Monochrome is an important trend in modern fashion, which in general is increasingly flirting with simplicity, minimalism and the “new modesty”. And if previously monochrome was more often understood as black, white and their combination, now pastel harmonies are increasingly appearing in lookbooks and fashion shows.
In general, monochrome images are good because working with one color (or its shades) is easier than with a set of colors, and even if we're talking about It’s just about jeans and a top, then creating a stylish look from similar colors is much easier than racking your brains over contrasting combinations. Of course, one does not cancel out the other (especially if you get along with), but as a way to look elegant and simple, monochrome is a great strategy.
The main rule that you need to keep in mind when composing a monochrome image is the same materialist dialectic: the principle of unity and struggle of opposites. We build on the unity of color and play with opposing shapes and textures: we combine voluminous with tight-fitting, smooth with rough, rough with thin, hard with soft, matte with shiny, short with long.
The safest option is simple dark colors: black or rich dark blue (navy), dark dark gray (off black): since they are dark, the difference in shades is not so striking and in general the combination of even different blacks looks harmonious. Well, the practical point is also important: you can always find basic colors in any department of any store. You can dilute this look with any item of metallic color or any other color. color accent(one!).
A little more complicated - white and milky shades. In them, the degree of whiteness/cleanliness may vary more noticeably and you need to be more careful to ensure that all elements of the image are slightly different from each other (otherwise you will end up with a doctor’s or waiter’s costume).
Lenny Niemeyer São Paolo Spring 2017 Fashion Show
Leandra Medine / Article from Man Repeller
stylememos.co.uk
A slightly more complex method is to combine shades of the same color with different saturations. Here you actually need to have a pretty good eye to choose colors from one “column”, otherwise the final combination may look sloppy (it may not look if you are a natural colorist or are ready to spend a very long time applying different things to each other, but we’re talking about how to make it easier).
It is super important that the different shades are the same in terms of dustiness. If you explain this in terms of paints, it will be something like this: you take blue watercolor and dilute it with water, it turns out light blue, then you dilute it again, it turns out blue, then again, it turns out light blue, and so on until white. But the “purity” of the color will remain the same if you did not dip the brush into another paint.
Bright with faded - it’s immediately a feeling of “picked and picked, but didn’t pick it up.” A more “dusty” color against a clean background seems dirty and washed out. And it will be something like in this set - it looks like blue and blue, but together it’s bad
The same applies to shades of different warmth and coldness.
In general, going through all this is quite boring, and most importantly, it’s not difficult to make a mistake, even if everything is fine with your eyes according to the results of the design test with squares. Because the lighting in different stores is different, and you can only remember what shade of sweater you have on the shelf at home if you are a damn genius. Therefore, in order not to complicate your life, there is a simple life hack: the difference in purity and temperature will be clearly visible if you use the entire color range, from the lightest to the darkest, but if you take only the light part of the sector (starting with white) or, conversely, the darkest , then combining will be much easier.
In general, look at the examples: “safe” combinations of things of the same color of different saturation:
stealthelook.com.br
Any color has three dimensions: hue, lightness and saturation. The whole variety of colors can be visually represented in the form of a simplified three-dimensional model - a color ball. Each color is measured by three axes: L, a, b.
So, let's look at each dimension in detail.
Lightness (value, brightness) measured by the coordinate L. This is the vertical axis in the middle of the ball, white is on top, black is below, and all the neutral gray halftones are represented between them. When a color moves up and down along the axis of the ball, only its lightness changes. It can be represented in one-dimensional space as a gray scale.
Hue and saturation values are in a two-dimensional space that can be represented as a color wheel of uniform lightness. Hue and saturation are measured by a and b coordinates. Coordinate a passes through red and green color, b through blue and yellow.
Tone (shade). In the horizontal section of the ball or all the tones are presented, identical in lightness. Moving around the circle we reach different meanings tones.
Saturation (chroma). As you move along the radius, the saturation changes. On outside The circles contain pure, or spectral colors. Approaching the center of the circle, the spectral color gradually loses saturation and mixes with gray, while the tone and lightness do not change. And finally, in the very center the color loses its tone and becomes achromatic. All mixed with gray colors, located between the circle and the center of the color wheel are called non-spectral.
Color schemes and combinations.
Let's consider different kinds harmonious combinations, color schemes and palettes.
Achromatic scale.
The entire achromatic palette is concentrated in vertical axis color ball and represents a smooth transition of gray tones from white to black. Achromatic colors are used in graphics, black and white photography, interior. The whole art of working in achromatic scales lies in the choice of shape and lightness. The contrast between light and dark or, conversely, the smoothness of tonal transitions are the main artistic techniques when working with color. With the help of an achromatic range, emphasis is placed on the shape or texture of objects, a calming or dramatic effect, energy or minimalism of the composition is achieved. With an inept choice of colors, the achromatic range becomes dull and inexpressive. Achromatic colors are in one-dimensional space, which sometimes makes them appear flat.
Monochromatic gamma.
The achromatic scale can be represented as a vertical scale with varying lightness values. We considered hue and saturation, located in two-dimensional space, in the form of a horizontal circle. Now let's combine all three parameters: lightness, hue and saturation, but in a different two-dimensional space. To do this, imagine another circle, in the form of a vertical section of a color ball. Lightness changes vertically, saturation changes horizontally.
If we leave one half of the color wheel, for example, with a blue tone, we get a monochromatic range. For a monochromatic palette, you can take any tone; it is important that this parameter remains unchanged while lightness and saturation vary.
If black and white photography has an achromatic gamma, then “sepia” is a classic example of a monochromatic gamma. By adding just one parameter - tone, we get from a one-dimensional color space two-dimensional, and at the same time a deeper, richer palette. This is why the sepia-toned version of a photograph looks more voluminous and advantageous compared to black and white.
"sepia" differs from black and white photography by adding an orange tone
When using a monochromatic palette, it is easy to select shades and achieve overall harmony, since all colors are united by one tone. Monochromatic colors are used in clothing to create a strict and elegant look, and are good for creating backgrounds. Monochromatic colors in the interior are considered soothing and are most suitable for bedrooms; for other interiors it is used with caution, since an excess of one color with prolonged exposure has a negative effect on the psyche. A monochromatic palette can be contrasting or nuanced. If the saturation and lightness of the tone vary too little, the color scheme becomes monotonous, causing boredom and depression.
A monochrome interior does not imply an exclusive combination of black and white. This design can be based on any shade, either in combination with other colors or with its own tones.
This option is popular and considered a classic. The main thing is to choose the right texture, harmoniously combine colors, follow the rules of design, and then you can end up with a room that will emphasize the sophistication and elegance of taste.
Basic Rules
In order to get the perfect monochrome interior, it is important to follow a few basic rules that will allow you to get the desired result.
1. The color scheme should have a dominant and a secondary one.
When creating an appropriate interior, it is important to follow this recommendation, in which case there will be no questions regarding what design was used in the room. To prevent the room from looking boring, you should give preference to using several tones rather than just one color.In this situation, there are helping colors that are universal. They can be combined with any others, depending on what you need to get. These include black, white, grey, silver and gold.
2. Use of texture.
Considering that a monochrome interior implies calmness in a sense, you can add some zest by providing an interesting texture to the objects. It doesn't have to be an extremely smooth surface. It can be decorated various figures and ornaments.The design can be placed on wallpaper, curtains, and other textile elements. Also interesting design obtained by combining glossy and matte surfaces. Volumetric elements that can be used in the form of stonework, decorative metal overlays, textured painted surfaces, and so on also look beautiful. It is worth remembering that thanks to the texture, you can separate zones depending on their functionality.
3. Lighting.
You can revive the design of a room with the right lighting design. This effect can be achieved using multi-level ceilings, spot lighting and additional lighting. Even if the interior only has a chandelier, it Beautiful design can become a highlight in the design.Use of color
Recently, restrained and muted tones have been gaining popularity, regardless of their area of use. In a monochrome interior bright colors should be implemented with extreme caution. In quantitative combination there should be a minimum number of them and, in fact, such colors should only be accents.
To choose correct color It’s worth understanding what color you want to get: cold or warm. Cool shades are the most popular, as in most cases they have a muted effect. When creating a monochrome interior, it is important to abandon color stereotypes, for example, that black is a depressing color. It is important not to forget that dark shades visually reduce, and light shades increase.
To fully satisfy the result, it is better not to mix more than five different color options, repeating them in different parts of the room.
Would you like to create a harmonious, but at the same time, amazingly powerful image that attracts the eyes of others? Several configuration methods work for this result, one of which is the ability to harmoniously combine various shades one color.
You already guessed that below we will talk about monochrome sets.
Monochrome sets can be stunningly beautiful. They have a very strong effect and are synonymous with sophisticated elegance. But the creation is real harmonious image using only one color requires some knowledge from us. Let's figure out what monochrome is and how it works!
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| Lela Rose, Pinterest |
What is a monochrome look
Any set consisting of clothes in shades of the same color can be called monochrome. |
| Red Valentino Tibi 2018 |
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| Max Mara, Ralph Lauren |
The chosen color can be absolutely any, including achromatic (black, gray or white).
A monochrome look created in neutral colors looks especially elegant.
If the color chosen for a monochrome image is bright, then in most cases it is worth breaking it up by including achromatic colors (black, gray or white).
Who should wear monochrome sets?
Firstly, by dressing in one color from head to toe, you will not only create a dramatic look, but also a vertical column that will be visually slimming. In this case, the color does not matter - even white, used in this way, will have a “slimming” effect, just like any light color, for example, lavender is such a popular color now.Secondly, this color scheme will suit people with low color contrast. You can read all about color contrast in appearance at this link.
In this case, the face will be in focus, and combinations of contrasting colors will not distract from it. Of course, you can use other options, such as a combination of various neutral colors, or a combination of one chromatic color with neutrals, but monochrome sets look really very attractive, so you shouldn’t neglect them either.
Below: Brown eyed model with low color contrast in a monochrome blue set.
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| J. Crew |
Well, thirdly, monochrome sets will help to elongate your silhouette if you would like to appear taller, which is also facilitated by the monochrome vertical created in this way.
And, of course, monochrome sets can be worn by absolutely anyone who would like to look very impressive, but, at the same time, sophisticated and elegant.
The catwalk, which offers a wide variety of monochrome looks, can also serve as a source of inspiration (below are photos from the spring-summer 2018 catwalk, as well as autumn-winter 2018-2019).
Let's see how monochrome works.
How to combine shades of the same color
There are only two rules here, but both are very important, so they must be followed in order to combine different shades one color looked harmonious.Rule #1. Combine shades of the same temperature. That is, cold with cold, warm with warm. You can read about how to understand the temperature of flowers and learn to distinguish between warm and cold shades in the article at this link.
Below: a combination of cool shades of red (berry and fuchsia) in the first photo and a combination of warm shades of red in the second.
Notice how inharmonious these two pictures look side by side - warm and cold shades of the same color do not play well with each other.
Also, there are temperature-neutral shades of each color that lack warm or cool undertone: so-called real red, real blue, real green, etc. They are combined with their shades of any temperature.
Rule #2. Shades of the same color should be either pure or muted. It is not advisable to mix pure and muted shades, since against the background of a pure, muted shade will always seem dirty, very faded.
According to these rules, select those shades that combine with your own color scheme (). That is, it is better for people with soft colors to choose muted shades, and for people with pure colors bright colors- pure colors.
Below in the first photo there are muted shades of warm green, in the second - pure yellow.
Also, if you have warm colors in your appearance, then it is better to choose warm shades of the color (or neutral in temperature), and those with cool colors should focus on cool shades of colors (or neutral in temperature).
You can find out the temperature of your exterior paints using this link.
It would seem that this is enough to create a beautiful monochrome set, but there are a few more tricks that need to be taken into account to make your look truly memorable and not banal.
Techniques for creating a monochrome look
Sometimes, even though both of the above rules are followed, the result can turn out to be quite boring and inexpressive. This happens because the same fabric textures are used or shades of the same tonality are selected, etc.let's consider seven techniques that will turn a monochrome set into a real work of art!
1. Combine different shades
No matter how trivial it may sound, it is this technique that allows you to add variety to the set and prevents it from looking too dull, especially when combining deep or neutral (shades of beige, brown, gray, etc.) colors. |
| Lafayette, Simon Miller fall 2018 |
Often people believe that a monochrome outfit can only be created by matching clothes “color on color”, but this is not entirely true. Of course, you can combine things of the same shade. It is possible that you will get a beautiful result, but such clothes are very difficult to choose.
In addition, a combination of different shades of the same color most often looks more impressive, since things of the same shade that are too well matched to each other are more likely to resemble a suit, which in itself is more banal than the ability to masterfully juggle different shades within one image.
Below: beautiful monochrome sets that are beautiful in their own way, but together these trousers and blouses resemble overalls, as they use the same shade of red and pink for the top and bottom, as well as the smooth texture of the fabric.
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| Ann Taylor, Akris |
Below you can see a top and skirt combo, but together it just looks like a dress. The look is good, but the zest that a more multi-dimensional monochrome set has, consisting of different shades of the same color, is missing here.
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| Vince, Sonia Rykiel |
You don't necessarily have to look for the same color bottom to match your top, and on the contrary, the difference in shades can make a monochrome set much more interesting. In this case, you are less likely to make a mistake and create a boring image that looks flat and inexpressive, since such a difference in shades in itself will give it visual volume and multidimensionality.
Below in the first photo: a combination of lavender jeans with a top and shoes lilac color. Lilac is a temperature-neutral light shade of purple, while lavender is a cool, light shade of purple. As you remember, with shades of the same color it is necessary to combine either shades that match in temperature or shades that are neutral in temperature.
By the way, all these shades are muted.
The second photo uses warm shades of yellow, but they are very different: there is sand, mustard and calendula.
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| Tibi, Clare V. |
But when combining clothes of the same shade, it would be nice to use additional techniques, which will be discussed below, so that the image does not turn out boring.
2. Combine different textures
The combination of different textures is very good welcome. It will protect you from a too flat, boring image, since by playing with the difference in textures, you can create real masterpieces.It is especially important to use this technique when combining similar shades of the same color.
In the examples below you can see how interesting and not trivial the sets look, composed of clothes of absolutely identical shades of the same color, when different textures are used.
Folds and textured surfaces can be combined with smooth fabrics, matte fabrics with shiny ones, soft and delicate textures with rough ones, and thin materials with dense and heavy ones. This technique works flawlessly, so be sure to try it, including in non-monochrome sets. .
It is very important to maintain a combination of different textures in dark-colored sets, especially black. You can read about how to wear black at this link.
3. Combine colors of different depths
The combination of light and dark shades of the same color gives such amazing variety that it is not always immediately possible to determine that this is a monochrome set.If you have in your appearance, then this technique is simply created for you.
The higher your own contrast in lightness, the more contrast you can create in your image.
Below: brunettes with fair skin with high contrast in lightness use a combination of deep and light shades of the same color.
If your own contrast is low, then you should avoid such a difference from light to dark, as it will absorb you. But you can use all the other techniques described here, for example, combining different shades of the same color or using contrasting textures, like in the photo below with low-contrast blondes. But we haven't covered all the techniques yet!
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| Luisa Via Roma, Akris |
4. Break up the monochrome with achromatic colors
Adding white, gray and black (achromatic colors) will not harm the proud status of monochrome; your set will still look very impressive, but splashes of achromatic colors can break up the monotonous palette, making the image even more interesting and voluminous.For brunettes and brown-haired women, it is advisable to add black and gray to maintain hair color if the color of the set itself is light.
White and light gray will refresh any set made in dark colors one color, and will also add contrast in lightness, if necessary.
In combination with a bright color, white will reduce its intense impact, making it softer and less dramatic.
5. Use print
The print can also participate in creating a monochrome image, but only it must match, that is, be monochrome in itself. This print either consists of shades of one color, or combines one color with an achromatic one (white, gray or black). A blue stripe on a white background is an example of a monochrome print.By using a printed item in your monochrome look, you imitate the technique of mixing different textures, as the print looks more prominent when combined with plain clothes.
A monochrome print looks especially impressive against a background of a mix of different textures.
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| Rag & Bone, Veronica Beard |
6. Focus on interesting details.
Various convex details also add some texture, which will also help add variety to the monochrome set and prevent it from looking too flat and dull.These could be flaps, pockets, unusual buttons, fasteners, ties, draperies, fringe, feathers, bows, frills, ruffles, etc. Choose to your taste.
Fans of a more romantic look can turn to feminine details.
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| Maggie Marilyn, Brunello Cucinelli |
And if you're more of a minimalist, flaps, metal buttons, and large pockets can also help add dimension to your one-color ensemble.
7. Use interesting accessories
This technique will help to make not only a monochrome set more impressive, but also any other, and in the case of playing on shades of the same color, it is especially important to take into account all the factors that will help bring variety, preventing the image from looking too flat and boring. |
| Stella McCartney, Street NY FW 2018 |
An interesting bag, shoes, jewelry, belts - all this works to create a unique and inimitable image, and, like nothing else, helps to reflect your individuality, since it manifests itself most clearly through the choice of accessories.
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| Brunello Cucinelli, Eileen Fisher |
So don't neglect accessories, they really make a difference important role in our lives, and it is difficult to overestimate them.
Of course, all these seven techniques can (and should) be combined without stopping at one thing. Experiment, play with each of them, try to create new and interesting combinations that you have never tried before. These techniques will not only add variety to your fashion arsenal, but will also allow you to look at your wardrobe differently. Perhaps you will find a new use for your things or create a completely unexpected monochrome image that you will like and will win the admiration of those around you and those close to you.
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| & Other Stories, Marc Jacobs |
Have you already experimented with creating monochrome sets? What was the result?
Dear readers! In the next article, read about the once forgotten accessory that for a long time We associated it with the style of very old ladies, and which has regained popularity. Leave feedback and your wishes, ask questions, I will be happy to answer them, write what else you would like to read about and
A monochrome color scheme is an idea that is rarely considered at the initial stage of a design project. But monochrome options can significantly affect the further development of the layout, because the lack of color variety makes it possible to look at the project from a different point of view. Just one dominant color can set a project apart from others; this is very unusual and, with a professional approach, allows you to achieve outstanding results.
The hardest part of monochrome design is choosing the main color. A lot depends on this. If the designer has only one color at his disposal, he has no right to make a mistake. What should you consider when choosing a base shade? First, you should think about the meaning of colors. Each color evokes certain emotions, so you need to look for the shade that emotionally conveys the specifics of the content. For most people, colors evoke very specific associations:
- Red- love, passion
- Blue– harmony, trust
- Green– hope, nature
- Yellow– joy, energy, warmth
- Pink– femininity, romance
- Violet- fantasy, faith
If this approach does not work, then you can think about the brand, for example, the color of the logo or the color palette of the corporate identity. Often correct solution suggests an identity that already has a recognizable primary color. So there is no need to reinvent the wheel - if the base shade already exists, then you need to use it.
And you always need to remember about saturation. You need to decide at the very beginning whether the monochrome palette will be bold and bright or the shades will be more muted and soft. In addition, there is always the possibility of a combination of these two options. Despite the fact that you only have to work with one color, the designer has a very large choice of solutions.
Correct use of shades and tones
When working with a monochrome color scheme, it is unlikely that you will be able to do without using different shades of the base color. This is necessary in order to use color to highlight the most important parts of the content. There are three main approaches to working with a single-color palette:
- Lightening: the base color combined with white allows you to make the design lighter
- Toning: base color combined with gray allows you to adjust the saturation of the color scheme
- Blackout: Base color combined with black makes the design darker
As with a multi-color palette, where there are several shades, the designer needs to use tints, tones and shadows. For each shade you need to choose a specific value and then stick to this scheme throughout the design. Very often it turns out that the designer has more colors and ideas for using them at his disposal than before, when he worked with several shades.
Sometimes working with monochrome is very convenient, for example, when you need to place two contrasting elements next to each other. You can simply make one theme and the other light, and users will immediately understand what the designer wanted to convey to them. Color progression works flawlessly: by adjusting the saturation of elements, you can easily highlight, for example, lines in a price list. Of course, you always need to monitor whether the sorting is working and whether there is contrast. No matter how dark or light the base color is, it is only a reference point that allows you to understand whether the chosen shades work or not.
Working with other design elements
The biggest challenge when working with a monochrome palette is that the design can seem monotonous. There will be no bright elements that catch the eye. A one-color solution often looks too solid and this can become a problem. But there are many solutions to this problem that can achieve your goal.
Color toning. To maintain color consistency in your design, you can convert color images to black and white and then add a color overlay. The result will be a toned picture that will go well with the base color.
Heavier fonts. To prevent text content from getting lost in a monochrome design, it is better to use bold or semi-bold characters, this allows you to “tear off” the text from the background.
Shadows and other visual cues. Some elements need something to bring them to the forefront, such as a shadow. This allows you to create a visual hierarchy between elements.
Similar colors in images. If you plan to use color images in a monochrome design, then you need to choose pictures that have many shades similar to the base color.
Using fashionable shades
Any designer knows that there are fashionable and unfashionable colors. For example, bright colors that are present in the Material Design guideline are now in fashion. This year you could see designers using bold color schemes, so why not use bright shades in a monochrome design.
This will require certain skills, as you will have to go through many options in order to accurately convey the mood of the project. The most popular bright shades are pink, orange, yellow-green. But everything depends on the context. The great advantage of a bright monochrome scheme is the wide selection of accompanying shades, tones and shadows. The bright color has many gradations, which significantly expands the designer’s capabilities.
If you have decided to use fashionable colors, you should always monitor changes in trends and, as soon as they change, change the color scheme. Fashionable colors are best suited for short-term projects that simply will not become obsolete. These are posters, leaflets, brochures and much more.
Dark monochrome design
For a monochrome palette, it is not necessary to use bright colors. You can try experimenting with dark tones, as well as colors like black or rich gray. Color schemes like these can produce very unexpected results, especially if the designer knows how to work with contrast. The dark palette looks solid and always looks modern. It is best suited for projects with a small amount of content.
Almost monochrome
When working with just one color, you can sometimes deviate from the rules and add another shade to the design. The result will be almost monochrome and often this allows you to find perfect solution Problems. Just one additional color greatly increases the amount possible options. The complementary color should be sufficiently contrasting to the base color, that is, it should be located on the other side of the color wheel.
Conclusion
A monochrome color palette can be very interesting. Single-color designs look stylish and fashionable; they allow you to place accents and control the user’s attention. But there are also disadvantages - a one-color palette can get boring over time, since it doesn’t have enough bright shades. But there is always an opportunity to make the design less boring if you use it for different parts project different base colors.