Look Cool & Stylish with These 11 Monochrome Outfits for Summer

11 Monochrome Outfits For Summer

Monochromatic outfits have been really on-trend over the past few years and it looks like they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. What I love about monochromatic looks is that they’re so easy to throw together when you don’t want to have to think about it too hard or put a ton of effort into planning your outfit for the day. Plus, a streamlined, monochromatic look always makes me feel confident, put together, and powerful! You can throw together a monochromatic look any time of year but I’m sharing a few options that are perfect for summer…

If you’re interested in even more monochromatic looks, check out this post too! I also share some fun pink outfits for women over 40 including monochromatic outfits here.

Black Vest & Trousers

First up is a no-brainer…an all-black outfit! Although black isn’t the most summery color option, most women have plenty of black pieces in their wardrobe to throw together an outfit just like this one. Vests and trousers have been super on-trend lately and I’ve been on the hunt for the best matching set…and I’ve found it! This pant and vest combination from Aritzia is SO good, comfortable, high-quality, lightweight, and chic. And the wonderful thing about each of these pieces is that you can wear them multiple ways with other pieces in your closet too. The vest has a great fit on me, but might not work if you’re big-busted. The pants come in multiple lengths and have a great fit! I wore this look to dinner and walking around one night in Rome, Italy, and felt so chic and stylish.

If you’re looking for more of my Italy outfits, make sure you check out this post next!

White Vest & Trousers

I loved this set SO much that I also bought it in white. And I’m considering getting it in another colder…that’s how amazing these pieces are! The matching vest and pants are another great option for summer, but you could easily style these pants with a white blouse or top you already have in your closet to pull off a chic monochromatic outfit.

White Top & Pants

If you liked the look of the white pants and vest but want something a little more casual, consider this all-white look. Black and white are common colors in most women’s wardrobes, which is why we’re starting with those. But don’t worry, I’m sharing some colorful options below.

In this look, I’m wearing two incredibly basics by Frank & Eileen. They are both super high-quality and great additions to your wardrobe. My top is a sleeveless button-down that’s super lightweight and breathable. It has a rounded hem, which is super flattering, so you can leave it untucked or tucked. If you don’t like to show your arms, swap it for your favorite lightweight button-down shirt instead! The pants I’m wearing are also very lightweight and breathable, have a raw hem, 25.5” inseam (perfect or petites), and they come in a ton of colors. You could wear this look to lunch, running errands, on vacation, etc.

You can check out more of Erin’s favorites from Frank & Eileen here.

White Top & Skirt

One more all-white look before we get to the fun, colorful monochromatic looks. If you’re looking for a monochrome look that’s dressier, this Bronx & Banco set is gorgeous. It’s definitely a little different, but if you’re looking for that special monochrome look you can wear on vacation or to an event, this is a wonderful option.

Red Printed Top & Shorts

Now for some bright, colorful, FUN monochrome looks! This set probably looks familiar if you’re an email subscriber or follow me on Instagram. I bought it earlier this year and have taken it on multiple trips. Farm Rio makes really beautiful prints and this one is no exception. While it’s not technically “monochrome”, it still counts in my eyes! A matching set is such an easy way to pull off the monochromatic outfit! These shorts have a very flattering fit, and the top has a fun puff shoulder detail I love. They are both super breathable and lightweight, making them perfect for warm climates.

Denim On Denim

This one is a bit of a wild card but it’s so fun, I had to share! If you live somewhere super warm like Texas or Florida, this look won’t work for summer (perfect for fall though!). But denim on denim is very on-trend right now and a great way to try a monochrome look. In this look, I’m wearing a super lightweight chambray shirt by Rails styled with a pair of wide-leg jeans. You could wear this for everything from running errands to dinner to music festivals and concerts.

If you’re looking for tips on how to wear denim on denim, make sure you check out this post next!

Black Tank & Pants

In this look, I’m wearing a pair of super lightweight black pants and a black tank. These pants are the ones I featured in my summer travel capsule. They are SO good. They are paper thin, have an elastic waistband, and have a flattering wide-leg silhouette. They’re so soft and comfy, they feel like yoga pants but look more like trousers. Lightweight, breathable pants are the key to pulling off an all-black summer outfit.

I paired it with a cutout tank by LNA that’s super lightweight, breathable, and soft. It has a ribbed fabric that makes it a little more casual. It’s one of those tanks you can throw on during the summer with any bottoms in your closet. On my feet, I’m wearing a pair of neutral wedges. When it comes to monochrome looks, you don’t have to wear matching shoes. Just make sure to wear something neutral that matches your skin tone to keep the line long and lean.

Blue Blazer & Shorts

Another great way to wear a monochromatic look for summer is with a shorts suit! I LOVE this matching shorts and blazer set from Alice & Olivia. This bright cobalt blue looks so good on so many skin tones too. The blazer and shorts are made of a linen and cotton blend which is perfectly lightweight for summer. You can wear each of these pieces separately but together they really pack quite the punch. The shorts are high-rise, have functioning gold buttons, and have about a 3″ inseam. The cropped blazer has an open front, notch lapels, and the same matching gold buttons on the cuff as you see on the shorts. The set is sold out but we linked similar options for you below.

To complete the look, I’m wearing a white tank that has cool chain detailing around the neck, some pearl hoops, and a pair of Valentino Rockstud espadrille wedges. This outfit is such a sophisticated head-turner for summer and a fun way to try monochrome!

If you’re looking for even more chic, special occasion outfits like this one, make sure you check out this post next!

Green Pants & Vest

If you’re looking for a cool-girl monochromatic outfit for work, this Ramy Brook set is the answer. How chic is this!? This is definitely an unexpected, cool office outfit but you can easily wear this to dinner or GNO too! Vests and cargo pants are very on-trend right now and this set covers both. The vest has a tailored, flattering fit with a V-neckline, an adjustable back, and pretty gold buttons. The matching cargo pants are the perfect lightweight fabric for summer. This head-to-toe monochromatic look is also super elongating and slimming. The pants are a little long on me (I’m 5’4”) so I’m wearing them with platform sandals. It’s sold out but we linked similar options below.

Tan Pants & Vest

This is another monochromatic pants and vest look worn by my sweet friend Melissa Meyers, @TheGlowGirl. The Song of Style pleated linen pants and matching vest are made of the perfect lightweight fabric for summer. You could easily wear this look to the office and just add a blazer but it’s perfect for lunch with the girls too. Just swap out the heels for platform sneakers or sandals if you want more of a casually cool vibe. You could also wear the pants with a white t-shirt if vests aren’t your thing, and still keep a monochromatic color story. So simple and so elegant! Some of these pieces are sold out but we linked similar items below.

You can check out Melissa’s website here.  And, follow her on Instagram here. You’ll be SO glad you did!

Off-White Blouse & Jeans

This last look is a great example of how pulling off a monochrome outfit does NOT mean you have to wear the exact same color throughout. A head-to-toe look should have varying tones and textures within the same color family, but they don’t have to be perfectly matching or one single color. In this look, I’m wearing an off-white top by Acler. The sleek neckline draws the eye upward and the strategic ruching on the sides helps camouflage any lumps or bumps you might be looking to minimize. It’s super versatile and easy to dress up or down. I’m wearing it casually with a pair of white, wide-leg jeans but you could also style it with trousers and skirts too.

If you’re searching for more slimming tops like this one, make sure you check out this post next.

What’s your favorite way to wear monochrome looks during the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

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