Monochrome Trends

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Monochrome the recreation of a past phenomenon or the return of a classic trend?

Over the last few years the reoccurring trend of monochrome on both catwalks and on the high street leads me to think of what first started this trend and why is it so popular? For generations the monochrome trend has returned but with a ‘twist’, creating a new and unique edge on a previous style.

From as early as the sixties, monochrome could be seen in many forms from shift dresses with the addition of vertical and horizontal stripes, to the classic white shirt and black pencil skirt, creating a sophisticated aspect to any working apparel.

In the eighties monochrome was seen again in various elements of style from the new romantic movement, consisting of the ‘pirate style’ shirt, black trousers and boots. Similarly, nineties grunge could be adapted in the same way with a few changes, like a plain white t-shirt, dark wash jeans and dark boots, finished off with a dark checked shirt to bring the look together and add a ‘nineties edge’.

In the noughties there was a return to trends that were present in the eighties, but again with a more of a 'modern twist'. Vintage styles were also a major influence on the reoccurring trends of the day, including that of the monochrome look.

Since the sixties and even prior to that decade, fashion trends such as monochrome have existed and continue to be updated and recreated in new ways. Other influences on the monochrome trend include nautical themed clothing, which consist of horizontal stripes and colour blocking, this has been updated more recently with bright summer colours, which have been used to contrast with one another to create a more contemporary edge on the more traditional monochrome look.

When I think of monochrome as a trend I think of words like classy, sophisticated, elegant and timeless. I also think of designers such as Chanel who has created a number of collections that could be seen possess a sort of ‘understated elegance’. To me, Monochrome is a trend that is also part of these categories. It is a fashion statement that stands the test of time and no matter how many times it is adapted, recreated and ‘modernised’ it still suits all of these descriptions. So in deciding whether monochrome is a recreation of a past phenomenon or the return of a classic trend, it has to be said that in conclusion it could go either way. It is a classic trend and yet it has been recreated from an existing trend re-enhancing its classic title. Thus, making it a style that can also be used for both causal and smart occasions, changing and adding a few accessories in order to create your desired look, it could be as simple as adding a statement necklace or accessorising with a bright clutch bag, to give an outfit a pop of colour and keep it looking 'modern and fresh'.