I’ve loved wearing monochrome since my teens; it never seems to go out of fashion. Sometimes I like to add a flash of colour to make it interesting, like a red bag, red shoes or jacket. Red, black and white is my favourite colour combination. I am helplessly drawn to monochrome! Not only do I love it in the clothes and accessories I wear but also in interior décor and house furnishings.
Sixties fashion icons
I draw my inspiration from the fashion icons of the sixties, like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton who popularised monochrome. It’s a look that is timeless and works so well combined with block colours like red, yellow, green and pink.
Whether it’s vertical or horizontal stripes, check patterns, polka dots, geometric shapes, it’s a look that works for everybody no matter what their shape. It’s the dramatic details and the accessories you wear that vivify cool black and white. Here are 5 good reasons you should wear monochrome this S/S ’17:
1. It’s a look that is always stylish, cool and trendy
Black and white is a perfect combination for day or night and no matter what the occasion, whether it’s work or play. A look that can start very simple for day time can be transformed into an evening look with the addition of statement accessories like a glamorous pair of earrings, a pair of stilettos or a bag.
2. It looks great combined with basic block colours
Combine your monochrome body con dress with a red leather jacket and black heels for a stylish evening look or add a simple clutch bag in a bold colour to make a statement. Stick with the 1-2-1 rule: black-white-black or white-black-white. Starting and ending with one colour is a clever styling trick. You can complete the retro look with black kohl eyeliner and mascara.
3. It’s timeless and elegant
Monochrome has been trendy since the sixties and has made an appearance in every decade since – it’s completely classic. The nautical look has been popular for both men and women for most of the 20th century and still is. Black and white stripes are always a hot look!
4. It suits most shapes and sizes
There will always be a monochrome look made for you and to suit your shape and style. If you are pear-shaped and want to appear slimmer, then wear vertical stripes with a black blazer. Also if you are petite, wearing vertical stripes can definitely make you look taller (just add some strappy red stilettos to complete the look!)
5. It looks good on anyone no matter what their age or sex
Whether you’re male or female, 18 or 80, monochrome is a look anyone no matter what their age can pull off – all you need is confidence!
