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Styling a one colour outfit without looking like a Lego block – here’s how

With my penchant for an ultra-limited sartorial colour palette (being firmly within the ranges of beige and grey) I’m likely, by virtue of the rules of probability alone, to turn up in a one colour outfit 1 out of 3 days. However, styling an outfit all in one colour requires a bit more consideration than just throwing together a few similarly coloured pieces. Done successfully, it’s one of my favourite things to do to change up my outfits.
A few things to consider.

Contrasting textures – Contrast is so effective when styling any outfit, but when wearing one colour top to bottom, contrasting different textures is even more important. In this outfit I’ve paired this Black by Geng cable knit jumper against a smooth and sleek sleeveless jacket for a luxe juxtaposition.

Think tones – When styling an all over one colour outfit, it’s not an issue if your pieces are not exactly the same colour – in fact, it’s much cooler if they slightly differ in tone. This will give a sense of depth and balance to the entire look.

Lengths and Proportions – Getting dressed up in the same colour and turning into a colourful Lego block: the struggle is real. To avoid this at all costs, play with different lengths in your pieces and balance out your proportions. With this longline jacket by Life With Bird layered over my Anna Quan flared trousers, what I’ve got here is something of a double tiered swish – double the swish is better than one!

Cropped Cable Knit JumperBlack by Geng
Sleeveless Jacket – LWB by Life With Bird (Buy it here (on sale!) or here)
Flared Wool TrousersAnna Quan 
Pumps – Bally (from Helen Swift Consignment)
Bag – Proenza Schouler (PS11 Mini Classic)

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23 Comments to “ How to Style a One Colour Outfit”

  1. kurt says :

    u can do another outfit exactly the same, with leathered flares and silk alike blazers. I was just ressearching sleeveless blazers for guys recently.
    If someone thinks this outfit is too editorial, one can easily change the cropped top to white or black easily I guess. — success.
    http://bloggersBoyfriend.com
    http://instagram.com/Bloggers_Boyfriend

  2. elza says :

    this is simply amazing, such a fantastic look and great tips x

    CLUB AVENUE / http://club-avenue.blogspot.com / instagram

  3. Claudia says :

    Love this all grey outfit! Super chic!
    xx
    Claudia
    http://www.trendenciesblog.com

  4. Kathleen says :

    Your minimalistic style is always so on point, love the flair of the pants!

    https://katsandbombs.wordpress.com/

  5. Prudence Yeo says :

    Really cool all-grey outfit look! Love how a cropped top was matched with a long vest for that ultra chic style, awesome!

    Prudence
    http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

  6. Oh Jiawa I am absolutely in love with all the topics on your blog lately – and the outfits (but I have been in love with those for ages now). And I still get excited about the new blog layout actually. I just think it fits a lot better to you than the old one! Love the all grey outfit! I really want to do an all white / cream outfit for the blog sometime soon since it’s summer in Europe now!

    Sophie xx
    http://basicapparel.de

  7. Ana says :

    I’m really into minimalism style now, and I’m probably going to try and recreate this look.
    You have such lovely style.

    Ana

    longlifelovers.blogspot.com.br

  8. wow! this is everything!

    thedaydreamings.blogspot.com

  9. Nena says :

    Perfect combination!

    love, Turn it inside out

  10. GreenToBlack says :

    such a great outfit and advice!

    — greentoblack.co.uk —

  11. HELEN-JAYNE says :

    Love this all grey look babe. I think this colour scheme and all cream are my favs this season. Rocking it babe!
    http://www.bohotailor.com

    1. Jiawa Liu says :

      Thanks so much hun! Omg I’m obsessed with grey and beige atm (lol I guess that’s a bit too obvious huh?). I just find myself getting more and more grey stuff haha, so it was inevitable that I’d wear them all together!

  12. Natalia Bosch says :

    Great article! love it!

    Lots of love.
    http://www.NataliaBosch.com

  13. Once again, you have absolutely nailed it! I’m loving the grey-on-grey at the moment too, so good for winter! xx

  14. mahryska says :

    absolutely love this look…perfection on chic!!
    kisses from dubai ♥
    http://www.mahryska.com

  15. ColourClub says :

    Love this Outfit! It is so clean and chic!

    Love from Vienna
    Borislava from http://www.colourclub.at

  16. Trou says :

    Gorgeous! Love the different textures here.

    <3 Trou
    The Peculiar Trouth

  17. I just love your tips. Different textures and different shades, definitely adds depth to an outfit. And I am so loving how you grey outfit. It looks absolutely amazing. Beautiful.

    Kia / The House of KTS
    http://www.houseofkts.com

  18. Yulia says :

    Yep, I agree with everybody. Your tips are very helpful. I really like grey, but I never attempted to wear a one-color outfit. Well, expect black. I would definitely try it myself.

    P.S. I am in love with your cropped knit top and flared pants combo. Perfect sense of style!

    http://www.yuliannova.com/

  19. Rachael says :

    Wow, I have only just come across your site, it’s great. They grey is this pic is stunning and love the cropped knit!
    Rachael
    http://www.findingrosie.com

  20. kurt says :

    oh by the way, Katie Modern is also posting grey on grey just now.