The Chic Outfit Anyone Can Re-Create Right This Second

In fashion terms, when we use the word monochrome, it can mean two things: 1) dressing in one solid colour or 2) when black and white are paired together. Today, we're going to talk about the latter, which has made a comeback of late. 

If you've already consulted our new-season trend report, you'll know that Chanel, Max Mara, Rosetta Getty, Jil Sander, and Prada, to name but a few, all presented black-and-white monochrome outfits on the S/S 21 runways. But why now? 

Natalie Kingham, buying director at MatchesFashion, notes that this is the perfect backdrop to highlight bold accessories, another trend that's set to be big news this season. "Monochrome always works—anything black or white is a good investment, and you will always wear it," confirms Kingham. "Right now, it feels appropriate. It's also great for showing off all the hardware we're seeing everywhere and works very well with statement jewellery."

What we love most about monochrome outfits is that you can easily assemble such a look from basic items you already have in your wardrobe. From simple skirts to knitwear to trousers to blouses, we'd be amazed if you can't immediately style up a handful of monochrome ensembles from your existing wears. 

Needless to say, monochrome's broad appeal means that many of Instagram's best dressers are already getting in on the black-and-white action. Scroll below to see our favourite monochrome outfits of spring so far. Then shop the key pieces you need to re-create them for yourself.

1. ABISOLA OMOLE'S T-SHIRT AND STATEMENT SKIRT 

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

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2. DAWN TAN'S PRINTED TROUSERS AND KNITTED TANK

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

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3. DÉBORA ROSA'S SLOUCHY TAILORING AND BRA TOP

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

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4. MONIKH DALE'S PRETTY DRESS AND CHUNKY BOOTS

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(Image credit: @monikh)

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5. AMY LEFÉVRE'S CROPPED TROUSERS AND HIGH-NECK TOP

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

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6. CAMILLE CHARRIÈRE'S MINISKIRT, JUMPER AND CALF BOOTS

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

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7. TANDYA'S SWEETHEART TOP AND LEATHER TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @simplytandya)

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8. MARIANNE SMYTH'S WIDE-LEG TROUSERS, SHIRT AND TRENCH COAT

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

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Next up: Trust Monikh: The Items That I'm Adding to My Wardrobe This Spring

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s Deputy Editor and has over fourteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and authoritative content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, talent interviews self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their search and keyword planning, works closely with the fashion and beauty team on strategy and continues to pen many of her own articles. Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine's contributed to publications including Grazia, InStyle Marie Claire, Elle and Look, amongst others.