Jan 25

Jan 25 Monochrome Looks

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I haven’t written much about fashion lately because I haven’t been that inspired. I’m wearing a lot of leggings + sweatshirts and don’t really go anywhere, so it makes sense that I haven’t felt like pulling together looks or throwing on outfits to shoot. All that to say, last week inspiration struck! The clothing at the presidential inauguration revived me a bit and I’m ready to talk about fashion again, without it just being a product review. You guessed it - we are going to be discussing dressing MONOCHROME today. I don’t consider it a new trend, but the inauguration has definitely caused it to surge. I can see why - it is super flattering, elongating, and simple to style. What’s not to love? Dr. Jill Biden went monochrome the night before of the inauguration and the day of, as did Kamala Harris, along with Michelle Obama on January 20th.

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I’ve mentioned it before here, but I really enjoy seeing how The White House influences trends and the fashion industry. It is fascinating to watch! The first time I was cognizant of it in present day (not talking about Jackie O, though I love her style), was Obama’s second term. I HAD to have the grey-blue nail polish Michelle Obama wore. Four years ago, I adored Melania’s Tiffany Blue suit she wore at the inauguration. This year didn’t let me down either, as I would love to wear Kamala’s Pyer Moss coat (she wore it the night before) and Michelle Obama’s burgundy ensemble at the inauguration. I’ll also happily take Dr. Jill’s blue pumps. So chic!!

Over the last year I decided to (slowly but surely) overhaul my wardrobe and neutrals have made me the most happy. I want to try to pull in hues besides tan, white, black, and blue jeans, like dark greens and burgundies, but these “basic” colors feel so chic and easy to wear. As I was feeling inspired from the looks served at The White House, I started thinking through my clothing and realized that though I enjoy a good monochrome look, I really didn’t have anything that could make a “fun” monochrome styles. I have all black, all white, and that of a Canadian Tuxedo - all denim ;) I do want to change that, but for now I’ll just be shopping my closet. I hope this inspires you too! Chances are you can pull together at least one “same color” look with what you have. Remember they can be different shades in the same family and can have different textures (my favorite!!) too.

One way that White House fashion has changed in the last decade or so is that instead of sticking with the traditional designers, they will branch out and give someone new a chance. I would credit Michelle Obama with this, but I’m uncertain if that is 100% factual. While I love the traditional dress designers and the thought of allying with one designer, I love this change, as it truly changes those designers’ lives. The clothes often making statements both in regard to fashion and to the world as well. For example, Dr. Jill Biden’s inauguration suit was by Markarian // designer Alexandra O’Neill. They specialize in clothing made entirely in the U.S., keeping our dollars here. Her night-before-inauguration look was by Jonathan Cohen, an American designer who focuses on sustainability. The amazing Pyer Moss jacket Kamala Harris wore on inauguration eve was designed by Kerby Jean-Raymond, a Black designer who focuses on changing social narratives. For inauguration day, her purple look was designed by Christopher John Rogers, another talented, Black designer. By choosing other people than your typical, known designer, we are introduced to other platforms, cultures, and more and I’m here for it!

I hope this helps you spice, or rather simplify your wardrobe. Next time you don’t know what to wear, try giving monochrome a try! Here are a couple other looks I pulled together from my closet as more inspo. The all black on the right is basically the same I posted a year or so ago here, but with different boots and with my leather jacket. Lots of options!! If you’re looking to buy or maybe have a new monochrome look, consider your power color or the hue that makes you feel happy. You’ll be more likely to reach for it because it makes you feel good versus something just being “on trend”. Oh and by the way - dressing monochrome is classic, so investing in one color fashion will get you a lot further than any other “trend” out there. Your welcome… to you and your wallet!