Let's wear classic monochromes
Let's wear classic monochromes
Without being too classic, of course
Recently I found solace dressing and experimenting in a column of colour, a combination of various shades and tones of a single hue to be exact, all for the reason that I am lazy to dress but would very much like to accessorise and play with my decorative embellishments. Slowly embracing changes in the way I dress, the ease of organising my wardrobe into matching colours is attractive and realistic. It takes out the work of mixing and matching during days when I am not getting dressed up but want to look put together, it also keep my clothing palette consistent and as simple as canvas. All, by wearing classic monochromes.
In the fashion panorama, looks are however becoming bold again. From oversized silhouettes for daily wear, dangling bag charms to chunky earrings and exaggerated floral brooches, distinctive dressing inspirations are everywhere. My approach for a realistic wardrobe balancing the above is to wear the monochromatic style underneath a variety of toppings, which includes a pop of colour that creates friction, accessories or shoes with noted awkwardness plus subtle prints or patterns that go within the colour scheme.
Black is always a good colour to kick off.
Some say the key to monochromatic dressing is finding a matching set in the same shade of colour (e.g. #000000 + #000000), if not differing in lightness and darkness so you do not break the head to toe harmony. Matching old favourites from Zara and SLY, my full black outfit looks more intriguing with a headscarf of rich lustre and complementing red accessories. I have always loved a headscarf look because it effortlessly elevates a casual vibe, bringing it depth and punctuates an outfit. To achieve Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic looks in mind, a big scarf is the choice. The bigger, the better. Mine is already the biggest among the collection, thanks to my small head it works just fine.
Close up of what I wore:
If you ask about another thing I like about monochromatic dressing, it must be the magic of looking clean and taking off at least five pounds or more. Monochromatic dressing creates a visually elongated silhouette, providing an illusion of height and a flattering, streamlined appearance which benefits a petite frame like me.
This full ensemble of black has added 10cm to my height in sight!
My hymn to individuality?
Bold accessories with afrocentric touch (Summer edition).
While dressing all white as an Asian may be regarded as breaking the ritual and associated with bad luck in general, my resolution to a pair of subtly printed trousers over plain white pants is more inclined towards the level of details and sophistication it brings. Accentuated with my tinted glasses scored in Kyoto and a bag in vibrant hue, my grandparents should be contented.
Adding a blazer and changing the sandals to loafers, it becomes a meeting IRL appropriate attire during summer:
For the outfit above, an idea of trying out yellow and blue combination has subconsciously rooted in my mind after watching the 3 mins Despicable Me 4 trailer last week. This isn’t me; not a fan of Minions, not one who tries to speak their Banana Language either… but here I am under the influence and experimented on double denim with a hint of yellow to see how it goes…
Well, it turns out fine, giving off a juxtaposing grandmother vibe with my crochet bandana. To balance the somewhat morning look, I added a bold J.Crew tote bag with a chic element of satin tassel in golden yellow, an echoing shade with the headpiece that clearly accentuates my full look of blue.
Keeping the major elements of the look intact — a white t-shirt, an oversized denim shirt and straight denim pants — while placing my headpiece over the belt hoops for a more interesting accent, this is the simplified coordinate I wore 3x times last week:
Here comes the classic classic. A tint associated with timeless charm, wardrobe versatility and a dash of 90s nostalgia, all-grey outfit is the epitome of refined simplicity and an effortless quality that underpins “quiet luxury” with a sense of sophistication. To bring friction in serious office fashion, a casual Polo Ralph Lauren initial cap and colour blocking Patrick sneakers in navy shade are included not only to tone down the entire look but also to echo a head and toe colour arrangement like the Minion outfit above.
Don’t want to bother? A grey bag, please.
So to say, what should one wear on holiday to the southern part of the UK for the last bit of hot weather at the end of next month? A French girl inspired summer style can never go wrong with a large brim hat and floral beach dress! All in one colour, if you may.
Credits to statement earrings, ear cuffs included, and a mini bag.
Last but not least, today’s finale… a stay-in-library look that is not boring! A treasured 70s shirt I picked online when I was still a newborn in the world of vintage, it reminds me of the piano keyboard in those never ending piano lessons. Good times though. Loving how the shirt is crease free, I tied a knot instead of tucking it in for a more relaxed look showing some skin while moving.
What have you missed? An adorned canvas tote.
This black Uniqlo tote is an everyday favourite for being sturdy and can fill my whole world in, its ordinary design without contrasting straps or monogram as seen on L.L. Bean bag however makes it minimal under the bag charm trend and am not a minimalist myself. My creative take on the bag thus features a 70s scarf and two vintage necklaces which some of you might actually remember seeing them in WIWF 1.0 — finally, it’s their moment to shine!
That’s all for today! Here I’d also like to thank you all for supporting Where I Was From. It is incredible to see how many of you are enjoying my writing and are subscribing every day. I’ll be forever grateful :)
NEXT TIME: Tune in for a vintage carboot sale with cool people and beautiful things.
Until then,
Chris
Catch up on my previous posts:
Yes to monochrome, always.
Having just discovered your newsletter, I’ve been reading back through your posts. I love your style and am so inspired! Working from home since 2020, my day to day dressing devolved. Your outfits, especially around how you accessorize your layers, had me adding scarves, necklaces and pins to this week’s outfits. The historical dive and vintage shopping posts are also fun to read. Such a great newsletter, thank you for writing it!