A monochrome look combines garments in one colour or within the same colour family. The pieces do not need to be exactly the same shade: varying intensity, texture and material can add depth to the outfit.
This formula can work with black, white, grey, blue, brown or any other colour and can be adapted to everyday wear, work or events.
What is a monochrome look?
It is an outfit built around one dominant colour. It can be strictly monochrome, using very similar shades, or tonal, using lighter and darker variations within the same family.
How to create a monochrome look without making it feel flat
Combine different textures, volumes or finishes. Knitwear, smooth fabrics, structured garments and accessories can create contrast even when they share a colour.
A black monochrome look
Black is particularly suited to playing with texture and sheen. If every piece is very similar in material and volume, the outfit can look more uniform; introducing a different texture creates visual separation.
A white or ecru monochrome look
You do not need to match whites, ivories and ecrus exactly. Differences in shade can form part of the outfit. View the garments together in lighting similar to where you will wear them.
A grey monochrome look
Mixing light, mid and charcoal greys lets you build layers without leaving the colour family. You can add metallics or a contrasting accessory if you want to break the monochrome effect.
A blue monochrome look
Navy, ink, petrol and lighter blues can all be combined within one palette. The result can range from casual to formal depending on the garments and footwear.
A monochrome look in browns and earth tones
Camel, chocolate, taupe, beige and other earth tones can create tonal outfits even when they are not identical. Pay particular attention to undertone and texture.
Does a monochrome look make you look slimmer?
There is no identical body effect for everyone. Colour continuity can create a more unified visual reading, but proportions, lengths, volume and contrast also influence the result. Choose the combination because you like the effect, not because of a promise to “slim” or “lengthen” the body.
How to use accessories
You can keep them within the same colour family or use them for contrast. A bag, belt, scarf or piece of jewellery can break up the monochrome effect while keeping the look coherent.
Browse women's accessories.
Monochrome for the office
Trousers and a jacket, a skirt and knitwear, or a dress with an outer layer can all work if the level of formality suits your workplace. Colour alone does not determine whether an outfit is professional.
Rivera design and colour
In Rivera collections, colour is treated as a design tool alongside pattern cutting and texture. Garments are designed in Spain and made in carefully selected workshops.
Most of the workshops we work with are in Spain, within proximity of our Madrid offices.
Frequently asked questions about monochrome looks
Do the garments have to be exactly the same colour?
No. You can mix shades within the same family and use the differences to create depth.
Does a monochrome look have to be neutral?
No. It can be built around any colour.
Can I add a bag in another colour?
Yes. The accessory can act as a contrast while the outfit retains a monochrome base.
Can I mix textures?
Yes. In fact, mixing textures is one of the easiest ways to distinguish pieces within the same palette.
Use colour as a system, not a rule
Explore the Rivera women's collection and combine shades, materials and proportions according to your style.