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
Shop the look:
2. DAWN TAN'S PRINTED TROUSERS AND KNITTED TANK
Shop the look:
3. DÉBORA ROSA'S SLOUCHY TAILORING AND BRA TOP
Shop the look:
4. MONIKH DALE'S PRETTY DRESS AND CHUNKY BOOTS
Shop the look:
5. AMY LEFÉVRE'S CROPPED TROUSERS AND HIGH-NECK TOP
Shop the look:
6. CAMILLE CHARRIÈRE'S MINISKIRT, JUMPER AND CALF BOOTS
Shop the look:
7. TANDYA'S SWEETHEART TOP AND LEATHER TROUSERS
Shop the look:
8. MARIANNE SMYTH'S WIDE-LEG TROUSERS, SHIRT AND TRENCH COAT
Shop the look:
Next up: Trust Monikh: The Items That I'm Adding to My Wardrobe This Spring
-
If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
-
Put Down the Black and White Pants—This Is the Richer Color You Didn't Know You NeededElegant and on-trend.
-
10 Outfits Europe's Chicest Dressers Are Wearing When They're *Not* on VacationStaying local is cool.
-
What You Should and Should Not Wear to Every Major Sporting EventFrom a Liberty game to the French Open.
-
Just to Be Clear, *These* Are the Pants Fashion People in L.A. Are Wearing Instead of Basic JeansSpotted in Paris too.
-
The Coolest Outfits of Summer 2025 Are Actually the Laziest—Let Me ExplainEasy does it.
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
-
This Is the Chicest One-Color Outfit to Wear Instead of All-Black Looks This SummerThis neutral is the new black.
