Rock the Monochromatic Look with Goodwill Finds!

Monochromatic outfits are one of the hottest fashion trends of the moment. Whether for the office, the gym, or just running errands, a monochromatic look can make you feel stylish and ” put together” for any occasion. However, you don’t need to spend a ton to participate in this new style. When you choose to shop at Goodwill, you can rock the monochromatic look for less!

What exactly is a monochromatic outfit?

To begin, let’s understand what the word monochromatic means. “Mono” means single, and “chromatic” means color. In the fashion world, a monochromatic outfit is a look that consists of different pieces of the same color or various shades of one color. Creating an outfit that’s all one color might sound easy, but it’s actually a little trickier than you might think. Luckily, we have some advice to help you make it a success!

During your next trip to Goodwill, try these tips to make the monochromatic style work for you:

#1: Choose a color

First, select a color that complements your skin’s undertones. One way to figure out your skin’s undertones is to hold a white sheet of paper up to your wrist and compare it to your veins, if visible. If your veins are greenish in color, you most likely have warm undertones. If they are blue or purple in color, you have cool undertones. People with warm undertones look great in earthy colors such as gold, orange, red, and olive green. Those with cool undertones might lean more towards blue, purple, and pink hues. If you can’t tell what color your veins are, you may have neutral skin undertones which means a mix of these shades will be flattering on you! Another tip is to hold different colors up to your face and choose the ones that look best with the color of your hair and eyes.

Blue Sweater

Blue athleisure outfit from Goodwill

Blue dress from Goodwill

No matter what your skin tone may be, we recommend choosing a vivid color for the monochromatic trend rather than all-black or all-white clothing.

Once you’ve decided on a color, select a top and pants or a skirt in various shades of that color. Or, choose a solid color dress and match it with the same color jacket or sweater. Don’t forget about shoes! If you can, find a pair of matching shoes or go with a neutral color to blend in with the rest of your outfit.

Another tip is to incorporate texture into your monochromatic look to add depth and dimension. Try building combinations of texture, such as a cotton t-shirt with a faux leather jacket.

#2: Pick a Pattern

Snakeskin jacket from Ohio Valley Goodwill

Paisley blazer with red pants

A monochromatic outfit doesn’t have to be boring! Pull in your personality and achieve a perfectly styled monochromatic look by incorporating a fun patterned piece. For example, choose either a blouse or pants with a printed pattern. Then, match the rest of your outfit to the main color in that pattern. There are tons of interesting prints and patterns you can find when you shop at Goodwill. Creating a monochromatic outfit is a great opportunity to try a fun pattern that you wouldn’t normally wear, like zebra, snake, or leopard print!

#3: Balance it Out

One tricky part about the monochromatic look is achieving a sense of balance between different shades, textures, and patterns. If you’re not careful, the sleek, effortless look you’re going for could have the opposite effect!

Prevent your monochromatic outfit from getting too ” busy” by limiting the number of accessories you add. As fashion icon Coco Chanel once advised about accessories, ” Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

Red scarf and vest from Goodwill

Choose your accessories strategically by shopping at Goodwill. We have a fantastic selection of jewelry, watches, scarves, handbags, and more in a variety of colors to pair with your monochromatic look, all priced affordably. You can pick up a few pieces to alternate and transform one outfit into several different looks!

Go Monochromatic with Goodwill!

Here at Ohio Valley Goodwill, we love the monochromatic style because it works during any season, for any occasion. With our vast selection of clothing, shoes, and accessories in just about any color imaginable, it’s easy, fun, and affordable to create your first monochromatic outfit!

The best part is that by shopping secondhand at Goodwill, you’re also shopping sustainably. This means that when you shop at Goodwill, you can participate in the hottest fashion trends without contributing to “fast fashion” and excessive textile waste. It’s a more thoughtful, easier way to stay in style!

Shop at Goodwill!  

To get started, find your nearest Goodwill retail store and plan your next shopping trip. Thank you for choosing Goodwill!