6 Effortless Outfits That Make a Strong Case for Monochrome

I may physically still be wearing crop tops, shell necklaces,
and minidresses (don’t @ me), but mentally, I’m very much in the
thick of fall. In preparation for the upcoming season, I’ve been
fanatically saving images of the chicest cool-weather looks popping
up on my social feeds as if it’s my full-time job. And as I flip
through my “saved” section, I’ve noticed a recurring theme:
monochromatic outfits. There’s something about these tonal looks
that feels so polished in that effortless way I’m always trying to
achieve.

Since I’m newer to this trend and will admit it feels strangely
daunting, I asked two style experts how they’re wearing tonal
outfits for fall. Both
Cheralee Lyle and
Krystal Bick are the epitome of chic New York women, and their
monochromatic looks are some of the best I’ve seen (these ones here
are all
Theory available at Bloomingdale’s). Lyle tells me the key to
making a single-shade outfit feel intentional is by “finding pieces
in different textures or fabrics,” and Bick gives me an almost
identical answer and an assertive, “I can’t stress this enough!”
(they must hang out).

Don’t worry; they both have plenty more advice where that came
from (e.g., neutrals are most definitely the place to start for an
epic monochromatic outfit).

When
styling her looks, Bick channels her favorite style icons (she
swears it’s a three-way tie): Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and
Meghan Markle. “They all embody effortless classic style that truly
stands the test of time, regardless of trends,” she explains. “They
wore clothes. The clothes didn’t wear them.” This all-grey outfit
in particular channels that classic style but with Bick’s own
modern twist. “I love making a look from yesteryear feel
contemporary. Everything comes full circle, doesn’t it?” she says,
noting how tall and powerful the high-waisted, cinched pants make
her feel.

When
I first saw this brown look—please note the micro-check print—I
immediately thought, What a chic interview outfit (btw, Bick
credits the cozy coat). “A classic outwear piece is an investment
you’ll never regret, and these pants with the matching trench feel
so effortlessly pulled together, like a chic English literature
professor,” she says. I’d probably throw on a cozy tan sweater
underneath, but it honestly doesn’t matter because the trench is
too good to take off.

I
was intrigued when Bick told me her favorite tonal look of the
season involves shades of green: “A faded pine-green silk blouse, a
muted hunter-green leather trouser, and an olive-green fuzzy coat
breaks up the color story in a subtle way that allows the eye to
process each piece individually without the entire outfit looking
like a uniform.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, and I
admire her choice of white accessories over expected black
ones.

“I’ve
never worn an all-white look like this one before, but as soon as I
put it on, I felt so chic and sophisticated,” Lyle says of this
next outfit. It’s no surprise the number one item on her fall
shopping list is an array of quality sweaters in neutral tones and
this mock neck version here is proof how essential knits truly are.
For a chic finish, Lyle went for black and white accessories,
because fashion rules are made to be broken at least a little,
no?

Lyle’s
looks are equally stylish. First up, a classic black outfit made
cool by way of multiple textures (“It gives the look depth and
makes it more interesting,” she notes.) Instead of reaching for
denim, these versatile black leather pants add a polished touch,
especially when paired with this oversize shearling coat.

“I
love that suits are back for fall,” Lyle says, and this final
outfit makes a strong case for not necessarily wearing a perfectly
matching one. Instead, suiting separates worn in similar shades and
prints (don’t be afraid to pair two checked pieces) takes
monochromatic dressing to a much cooler, much less boring
level.