The Monochromatic Illusion

In our Contrast class, we learned that low contrast elongates the body. The monochromatic look takes this to the extreme by removing all visual breaks. Since the eye travels straight up without stopping, you appear taller and incredibly sophisticated.

The biggest mistake people make is trying to perfectly match the exact same shade. True monochromatic styling means mixing different tones from the same color family. You want your outfit to feature light, medium, and dark versions of a single color.

Go to your closet and pick one color theme. Pull out a top and a bottom in two different shades of that color and put them on. Remember our Contrast rule: place the darker shade on the half of your body you want to visually recede.

When colors blend closely together, clothes can accidentally look like pajamas. To fix this, apply the rule we learned in our Neutrals class: you must clash your textures. Layer a heavy, rough fabric over a smooth one to create rich visual depth.

The elongating illusion shatters instantly if you wear a high-contrast shoe that cuts off your ankle. To seal the vertical line, your shoe must sit in the same color family as your trousers. This extends the color unbroken all the way to the floor.

Pick one color family from your closet and pull out a top, bottom, and shoe in different shades. Ensure at least two fabrics heavily contrast, put the outfit on, and check the mirror to see your new height!