A Trip to Megève in the French Alps

Ski season is in full swing, and so for those heading off to the slopes, here is our pick of where to stay, eat, drink and shop in one of France’s chicest ski resorts, Megève.

STAY

M de Megève

Whilst many of Megève’s more affluent addresses can actually be found slightly out of town, M de Megève offers guests five-star luxury right in the heart of the village. Its contemporary chalet style feels fresh, modern, but oh-so-cosy, with a roaring fire in the lounge, fluffy throws in the bar, and every room accessorized with soft woolen blankets and cushions. Guests can also enjoy two fantastic restaurants, cocktails in the bar, or if you prefer, try the new génépi tasting menu (the herb-infused local liqueur), and an underground spa which is just the tonic after a day on the slopes, with a swimming pool, a huge Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and an exotic treatment menu which is perfect for warming up in winter.

The Royal Suite at the M de Megève hotel

Le Chalet Zannier

If you want to get out of the village centre, then Le Chalet Zannier fulfills all your dreams of a cosy chalet hideaway. Nestled on a sloping snow-covered hill, this intimate hotel (which has just 12 rooms) offers a peaceful retreat from the buzz of the village, where days can be spent lounging by your own crackling fire, being pampered in the low-lit underground spa, or enjoying a complimentary tea-time in the bar with hot chocolate and cakes freshly prepared by the chalet’s pastry chef. If you don’t feel like heading out into the cold you can even stay for dinner; the hotel’s restaurant La Ferme de Mon Père is hugely popular with locals and non-guests thanks to its simple, seasonal dishes prepared with the best French produce.

EAT

Le Bistrot de Megève

Whilst this may look like a spot for people watching and posing, and you’d be right in both cases, the food here is actually good. It also offers a well-balanced mix of Savoie classics; think tartiflette, raclette and plates of local cheese. There are also some slightly lighter, more international dishes, salads, burgers, and so on, if you’ve had your fill of French fromage.

Les Grands Crus de Fondue

Chez Olivia

For a lighter, and cheaper bite to eat (Megève is notoriously expensive), you can’t go wrong at the quaint and cosy crêperie, Chez Olivia. Sweet crêpes and savoury galettes (the buckwheat pancakes traditionally from Brittany) start at just €4, depending on how many toppings you go for. Pop in for a tasty lunch or an afternoon crêpe for a goûter (the French equivalent of afternoon tea-time).

Flocons Village

Les Grands Crus de Fondue

Even if you’re not staying at Hotel M de Megève, you should definitely dine at one of its two restaurants, perhaps after an apéro at the bar first. Les Grands Crus de Fondues will not only give you your fondue fix whilst in the mountains, but you can also choose your own combination of cheeses to personalize your food to your taste. If you’re not sure where to start then resident fromager Thomas Lecomte will help you compose your perfect fondue, and choose a unique assortment of side dishes including pineapple, raspberry, kiwi, and if you’re feeling adventurous, even snails. My French dining partner declared it “the best fondue I have ever had.”

Flocons Village

Flocons Village

Whilst many gastronomes set their sights on dining at Flocons de Sel, Emmanuel Renaut’s famed three-star establishment located around a ten-minute drive from Megève, you can sample the chef’s fantastic cuisine in the more relaxed and central setting of his bistro, Flocons Village. You’ll have to make a reservation as it’s unsurprisingly a hugely popular spot, offering guests the chance to experience a taste of Renaut’s style (and desserts by Flocons de Sel’s pastry chef Aurélie Collomb-Clerc ) for just €41 for a three-course menu, or €34 for two.

Edouard Loubet’s “Filet de Boeuf en Croute” at Le M de Megève

Le M Restaurant

If you’re looking to sample another famous chef’s cuisine, then foodies should head to Le M restaurant where two-Michelin star chef Edouard Loubet has designed this season’s menu. Expect French classics, including the most beautifully cooked magret de canard, as well as some local dishes such as crozets, a buckwheat pasta from Savoie. The dessert menu is a hard-to-choose-from selection of Loubert’s own comfortingly classic recipes, from a traditional but elegantly presented tarte tatin to a wonderfully creamy pistachio crème brûlée, which has been given a fun and naughty twist with the addition of a bitter chocolate doughnut.

Edouard Loubert’s “Volaille Fermière de Grand Mère & Parmentier de Rave du Pauvre” at Le M de Megève

La Chocolaterie at Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or

A mug of steaming hot chocolate is one of the most delicious ways to warm up in the mountains, and arguably nobody does it better than Parisian master chocolatier Jean-Paul Hévin. Thanks to the new Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or, which has recently opened with its very own La Chocolaterie, you can now enjoy cups of Hévin’s delectable hot chocolate freshly whisked behind the bar, and accompanied by a tempting selection of homemade cakes.

La Chocolaterie at Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or

DRINK

Along with the Bistrot de Megève, which is also a great spot for a drink if you manage to snag a table on the heated terrace, Le Hibou Blanc is another of the village hotspots to see and be seen thanks to its central location in the heart of the action. Enjoy a glass of wine come apéro time, or stay long in to the night enjoying its cocktail creations and snacking on sharing dishes such as charcuterie boards, foie gras, and oysters.

The Roof Top Bar at Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or

The Roof Top Bar at Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or

While the Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or will tempt you by day with hot chocolate and cakes, by night it will draw you to to enjoy its rooftop bar, the only one in Megève, with its craft cocktails and dressed up chalet décor; think ultra-luxe sheepskin pillows and an impressive glittering chandelier. It’s definitely got more of a party vibe than some of the other bars in town, so head here if you’re in the mood for some late night revelry, or alternatively start your evening here whilst it’s still light to take in the impressive panoramic views of Megève with a drink in hand.

The bar at the Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’or

SHOP

With the likes of Hermès, Eric Bompard, Fusalp and Rossignol, you could just as easily spend your days shopping as you could on the slopes. But as well as being a hotspot for designer labels, Megève is also, and perhaps more interestingly, the perfect spot to sample some of the region’s most famous cuisine in one of its many gourmet épiceries.

L’Épicerie is an excellent spot to know about for picking up local products from the Savoie region, from honey, to cheese, to wine and locally brewed beer, and especially if you pop in on a Saturday when you might be lucky enough to catch a wine or cheese tasting going on. The family-run Épicerie des Fermes also has a great selection of local products (including huge pots of homemade desserts in the fridge) but also a choice of products from around Europe, which are particularly useful if you’re cooking something up in a rented apartment.

Épicerie Noémie is the newest gourmet spot in Megève, stocking products from Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, particularly charcuterie, wine, and huge wheels of truffle-laced cheese. And for something sweeter, it’s hard to walk past La Boutique aux Chocolats Megève and not go inside to pick up a box of chocolates completely handmade by owners Françoise Legon and Caroline Vouillon, whose grandfather founded the shop back in 1962.

M de Megève horse carriage. Photo: @ Karin Creuzet

The post A Trip to Megève in the French Alps appeared first on France Today.

Kanji Cheat Sheets: How to Use the Heating Function on your Air Conditioner in Japan

Growing up in the Philippines, I’ve only ever used air conditioners to keep me cool during the summer. Back home, my year-round uniform consisted of a tank top, a pair of shorts, and slippers. You can probably imagine my surprise when I found out that Japanese air conditioners have everything but a single function. They can keep you warm too? The sorcery!

It all started when I first moved to Japan in the spring for Japanese language school. I invited one of my new friends over to play Mario Party about a week after I’d arrived when my Japanese proficiency was little to none.

I might still be sitting in my room shivering under two pairs of pajamas every night to this day without her.

My friend stepped into my freezing cold room with a frown. I only had an air conditioner after all, what did she expect? Upon telling her this, she shoved the air conditioner remote into my hands and showed me the 暖房 (heating) button.

Thank god for friends who can read kanji, because I was seriously worried I would blow the thing up if I pressed the wrong button. I might still be sitting in my room shivering under two pairs of pajamas every night to this day without her.

Though it might be intimidating at first, familiarizing yourself with the basic controls of your air conditioner can make a world of a difference and keep you from freezing yourself to death.

Use this kanji cheat sheet to learn how to use the heating function on Japanese A/C!

English	Japanese	Romaji
On/Off	運転切 / 入	Unten kiri/Iri
Temperature	温度	Ondo
Airflow	風量	Fuuryou
Mode selection	運転切換	Untenkirikae
Blower direction	風向	Kazamuki
Air conditioning	冷房	Reibou
Heating	暖房	Danbo
Dehumidify	除湿 / ドライ	Joshitsu
Timer	予約	Yoyaku

Switching to the heating function

The easiest way to access your air conditioner’s heater would be to start with pressing 運転切 (unten kiri) to turn it on and then 運転切換 (untenkirikae) to select the mode. Lastly, you’ll press 暖房 (danbo) for heating. Most air conditioner remote controls in Japan are pretty similar so all the controls mentioned in the table above should be present.

Your basic Japanese A/C remote.

By now you’ve probably noticed that Japanese air conditioners can get pretty complex. You can use 運転切換 to switch between not only heating, but dehumidifying, and of course air. 風量 (fuuryou) will change the intensity of the air blowing on you while 風向 (kazamuki) allows you to make the air blow horizontally or vertically.

For kerosene heater users

While air conditioners do a good job of heating up small apartments and spaces, living in the countryside or a big house is a different ball game. Many Japanese homes are built without central heating so kerosene heaters are lifesavers as they can warm up much wider spaces.

Just so you know, kerosene heaters are called “stoves” (ストーブ) in Japan. So just to be clear, if you hear stove in Japanese they’re probably not talking about the one in your kitchen!

English	Japanese	Romaji
Kerosene Heater	灯油ストーブ/石油ストーブ	Touyusutobu/ sekiyusutobu
Ignition	点火	Tenka
On	押す	Osu
Switch off immediately	スピード消火	Supeedo shouka
Ignition and combustion	点火/燃焼	Tenka/Nenshou
Refueling Sign	給油サイン	kyuuyusain
Fire Extinction	消火位置	shoukaichi

How to use your kerosene heater

First, as the name suggests, fill the cartridge up with kerosene (never use gasoline). You can ask your nearest gas station for 灯油 (touyu) or ストーブ 用石油 (sutobuyou sekiyu). When filling the cartridge it’s best to use an electric pump to make transferring the kerosene much easier. You can easily buy one at a home improvement shop for as cheap as ¥500.

Place the cartridge back into the heater and press 押す or 入 to turn it on. Depending on the brand or model of your heater, the current temperature in the room will be displayed on the right side and your desired temperature on the left. Adjust the temperature to your liking by using the arrows below the display. To turn the heater off, press the power button again or スピード消火 which will shut it off immediately for safety purposes.

給油サイン tells you how much kerosene you have left in the heater.

This should go without saying, but make sure never to sleep with the kerosene heater on and keep it a safe distance away from walls, curtains, and furniture.

Hopefully, this guide helps you stay nice and cozy this winter. If you still find it too chilly in your room, try buying a 湯たんぽ or hot water bag for extra heat!

For more on learning Japanese

• Learn Japanese with our original study materials on GaijinPot Study
• Questions about studying Japanese in Japan? Take a look at the Japan 101 section on Higher Education and Studying Japanese
• Join our GaijinPot Study Facebook group to connect with fellow learners
• Learn more about the GaijinPot Study Placement Program

White cauliflower soup

Christmas is around the corner and all of us are feeling very festive here at Oliveology! Have you checked our advent calendar yet? We’ve got a special treat every day, how exciting!

We’ve had a very busy few weeks, planning our delicious events for 2020!

We are very excited to share with you some very interesting workshops: In February we will warm up with our Greek stews & soups workshop. In March we will learn how to make Traditional Greek pies, and at the end of March we have our Vegan Workshop.

When it comes to dinner experiences, On Valentine’s Day we have a special dinner experience planned, focusing on the senses. In June we have a dinner & a talk around Greek olive oil mythologies, with lots traditional dishes, slowly cooked in olive oil. The latter by yours truly.

So in case you are looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, our Events Gift Card is what you need!

Following last week’s festive spirit, when we made a warm orange salad with our truffle honey, this week we have prepared a white soup made with one of my favourite Oliveology ingredients: our apple oil! Imagine olives pressed with apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey & sage, what a combination! And like we did in our celeriac soup, we’ve added a little secret ingredient: almonds!

Serves 6 as a starter

1 kg cauliflower
5 tbsp apple oil
salt, pepper, dried thyme
50g almonds
2 cups of milk

Preheat the oven at 180C.

Break the cauliflower in florets and place it in a single layer in a large baking tray. Add the almonds. Season with salt, pepper and dried <a href="https://oliveology.co.uk/glossary/thyme/" data-tooltip="

Thyme

Thyme grows everywhere in Greece. It has a long history of being used both as a culinary herb and for its healing properties." class="glossaryLink">thyme. Drizzle the apple oil and toss everything gently together until all florets and almonds are coated with the oil and the seasoning.

Bake until the cauliflower is golden and tender, for around 30min. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Using a blender, blend the cauliflower and almonds, adding the milk. You can work in batches if necessary.

Transfer the soup in a large pot. Cook until bubbly hot, adding more milk if needed. Check for seasoning.

Serve immediately, drizzling more apple oil.

White cauliflower soup

Christmas is around the corner and all of us are feeling very festive here at Oliveology! Have you checked our advent calendar yet? We’ve got a special treat every day, how exciting!

We’ve had a very busy few weeks, planning our delicious events for 2020!

We are very excited to share with you some very interesting workshops: In February we will warm up with our Greek stews & soups workshop. In March we will learn how to make Traditional Greek pies, and at the end of March we have our Vegan Workshop.

When it comes to dinner experiences, On Valentine’s Day we have a special dinner experience planned, focusing on the senses. In June we have a dinner & a talk around Greek olive oil mythologies, with lots traditional dishes, slowly cooked in olive oil. The latter by yours truly.

So in case you are looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, our Events Gift Card is what you need!

Following last week’s festive spirit, when we made a warm orange salad with our truffle honey, this week we have prepared a white soup made with one of my favourite Oliveology ingredients: our apple oil! Imagine olives pressed with apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey & sage, what a combination! And like we did in our celeriac soup, we’ve added a little secret ingredient: almonds!

Serves 6 as a starter

1 kg cauliflower
5 tbsp apple oil
salt, pepper, dried thyme
50g almonds
2 cups of milk

Preheat the oven at 180C.

Break the cauliflower in florets and place it in a single layer in a large baking tray. Add the almonds. Season with salt, pepper and dried thyme. Drizzle the apple oil and toss everything gently together until all florets and almonds are coated with the oil and the seasoning.

Bake until the cauliflower is golden and tender, for around 30min. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Using a blender, blend the cauliflower and almonds, adding the milk. You can work in batches if necessary.

Transfer the soup in a large pot. Cook until bubbly hot, adding more milk if needed. Check for seasoning.

Serve immediately, drizzling more apple oil.

 

 

 

The post White cauliflower soup appeared first on Oliveology.

White cauliflower soup

Christmas is around the corner and all of us are feeling very festive here at Oliveology! Have you checked our advent calendar yet? We’ve got a special treat every day, how exciting!

We’ve had a very busy few weeks, planning our delicious events for 2020!

We are very excited to share with you some very interesting workshops: In February we will warm up with our Greek stews & soups workshop. In March we will learn how to make Traditional Greek pies, and at the end of March we have our Vegan Workshop.

When it comes to dinner experiences, On Valentine’s Day we have a special dinner experience planned, focusing on the senses. In June we have a dinner & a talk around Greek olive oil mythologies, with lots traditional dishes, slowly cooked in olive oil. The latter by yours truly.

So in case you are looking for an unusual gift this Christmas, our Events Gift Card is what you need!

Following last week’s festive spirit, when we made a warm orange salad with our truffle honey, this week we have prepared a white soup made with one of my favourite Oliveology ingredients: our apple oil! Imagine olives pressed with apples, walnuts, cinnamon, honey & sage, what a combination! And like we did in our celeriac soup, we’ve added a little secret ingredient: almonds!

Serves 6 as a starter

1 kg cauliflower
5 tbsp apple oil
salt, pepper, dried thyme
50g almonds
2 cups of milk

Preheat the oven at 180C.

Break the cauliflower in florets and place it in a single layer in a large baking tray. Add the almonds. Season with salt, pepper and dried thyme. Drizzle the apple oil and toss everything gently together until all florets and almonds are coated with the oil and the seasoning.

Bake until the cauliflower is golden and tender, for around 30min. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Using a blender, blend the cauliflower and almonds, adding the milk. You can work in batches if necessary.

Transfer the soup in a large pot. Cook until bubbly hot, adding more milk if needed. Check for seasoning.

Serve immediately, drizzling more apple oil.

 

 

 

The post White cauliflower soup appeared first on Oliveology.

Festive Orange Salad

As we are well into winter and a few weeks away from Christmas, many of us are wondering what to prepare this year for our festive table. Let’s have a look at our recipes.

There is of course the question of stuffing. Shall we go with a vegan one? A less ordinary one made with bulgur wheat, or a colourful one with dried nectarines, cherries and almonds?

What is your favourite Christmas main? Here at Oliveology every year we’ve got different traditions and family recipes that come into the discussion.

But no matter what your main course is, plenty of colourful vegetable-based plates are a must! The last few years, we went for green. We loved our festive Brussels sprouts with walnut oil. Or how about a crunchy fresh green salad with galomyzithra cheese, dried figs and grape molasses?

This year we got our inspiration from one very unique ingredient. Truffle honey. Our truffle honey is made from acacia honey, infused with slivers of real black summer truffle. The intense aroma of this truffle honey pairs particularly well with cheese and charcuterie platters. But it is an excellent ingredient to add a unique flavour and a little luxury to this year’s table.

And as we are going for a colourful table, we have chosen a selection of orange winter vegetables. The inspiration came from a restaurant dish I used to prepare years back, where the chef was using only orange vegetables-what a brilliant idea! The result is a memorable dish that will definitely appeal not only to truffle lovers, but also to those who have never tasted truffle before.

Serves 6

1kg pumpkin
500g carrots
500g sweet potato
½ jar truffle honey
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup of water
dried thyme
salt, pepper
50g walnuts (to serve)

Peel the pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes. Cut the vegetables in large bite-sized pieces and place in a large roasting tray.

In a bowl, whisk together the truffle honey, olive oil, water, <a href="https://oliveology.co.uk/glossary/thyme/" data-tooltip="

Thyme

Thyme grows everywhere in Greece. It has a long history of being used both as a culinary herb and for its healing properties." class="glossaryLink">thyme, salt and pepper.

Drizzle on top of your vegetables and toss everything together.

Bake at 180C for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tended inside and slightly crunchy on the outside.

Sprinkle some walnuts and serve warm in a colourful platter.

Festive Orange Salad

As we are well into winter and a few weeks away from Christmas, many of us are wondering what to prepare this year for our festive table. Let’s have a look at our recipes.

There is of course the question of stuffing. Shall we go with a vegan one? A less ordinary one made with bulgur wheat, or a colourful one with dried nectarines, cherries and almonds?

What is your favourite Christmas main? Here at Oliveology every year we’ve got different traditions and family recipes that come into the discussion.

But no matter what your main course is, plenty of colourful vegetable-based plates are a must! The last few years, we went for green. We loved our festive Brussels sprouts with walnut oil. Or how about a crunchy fresh green salad with galomyzithra cheese, dried figs and grape molasses?

This year we got our inspiration from one very unique ingredient. Truffle honey. Our truffle honey is made from acacia honey, infused with slivers of real black summer truffle. The intense aroma of this truffle honey pairs particularly well with cheese and charcuterie platters. But it is an excellent ingredient to add a unique flavour and a little luxury to this year’s table.

And as we are going for a colourful table, we have chosen a selection of orange winter vegetables. The inspiration came from a restaurant dish I used to prepare years back, where the chef was using only orange vegetables-what a brilliant idea! The result is a memorable dish that will definitely appeal not only to truffle lovers, but also to those who have never tasted truffle before.

Serves 6

1kg pumpkin
500g carrots
500g sweet potato
½ jar truffle honey
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup of water
dried thyme
salt, pepper
50g walnuts (to serve)

Peel the pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes. Cut the vegetables in large bite-sized pieces and place in a large roasting tray.

In a bowl, whisk together the truffle honey, olive oil, water, thyme, salt and pepper.

Drizzle on top of your vegetables and toss everything together.

Bake at 180C for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tended inside and slightly crunchy on the outside.

Sprinkle some walnuts and serve warm in a colourful platter.

The post Festive Orange Salad appeared first on Oliveology.

Festive Orange Salad

As we are well into winter and a few weeks away from Christmas, many of us are wondering what to prepare this year for our festive table. Let’s have a look at our recipes.

There is of course the question of stuffing. Shall we go with a vegan one? A less ordinary one made with bulgur wheat, or a colourful one with dried nectarines, cherries and almonds?

What is your favourite Christmas main? Here at Oliveology every year we’ve got different traditions and family recipes that come into the discussion.

But no matter what your main course is, plenty of colourful vegetable-based plates are a must! The last few years, we went for green. We loved our festive Brussels sprouts with walnut oil. Or how about a crunchy fresh green salad with galomyzithra cheese, dried figs and grape molasses?

This year we got our inspiration from one very unique ingredient. Truffle honey. Our truffle honey is made from acacia honey, infused with slivers of real black summer truffle. The intense aroma of this truffle honey pairs particularly well with cheese and charcuterie platters. But it is an excellent ingredient to add a unique flavour and a little luxury to this year’s table.

And as we are going for a colourful table, we have chosen a selection of orange winter vegetables. The inspiration came from a restaurant dish I used to prepare years back, where the chef was using only orange vegetables-what a brilliant idea! The result is a memorable dish that will definitely appeal not only to truffle lovers, but also to those who have never tasted truffle before.

Serves 6

1kg pumpkin
500g carrots
500g sweet potato
½ jar truffle honey
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup of water
dried thyme
salt, pepper
50g walnuts (to serve)

Peel the pumpkin, carrots and sweet potatoes. Cut the vegetables in large bite-sized pieces and place in a large roasting tray.

In a bowl, whisk together the truffle honey, olive oil, water, thyme, salt and pepper.

Drizzle on top of your vegetables and toss everything together.

Bake at 180C for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tended inside and slightly crunchy on the outside.

Sprinkle some walnuts and serve warm in a colourful platter.

The post Festive Orange Salad appeared first on Oliveology.

How to Dress Nice & Look Stylish – Your 5 Step Checklist

Everyday Style

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you think of:

• Need Coffee!?


• Time to Workout?


• Breakfast, I’m starving?


• What am I going to wear today?

With all of the decisions, we have to make in a day, wondering if we look nice and stylish shouldn’t be one of them. It’s not if you should dress nice, dressing nice should be your default, but how to dress nice every day without much thought and effort.

Getting dressed in the morning should be fun and energizing. You’re setting the tone for the rest of the day. Don’t you want it to be a good one?

When you love your outfit, it makes you feel more confident, beautiful and gives you that extra pep in your step. You smile when you look in the mirror and know that you are ready to take on the day!

I know you’ve been on the opposite side of this before. This happens to the best of us. Well. I don’t know if it happens to Anna Wintour, but it does happen to me. When you’re late, frantically pulling out different pieces from your closet and have nothing look nice together then leave your home with an outfit that you are unsure about. You are a little less confident, a little less happy, and worst you start your day off frazzled and unsure.

I know you understand the importance of achieving an everyday style that you love, so let’s dive into how you can dress nice, be stylish, and look better, so you feel when you step out the door to take on the day!

You cannot have a fantastic day with a horrible outfit. It’s not good for our spirits or confidence. There are better days than others, but that is not an excuse for putting together a horrible outfit.

What if you were to run into someone you know? Would you duck and hide? Avoid them? If you answered yes, then you MUST continue reading this style guide! Not skim…read.

How to Dress Nice Everyday

I try to dress nice on most days, not just on special occasions or when heading outside to meet other people. My getting ready routine boils down to a simple checklist. This is how I make sure I dress nice and look stylish everyday. Whether I’m putting together a business casual outfit for work or a casual weekend white jeans outfit, this checklist still applies.

Because you can’t just throw your outfit together willy nilly and expect it to look stylish every time. You might get lucky a couple of times, but there is a system for your preparation. I follow this checklist before I leave the house.

If you’re thinking, “a checklist to get ready? Really?” YES!

This simple how to dress nice, look better, and feel stylish 5 step checklist will help you evaluate every outfit to ensure every single time you step out your front door, you look your best.

How to Look Your Best – 5 Step Checklist

1. Does it Fit?

The first guideline in looking and being stylish is one of the most important!

This might sound incredibly simple, but many people leave the house with clothes that are too big or too small. Make sure your clothes fit you correctly, unless it’s intentional, like a boyfriend tee or slouchy sweater. If you’re going for a trendy look, make sure to pay special attention to point 4.

2. Do the Colors Coordinate?

Make sure the colors in your outfit complement each other and you!

Look at the colors you’re wearing and review the palette. Is it subdued, bright, or contrasting? Colors can affect your entire mood so, in addition, to fit, make sure the colors help your attitude.

If you’re feeling happy and excited, you wouldn’t want to squash that energy by wearing all black. Choose a color palette to suit your mood or use color to bring you out of a funky mood.

When you’re feeling down, don’t reach for black; reach for your favorite colored item in the closet and add some fun accessories. Use clothing as a mood enhancer. Whenever my mood is not the brightest I put on an outfit I love. Don’t stay in sweatpants or pajamas.

And make sure the colors look amazing against your skin tone and hair color. I go into the best colors for different hair colors and skin tones in Cute Fall Outfits guide.

3. Is it Flattering?

Are your best features being accentuated? Do your clothes make your figure look great?

This doesn’t only apply to your sexiest jeans but every piece in your wardrobe. Every piece must flatter your shape. No matter your body shape, you want a defined waistline because you’ll instantly feel sexier!

Does the outfit make you appear taller and leaner or short? Is your outfit making you feel frumpy?

4. Is it Balanced?

Do the patterns, colors, styles, proportions, and fabrics in the outfit look harmonious?

Does the outfit confuse you? Is it overpowering for you? Are there too many accessories or contrasting colors?

You’ll know when an outfit is out of balance because you’ll feel something is out of place.

If you’re going for an item that is intentionally larger, make sure to balance it with a slimmer piece. Like pairing a slouchy sweater with black leggings or a pencil skirt, the looser top balances the form-fitting bottom. If like wearing leggings make sure to check out, What to Wear With Leggings & 20 Style Tips on How to Wear Them.

You can think of point four as a classy point. If you want to learn more about how to dress classy, make sure to read this post: How to Dress Classy – 7 Style Tips You Need to Know.

5. What Does This Outfit Say About Me?

Because your clothes speak before you do, make sure you’re putting out the message you want others to hear.

First impressions are everything, and it only takes an instant before one is formed. Give the impression you want. Whether you like it or not, people are going to judge you, so you might as well make it the judgment you want!

Take into consideration where you’re going. Is your outfit giving off the right vibe to the people you’re going to be interacting with? Then go on and make the most of the day. If not, switch the piece that might be out of place in your outfit.

If you follow this simple 5 step checklist it will help you dress better, feel stylish and overall look better. Keep it handy on your phone or on your dresser for easy visibility.

Consider the Day Ahead

The main thing to consider when putting together an outfit is your day ahead. What are your plans and what type of outfit does it call for? Is it a work day filled with meetings and lots of human interaction? Do you need to appear powerful and confident? Or are you getting ready for a fun day wine tasting with your best friends?

Is it pants (jeans or trousers), a skirt, shorts, or dress type of day? Once you’ve selected the type of day you need to dress for then your base is built from there. If you decide to go with dark-wash jeans, what top will you match it with? A long-sleeve button down, silk blouse, or printed cami because you’re planning on layering a blazer over it?

Once you’ve chosen your clothing, next move on to shoes and accessories. Accessories will liven up a minimal outfit and bring a different feel to a look when you want it to.

The more you work on putting together outfits, the easier it becomes. You start to understand what looks stylish on you and why certain pieces work together. Like with most things, it just takes practice.

If you feel like this would take too much time to do in the morning, consider putting together your outfit the night before. Don’t sacrifice your outfit because you’re not a morning person.

Dress Nicer with an Organized Closet

The tips above get a lot easier when you have a clean closet. When you clean and organize your closet and evaluated what to keep, you’ll have a closet that is color coordinated with dresses, blouses, jackets, jeans, sweater, trousers, skirts, etc., all in their proper place. You’ll know where your favorite jacket is and the perfect shoes to match it.

When your closet is organized and filled with clothes you love, getting ready becomes much easier because you know every piece in your closet is stylish. There is nothing that is ripped, stained, ill-fitting, or unflattering.

With an organized closet you’ll approach your closet with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. So make sure you schedule a time to read this guide: How to Organize Your Closet in 5 Simple Steps then complete the steps in the guide! It’ll make getting ready in the morning so much easier!

I hope this guide will help you answer how to dress nice and look stylish everyday! Don’t reserve this checklist just for special occasions, it’s something you can use every day when getting ready.

Stay Stylish,
-V

The post How to Dress Nice & Look Stylish – Your 5 Step Checklist appeared first on Stylishlyme | Personal Fashion Blog.

How to Dress Nice & Look Stylish – Your 5 Step Checklist

Everyday Style

When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing you think of:

• Need Coffee!?
• Time to Workout?
• Breakfast, I’m starving?
• What am I going to wear today?

With all of the decisions, we have to make in a day, wondering if we look nice and stylish shouldn’t be one of them. It’s not if you should dress nice, dressing nice should be your default, but how to dress nice every day without much thought and effort.

Getting dressed in the morning should be fun and energizing. You’re setting the tone for the rest of the day. Don’t you want it to be a good one?

When you love your outfit, it makes you feel more confident, beautiful and gives you that extra pep in your step. You smile when you look in the mirror and know that you are ready to take on the day!

I know you’ve been on the opposite side of this before. This happens to the best of us. Well. I don’t know if it happens to Anna Wintour, but it does happen to me. When you’re late, frantically pulling out different pieces from your closet and have nothing look nice together then leave your home with an outfit that you are unsure about. You are a little less confident, a little less happy, and worst you start your day off frazzled and unsure.

I know you understand the importance of achieving an everyday style that you love, so let’s dive into how you can dress nice, be stylish, and look better, so you feel when you step out the door to take on the day!

You cannot have a fantastic day with a horrible outfit. It’s not good for our spirits or confidence. There are better days than others, but that is not an excuse for putting together a horrible outfit.

What if you were to run into someone you know? Would you duck and hide? Avoid them? If you answered yes, then you MUST continue reading this style guide! Not skim…read.

How to Dress Nice Everyday

I try to dress nice on most days, not just on special occasions or when heading outside to meet other people. My getting ready routine boils down to a simple checklist. This is how I make sure I dress nice and look stylish everyday. Whether I’m putting together a business casual outfit for work or a casual weekend white jeans outfit, this checklist still applies.

Because you can’t just throw your outfit together willy nilly and expect it to look stylish every time. You might get lucky a couple of times, but there is a system for your preparation. I follow this checklist before I leave the house.

If you’re thinking, “a checklist to get ready? Really?” YES!

This simple how to dress nice, look better, and feel stylish 5 step checklist will help you evaluate every outfit to ensure every single time you step out your front door, you look your best.

How to Look Your Best – 5 Step Checklist

1. Does it Fit?

The first guideline in looking and being stylish is one of the most important!

This might sound incredibly simple, but many people leave the house with clothes that are too big or too small. Make sure your clothes fit you correctly, unless it’s intentional, like a boyfriend tee or slouchy sweater. If you’re going for a trendy look, make sure to pay special attention to point 4.

2. Do the Colors Coordinate?

Make sure the colors in your outfit complement each other and you!

Look at the colors you’re wearing and review the palette. Is it subdued, bright, or contrasting? Colors can affect your entire mood so, in addition, to fit, make sure the colors help your attitude.

If you’re feeling happy and excited, you wouldn’t want to squash that energy by wearing all black. Choose a color palette to suit your mood or use color to bring you out of a funky mood.

When you’re feeling down, don’t reach for black; reach for your favorite colored item in the closet and add some fun accessories. Use clothing as a mood enhancer. Whenever my mood is not the brightest I put on an outfit I love. Don’t stay in sweatpants or pajamas.

And make sure the colors look amazing against your skin tone and hair color. I go into the best colors for different hair colors and skin tones in Cute Fall Outfits guide.

3. Is it Flattering?

Are your best features being accentuated? Do your clothes make your figure look great?

This doesn’t only apply to your sexiest jeans but every piece in your wardrobe. Every piece must flatter your shape. No matter your body shape, you want a defined waistline because you’ll instantly feel sexier!

Does the outfit make you appear taller and leaner or short? Is your outfit making you feel frumpy?

4. Is it Balanced?

Do the patterns, colors, styles, proportions, and fabrics in the outfit look harmonious?

Does the outfit confuse you? Is it overpowering for you? Are there too many accessories or contrasting colors?

You’ll know when an outfit is out of balance because you’ll feel something is out of place.

If you’re going for an item that is intentionally larger, make sure to balance it with a slimmer piece. Like pairing a slouchy sweater with black leggings or a pencil skirt, the looser top balances the form-fitting bottom. If like wearing leggings make sure to check out, What to Wear With Leggings & 20 Style Tips on How to Wear Them.

You can think of point four as a classy point. If you want to learn more about how to dress classy, make sure to read this post: How to Dress Classy – 7 Style Tips You Need to Know.

5. What Does This Outfit Say About Me?

Because your clothes speak before you do, make sure you’re putting out the message you want others to hear.

First impressions are everything, and it only takes an instant before one is formed. Give the impression you want. Whether you like it or not, people are going to judge you, so you might as well make it the judgment you want!

Take into consideration where you’re going. Is your outfit giving off the right vibe to the people you’re going to be interacting with? Then go on and make the most of the day. If not, switch the piece that might be out of place in your outfit.

If you follow this simple 5 step checklist it will help you dress better, feel stylish and overall look better. Keep it handy on your phone or on your dresser for easy visibility.

Consider the Day Ahead

The main thing to consider when putting together an outfit is your day ahead. What are your plans and what type of outfit does it call for? Is it a work day filled with meetings and lots of human interaction? Do you need to appear powerful and confident? Or are you getting ready for a fun day wine tasting with your best friends?

Is it pants (jeans or trousers), a skirt, shorts, or dress type of day? Once you’ve selected the type of day you need to dress for then your base is built from there. If you decide to go with dark-wash jeans, what top will you match it with? A long-sleeve button down, silk blouse, or printed cami because you’re planning on layering a blazer over it?

Once you’ve chosen your clothing, next move on to shoes and accessories. Accessories will liven up a minimal outfit and bring a different feel to a look when you want it to.

The more you work on putting together outfits, the easier it becomes. You start to understand what looks stylish on you and why certain pieces work together. Like with most things, it just takes practice.

If you feel like this would take too much time to do in the morning, consider putting together your outfit the night before. Don’t sacrifice your outfit because you’re not a morning person.

Dress Nicer with an Organized Closet

The tips above get a lot easier when you have a clean closet. When you clean and organize your closet and evaluated what to keep, you’ll have a closet that is color coordinated with dresses, blouses, jackets, jeans, sweater, trousers, skirts, etc., all in their proper place. You’ll know where your favorite jacket is and the perfect shoes to match it.

When your closet is organized and filled with clothes you love, getting ready becomes much easier because you know every piece in your closet is stylish. There is nothing that is ripped, stained, ill-fitting, or unflattering.

With an organized closet you’ll approach your closet with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. So make sure you schedule a time to read this guide: How to Organize Your Closet in 5 Simple Steps then complete the steps in the guide! It’ll make getting ready in the morning so much easier!

I hope this guide will help you answer how to dress nice and look stylish everyday! Don’t reserve this checklist just for special occasions, it’s something you can use every day when getting ready.

Stay Stylish,
-V

The post How to Dress Nice & Look Stylish – Your 5 Step Checklist appeared first on Stylishlyme | Personal Fashion Blog.

How to Wear a Monochromatic Outfit [Colors, Definition & Style Tips]

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You know you’ve probably worn a monochromatic outfit on lazy days. You pull out a pair of black pants, a black turtleneck, throw on your black leather bomber jacket and black boots and head out the door. Yes, it’s that easy but black is also the simplest color to start with.

While you may think that monochromatic outfits take less energy and thought they can be pretty tricky to get right, especially if you venture into bright colors or light neutrals. Monochromatic style takes some testing to find out what you like and what you will feel confident in. A monochromatic outfit is a very simple and clean style and I do love wearing this trend when I have the right pieces to pull together. If done correctly, a monochromatic look can be just as show-stopping as a patterned dress or statement jacket.

Let’s take a look at what is monochromatic, monochromatic colors, what makes up a monochromatic outfit and how to style existing pieces of your wardrobe into a stylish monochromatic outfit.

What is Monochromatic?

The word “monochromatic” breaks down into two pieces: “mono” meaning single and “chromatic” meaning color. So a monochromatic outfit would consist of pieces of one color.

This doesn’t mean that you would only wear solid black or solid red from head to toe. No, the joy of the monochromatic fashion trend is wearing different shades and tints of the same color, these are monochromatic colors.

If you take blue paint and add white to it in increments, the color of blue would progressively get lighter resulting in a variety of lighter blue tints. If you were to add black to blue, it would get progressively darker, resulting in a variety of darker shades. The light tints and dark shades of a single color are what is best used to create a monochromatic outfit.

For instance, you might start with a pair of charcoal gray wool pants, top it off with a dove gray blouse, and add a pair of dark gray slingbacks to complete the monochromatic outfit. Pop on some silver jewelry (a variation on gray), and you’re ready to take on the world.

The joy of going with a monochromatic color combination is that it will work with virtually any color you choose: purple, red, blue, green, brown, pink…you name it. So there is no reason for you not to delve into this style because there are bound to be certain colors that look marvelous with your skin tone, eyes, and hair, which will only be enhanced where pairing multiples of the same color together in one outfit. To that point, I would caution against selecting monochromatic colors that clash against your skin tone or hair color. That would only amplify the bad choice and could wash out your face if your pale or make you look very pasty if your tan.

Monochromatic Outfit Style tips

So, you now know what is monochromatic and you want to put together a monochromatic outfit. Where do you begin?

Your first step is maybe the simplest, start by selecting the color you want to wear. Like I mentioned above, make sure the color is one that looks great against your skin tone and hair, and that you feel comfortable in. The worst thing you can do is wear a color that doesn’t make your skin glow or dampens your mood in any way.

As an exercise in learning how to master the monochromatic style, let’s go into your closet and pull out all of the items you have in the color you want to wear. Make sure to get all the pants, skirts, dresses, cardigans, etc. Once you have the items laid out, start experimenting by combining your pieces into outfits. See what looks good together, what doesn’t work, and come up with several outfits that will be your go-to items.

Here are some style tips to keep in mind when putting together a monochromatic outfit.

Mix Textures In Your monochrome outfit

Make sure you mix textures within your monochromatic outfit! You want to add visual interest, depth, and dimension to your look so it’s not one-dimensional or boring. With my first gray monochromatic outfit, the gray skirt was the point of interest. The shiny texture brought this gray outfit to a whole new level. In the second outfit, the bulky sweater with the cable knit offset the sleekness of the turtleneck and fedora.

Some texture combinations you can try pairing together are denim and chiffon, leather and cotton, suede and silk, wool and sequins.

And don’t forget your shoes or boots when it comes to texture. They play a role in adding interest to your outfit. Consider how leather, patent, suede, or satin shoes will work with the outfit you’re trying to create. Or sequined heels! Yes, I am in love with these silver metallic heels!

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Achieve Balance

Remember balance when combining pieces. This is a rule for every outfit, not just monochromatic ones. You don’t want the one color to overwhelm you. Quite the contrary, you want it to make you look tall and lean. To achieve this, play with proportions. If you want more information about putting together a balanced outfit read this post: How to Look Stylish Everyday – Your 5 Step Checklist.

For example, if you’re wearing a billowy top, make sure to pair it with fitted bottoms. With a full A-line skirt wear a form-fitting top. The same holds true with the bulkier sweater I am wearing above; I paired it with skinny jeans and the fitted turtleneck.

Accentuate the right areas

Accentuate the right areas of your body using the right color. When wearing the same color in different tints and shades, you want to pay attention to how dark or light each piece is.

For example: If you have very wide hips and want to deemphasize them, you wouldn’t wear light-colored pants or skirt. More flattering would be the dark shade of the color on the bottom half and the lighter tint on top. Like dark navy pants and a lighter blue shirt.

You could also add a belt to accentuate your waist in the monochromatic colors you’ve selected. A belt is a great option if your outfit is flowier and you need to add some structure or definition. I added a belt to the large knit sweater and the sequin skirt has a band that acts as a pseudo belt.

Select the Right Monochromatic Colors

It’s important to select a color that looks great against your skin tone and hair. For example: If your complexion is very fair and you have blonde hair, opt to wear navy instead of harsh black. Women with tanned skin and dark hair could opt for a deeper color like burgundy or eggplant.

If you’re new to monochromatic outfits and not sure what color, to begin with, start with dark neutrals, like black, navy, gray, and brown. If you are feeling brave, you can also try darker richer monochromatic colors, like burgundy, eggplant, and hunter green. These are the best colors to play with and most likely you already own clothing in these neutral colors.

Add in a Touch of Pattern

Monochromatic outfits don’t just have to be made up of solid pieces; you can incorporate patterns or prints but be warned it would be a little more difficult to find a pattern that matches your color scheme.

To add visual interest and to break up the solid blocks of color, add a print piece made up of the same color you’re working with. You can also try adding a patterned shawl or scarf for fun.

For example; here is a professional outfit I wore that added stripes to the mix. I love how sleek this outfit turned out! Make sure to check out: 20 Work Outfits – Decoding Women Business Casual, for more work outfit ideas.

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A Petite Advantage

Monochromatic outfits are great for petite women. Dressing monochromatically can make you appear taller and slimmer because a monochromatic outfit creates one seamless line from head to toe. Try it and see!

At times petite women stay away from trends that might be difficult to wear but I say go for it. Find the pieces that work for your figure and make sure to keep it classy!

Monochromatic Outfit Combinations

Photographed at the gorgeous Bardessono Resort in Yountville during a winter trip to the Napa Valley, this outfit was perfect for the temperate climate of this area. This skirt-and-sweater combination created the perfect mix of dressy and casual. For this monochromatic outfit, I was going for a moody and a slightly sophisticated look.

The one color of emphasis in this outfit is, of course, gray. Every article of clothing you see in this image is gray, with the exception of the blue tint of the sunglasses. I like the contrast of the shiny silvery-gray skirt and subdued gray turtleneck. The sheen of the sequined skirt brought another dimension to this monochromatic style, while the sequins themselves added a different texture.

The texture is an important element when putting together monochromatic looks like these. If your monochromatic outfit were comprised of the same fabric throughout, it would likely come off looking dull, as you learned above.

In the second image, taken on the same trip, I’ve revisited the gray theme, pairing the turtleneck with a light gray cable knit sweater and a dark gray felt fedora. While the fedora and turtleneck are similar in color, they are broken up by the V-neck cardigan, which also adds texture to the mix.

Since these were winter outfits, I went with a moody color. If I were to wear a monochromatic outfit in the summer I would choose a brighter color, while the spring calls for pastels, and the fall calls for rich royal jewel tones.

Monochromatic Style

I hope this post has helped you understand what is monochromatic and how monochromatic colors can be applied to an outfit. Next time you’re putting together your stylish outfit remember the style tips from this post!

Stay Stylish,
-V

The post How to Wear a Monochromatic Outfit [Colors, Definition & Style Tips] appeared first on Stylishlyme | Personal Fashion Blog.

How to Wear a Monochromatic Outfit [Colors, Definition & Style Tips]

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You know you’ve probably worn a monochromatic outfit on lazy days. You pull out a pair of black pants, a black turtleneck, throw on your black leather bomber jacket and black boots and head out the door. Yes, it’s that easy but black is also the simplest color to start with.

While you may think that monochromatic outfits take less energy and thought they can be pretty tricky to get right, especially if you venture into bright colors or light neutrals. Monochromatic style takes some testing to find out what you like and what you will feel confident in. A monochromatic outfit is a very simple and clean style and I do love wearing this trend when I have the right pieces to pull together. If done correctly, a monochromatic look can be just as show-stopping as a patterned dress or statement jacket.

Let’s take a look at what is monochromatic, monochromatic colors, what makes up a monochromatic outfit and how to style existing pieces of your wardrobe into a stylish monochromatic outfit.

What is Monochromatic?

The word “monochromatic” breaks down into two pieces: “mono” meaning single and “chromatic” meaning color. So a monochromatic outfit would consist of pieces of one color.

This doesn’t mean that you would only wear solid black or solid red from head to toe. No, the joy of the monochromatic fashion trend is wearing different shades and tints of the same color, these are monochromatic colors.

If you take blue paint and add white to it in increments, the color of blue would progressively get lighter resulting in a variety of lighter blue tints. If you were to add black to blue, it would get progressively darker, resulting in a variety of darker shades. The light tints and dark shades of a single color are what is best used to create a monochromatic outfit.

For instance, you might start with a pair of charcoal gray wool pants, top it off with a dove gray blouse, and add a pair of dark gray slingbacks to complete the monochromatic outfit. Pop on some silver jewelry (a variation on gray), and you’re ready to take on the world.

The joy of going with a monochromatic color combination is that it will work with virtually any color you choose: purple, red, blue, green, brown, pink…you name it. So there is no reason for you not to delve into this style because there are bound to be certain colors that look marvelous with your skin tone, eyes, and hair, which will only be enhanced where pairing multiples of the same color together in one outfit. To that point, I would caution against selecting monochromatic colors that clash against your skin tone or hair color. That would only amplify the bad choice and could wash out your face if your pale or make you look very pasty if your tan.

Monochromatic Outfit Style tips

So, you now know what is monochromatic and you want to put together a monochromatic outfit. Where do you begin?

Your first step is maybe the simplest, start by selecting the color you want to wear. Like I mentioned above, make sure the color is one that looks great against your skin tone and hair, and that you feel comfortable in. The worst thing you can do is wear a color that doesn’t make your skin glow or dampens your mood in any way.

As an exercise in learning how to master the monochromatic style, let’s go into your closet and pull out all of the items you have in the color you want to wear. Make sure to get all the pants, skirts, dresses, cardigans, etc. Once you have the items laid out, start experimenting by combining your pieces into outfits. See what looks good together, what doesn’t work, and come up with several outfits that will be your go-to items.

Here are some style tips to keep in mind when putting together a monochromatic outfit.

Mix Textures In Your monochrome outfit

Make sure you mix textures within your monochromatic outfit! You want to add visual interest, depth, and dimension to your look so it’s not one-dimensional or boring. With my first gray monochromatic outfit, the gray skirt was the point of interest. The shiny texture brought this gray outfit to a whole new level. In the second outfit, the bulky sweater with the cable knit offset the sleekness of the turtleneck and fedora.

Some texture combinations you can try pairing together are denim and chiffon, leather and cotton, suede and silk, wool and sequins.

And don’t forget your shoes or boots when it comes to texture. They play a role in adding interest to your outfit. Consider how leather, patent, suede, or satin shoes will work with the outfit you’re trying to create. Or sequined heels! Yes, I am in love with these silver metallic heels!

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!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

---

Achieve Balance

Remember balance when combining pieces. This is a rule for every outfit, not just monochromatic ones. You don’t want the one color to overwhelm you. Quite the contrary, you want it to make you look tall and lean. To achieve this, play with proportions. If you want more information about putting together a balanced outfit read this post: How to Look Stylish Everyday – Your 5 Step Checklist.

For example, if you’re wearing a billowy top, make sure to pair it with fitted bottoms. With a full A-line skirt wear a form-fitting top. The same holds true with the bulkier sweater I am wearing above; I paired it with skinny jeans and the fitted turtleneck.

Accentuate the right areas

Accentuate the right areas of your body using the right color. When wearing the same color in different tints and shades, you want to pay attention to how dark or light each piece is.

For example: If you have very wide hips and want to deemphasize them, you wouldn’t wear light-colored pants or skirt. More flattering would be the dark shade of the color on the bottom half and the lighter tint on top. Like dark navy pants and a lighter blue shirt.

You could also add a belt to accentuate your waist in the monochromatic colors you’ve selected. A belt is a great option if your outfit is flowier and you need to add some structure or definition. I added a belt to the large knit sweater and the sequin skirt has a band that acts as a pseudo belt.

Select the Right Monochromatic Colors

It’s important to select a color that looks great against your skin tone and hair. For example: If your complexion is very fair and you have blonde hair, opt to wear navy instead of harsh black. Women with tanned skin and dark hair could opt for a deeper color like burgundy or eggplant.

If you’re new to monochromatic outfits and not sure what color, to begin with, start with dark neutrals, like black, navy, gray, and brown. If you are feeling brave, you can also try darker richer monochromatic colors, like burgundy, eggplant, and hunter green. These are the best colors to play with and most likely you already own clothing in these neutral colors.

Add in a Touch of Pattern

Monochromatic outfits don’t just have to be made up of solid pieces; you can incorporate patterns or prints but be warned it would be a little more difficult to find a pattern that matches your color scheme.

To add visual interest and to break up the solid blocks of color, add a print piece made up of the same color you’re working with. You can also try adding a patterned shawl or scarf for fun.

For example; here is a professional outfit I wore that added stripes to the mix. I love how sleek this outfit turned out! Make sure to check out: 20 Work Outfits – Decoding Women Business Casual, for more work outfit ideas.

---

!function(d,s,id){var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)) {e = d.createElement(s);e.id = id;e.src = p + ‘://’ + ‘widgets.rewardstyle.com’ + ‘/js/shopthepost.js’;d.body.appendChild(e);}if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {window.__stp.init();}}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

---

A Petite Advantage

Monochromatic outfits are great for petite women. Dressing monochromatically can make you appear taller and slimmer because a monochromatic outfit creates one seamless line from head to toe. Try it and see!

At times petite women stay away from trends that might be difficult to wear but I say go for it. Find the pieces that work for your figure and make sure to keep it classy!

Monochromatic Outfit Combinations

Photographed at the gorgeous Bardessono Resort in Yountville during a winter trip to the Napa Valley, this outfit was perfect for the temperate climate of this area. This skirt-and-sweater combination created the perfect mix of dressy and casual. For this monochromatic outfit, I was going for a moody and a slightly sophisticated look.

The one color of emphasis in this outfit is, of course, gray. Every article of clothing you see in this image is gray, with the exception of the blue tint of the sunglasses. I like the contrast of the shiny silvery-gray skirt and subdued gray turtleneck. The sheen of the sequined skirt brought another dimension to this monochromatic style, while the sequins themselves added a different texture.

The texture is an important element when putting together monochromatic looks like these. If your monochromatic outfit were comprised of the same fabric throughout, it would likely come off looking dull, as you learned above.

In the second image, taken on the same trip, I’ve revisited the gray theme, pairing the turtleneck with a light gray cable knit sweater and a dark gray felt fedora. While the fedora and turtleneck are similar in color, they are broken up by the V-neck cardigan, which also adds texture to the mix.

Since these were winter outfits, I went with a moody color. If I were to wear a monochromatic outfit in the summer I would choose a brighter color, while the spring calls for pastels, and the fall calls for rich royal jewel tones.

Monochromatic Style

I hope this post has helped you understand what is monochromatic and how monochromatic colors can be applied to an outfit. Next time you’re putting together your stylish outfit remember the style tips from this post!

Stay Stylish,
-V

The post How to Wear a Monochromatic Outfit [Colors, Definition & Style Tips] appeared first on Stylishlyme | Personal Fashion Blog.