saw Natalie Biden wear it at the inauguration. I actually bought bright pink Nike shorts this morning.

3. (if you peeped the inauguration fashion hype) What did you think about the monochrome trend or about the emphasis on style at the event in general.

HW: I think the monochrome inauguration fashion was absolutely incredible! Michelle Obama’s monochrome outft was my favorite, and I loved Jennofer Lopez’s white Chanel monochrome look.

AS: I was a fan of the monochrome look at the inauguration. It was a very respectful amount of style and fare for politicians. It said, “Our job isn’t to be fashion icons, but we can still look good at work.” The simplicity of their outfts also looked affordable, like I could go to my nearest Banana Republic and get a similar coat as Michelle Obama, which was probably a calculated move on the stylists’ parts, considering the economic crisis going on.