How to Nail Colorful Monochrome Suiting

How to style colorful wide-leg pants, monochrome outfit, sleeveless blazer style, business casual outfit ideas, Farotelle blog, black fashion blogger, Minneapolis Blogger

Let's face it: color can be intimidating. In a culture that's high on neutrals and understated palettes, the thought of showing up at the office wearing an all-red pant suit can feel daunting. Even though bold colors have become more prevalent in mainstream fashion, they still remain more of a special thing, something you do occasionally and in measured doses. That's why most of us will reach for a bold red blouse and pair it with the quintessential black pants. Or tone down the bright yellow cami by layering it under a beige suit. Color is just not something you overdose on, according to the creeds of old money aesthetics, effortless style, street style, and most other contemporary fashion codes. But the thing is, fashion is about shaking up the routine and expressing one's individuality. And one of the most effective ways to show some personality is to indulge in bold color, from head to toe. That's where colorful monochromatic outfits come into play.

There are a range of ways to do monochrome outfits. You could go for a bold maxi dress with matching shoes, a mini dress with matching tights, a matching skirt and turtleneck sweater, or simply a pant suit. Here are colorful suit outfit ideas to inspire you to disrupt the neutral humdrum and make a statement.

1. Purple Suit with Oversized Blazer

Purple is a rare color when it comes to suiting which makes it a great choice to spice up your wardrobe. This Ronny Kobo oversized linen blazer and high-waisted linen pants caught my attention thanks to their modern fit and those shapely shoulder pads. The linen material was also a plus for comfortable Summer wear. I wore this colorful suit with a purple bodysuit to play up the monochrome vibe. I finished the look with metallic silver shoes and leather crossbody bag to jazz up the purple hue without distracting from it.

Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful purple monochrome pant suit outfit with oversized blazer and metallic silver crossbody bag, Dolve Vita heels, women linen suit outfit
Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful purple monochrome pant suit outfit with oversized blazer and metallic silver crossbody bag, Dolve Vita heels, women linen suit outfit

2. Orange Pant Suit

I am very partial to wide-leg pants. I find them easy to style and super versatile. For this look, I opted for a bold orange linen pant suit that I styled as an elevated casual outfit for work and weekend outings. Even with the beige top, the suit still gives off a monochrome vibe thanks to its saturated hue. A rule that I like to follow with bold color is to keep the pieces classic and simple. And this orange suit definitely checks that box.

Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful red linen pant suit outfit with oversized straw tote, monochrome outfit, how to style wide-leg pants
Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful red linen pant suit outfit with oversized straw tote, monochrome outfit, how to style wide-leg pants

3. Sleeveless Blazer with Wide-Leg Pants

Vests, waistcoats, and sleeveless blazers have been having a moment and I have embraced them as an alternative to blazers during the Summer. The appeal of this outfit is the exaggerated wide-leg pants and the belted safari-style sleeveless blazer. The pockets add a chic and utilitarian touch to the look. This is the perfect ensemble for office days when paired with classic pumps. This look can also be worn more casually when paired with more relaxed shoes such as platform espadrille sandals and an oversized leather shopper tote.

 

Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful monochrome red pant suit with extra wide-leg pants and sleeveless blazer, business casual outfit, classy fashion, women office style
Minneapolis fashion blogger Farotelle wearing colorful monochrome red pant suit with extra wide-leg pants and sleeveless blazer, business casual outfit, classy fashion, women office style

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Elevated Barrel Jeans Outfits I've Worn This Summer

Barrel jeans and a blazer outfit, how to style a French blazer, monochrome blue outfit, Farotelle blog, Minneapolis Top Fashion Influencer, Fashion over 40, classic style, Calvin Klein Jeans, Valentino handbags

Can we all agree that barrel jeans are more versatile than we give them credit for? Yes, wide-leg jeans and straight-leg jeans are trend-proof staples, but a barrel silhouette offers a modern take on many classic denim outfit formulas. Here are some easy ways to rock this denim style during the warm season.

Barrel Jeans With A Colorful Blazer

Jeans and a blazer will always be a vibe! Pair dark wash barrel jeans with a bold, colorful blazer for a striking contrast that says edgy on the bottom, and business on top. For a playful and coordinated spin, also wear colorful shoes.

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Shop this barrel jeans and blazer look

Barrel Jeans With A Denim Shirt

When in doubt with denim, double down on it! A denim on denim outfit makes for an intentional streetstyle combination that works perfectly with casual and weekend feats. I went for an oversized denim shirt with these barrel jeans to play up the proportions and added a belt for balance. And a trick to give a Canadian tuxedo more visual interest is to opt for different denim washes.

Denim on denim look, barrel jeans outfit, how to style loafers for Summer, Marc Nolan Kennedy brown suede loafers, Farotelle blog, Minneapolis Top Fashion Influencer, Fashion over 40, classic style, Calvin Klein Jeans, Michael Kors handbags, monochromatic style

Denim on denim look, barrel jeans outfit, how to style loafers for Summer, Marc Nolan Kennedy brown suede loafers, Farotelle blog, Minneapolis Top Fashion Influencer, Fashion over 40, classic style, Calvin Klein Jeans, Michael Kors handbags, monochromatic style

Barrel Jeans With A French Blazer

To give barrel jeans a French-style allure, pair them with a haute-couture inspired piece such as a collarless French blazer. I was going for something between casual and classy chic and landed on this combo. To elevate it even more, I layered a silk shirt underneath the blazer, wore dressy heeled sandals, and opted for a structured leather bag. This look gives Chanel and Dior vibes, but in an everyday fashion and who doesn't love that?

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Jeans and a blazer outfit, barrel jeans outfit ideas, how to style a French blazer, monochrome blue outfit, blue on blue style, Farotelle blog, Minneapolis Top Fashion Influencer, Fashion over 40, classic style, Calvin Klein Jeans, Vince Camuto Saprenda sandals, Valentino handbags

Shop this barrel jeans and French blazer outfit

Barrel Jeans With A White Shirt

Everyone needs a white shirt! These are proven closet staples that pair with everything and make the perfect layering piece, regardless of the season. I have a stash of those in different silhouettes and lengths to blend with different outfit moods. For this elevated casual outfit, I paired a longline and tailored white shirt with barrel jeans and flatform sandals. The shirt details including the billowy sleeves, large buttons and clean collar really bring the medium wash barrel jeans up many notches.

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I hope this post inspires you to reach for barrel jeans more as you build your outfits! Which one of these looks do you vote for? Chime in in the comments below!

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Sharp, Modest, and Elevated Shorts Outfits For Fashionable Moms Over 40

How to style jorts, denim shorts outfit, Summer linen looks, blue jeans outfit inspo, Fashion over 40, Minneapolis top fashion influencer

I've been wearing shorts a lot lately! First because it's been super hot and humid, even here in the Twin Cities, but also because I've found the perfect shorts! When you are taller and on the curvy side, finding a pair that sits right can be a challenge. So I was super excited when I stumbled on this denim pair of shorts and these linen-blend options. They feature a high waist and longer inseam which give them a classic and more modest vibe. And both have belt loops for an adjustable fit and who doesn't love that? 

There are endless ways to style shorts during the Summer, whether you opt for camis, tees, shirts, or even dresses (yes, you can totally layer a shirt dress over shorts)! As a millennial mom and corporate leader in her forties, I tend to stick to outfits that are more elevated and modest. My formula for styling shorts – especially white shorts and denim shorts which already scream Summer casual – is to pair them with more structured pieces such as a blazer or an oversized oxford shirt. Here are some ways that I have styled shorts this Summer:

White Shorts With A Blazer and Vest Combo

White shorts are a classic Summer staple. Pair them with any tops and they instantly give that warm-weather, nautical vibe. Because white shorts can be so casual, I wore them with a structured navy blue blazer over a matching vest for an elevated casual vibe. This look works because the longline blazer balances the shorts with a touch of corporate polish and also because blue and white make a crisp Summer color palette. I finished the look with a brown leather tote and color-blocked loafers for a modern and laid-back allure.

Check out the outfit reel on Instagram.

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How to style white shorts, Summer elevated shorts outfit inspo, oversized blazer and shorts outfit, white and navy blue color-blocked look, dressy shorts style, Ronny Kobo blazer, Macy's INC shorts, Farotelle fashion blog, chunky gold necklace, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, fashion over 40, slow fashion, classic style, Camper Twin loafers, Banana Republic large leather tote, nautical fashion

How to style white shorts, Summer elevated shorts outfit inspo, oversized blazer and shorts outfit, white and navy blue color-blocked look, dressy shorts style, Ronny Kobo blazer, Macy's INC shorts, Farotelle fashion blog, chunky gold necklace, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, fashion over 40, slow fashion, classic style, Camper Twin loafers, Banana Republic large leather tote, nautical fashion

Shop the look

White Shorts With An Oversized Shirt

Independence Day inspired the colors in this look! I wanted something colorful yet classic with a bit of an Americana vibe so I paired my white linen shorts with a red oversized striped shirt. I added a blue silk scarf and a red structured leather tote to play up the flag's colors and also to elevate the outfit. This is another one that gives nautical vibes and is perfect for all kinds of Summer feats, including coffee runs, errands, picnics and brunch too. A modest shorts outfit not only keeps you cool and comfy, it also delivers the versatility busy women need to effortlessly go about their weekends.

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Red, white, and blue Summer outfit, how to style white shorts, Summer elevated shorts outfit inspo, oversized striped shirt and shorts outfit, J.Crew Etienne shirts, Americana, Farotelle fashion blog, silk scarf styling, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, fashion over 40, slow fashion, classic style, G.H.Bass loafers, Levi's belts, Tomoli Fitini Kora leather tote, color-blocked outfit, nautical fashion

Red, white, and blue Summer outfit, how to style white shorts, Summer elevated shorts outfit inspo, oversized striped shirt and shorts outfit, J.Crew Etienne shirts, Americana, Farotelle fashion blog, silk scarf styling, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, fashion over 40, slow fashion, classic style, G.H.Bass loafers, Levi's belts, Tomoli Fitini Kora leather tote, color-blocked outfit, nautical fashion

Red, white, and blue Summer outfit, how to style white shorts, Summer elevated shorts outfit inspo, oversized striped shirt and shorts outfit, J.Crew Etienne shirts, Americana, Farotelle fashion blog, silk scarf styling, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, fashion over 40, slow fashion, classic style, G.H.Bass loafers, Levi's belts, Tomoli Fitini Kora leather tote, color-blocked outfit, nautical fashion

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Denim Jorts With A Layered Shirt

Just because it's Summer doesn't mean you can't layer your outfits! The trick to doing it without feeling like you're overheating is to go for natural, breathable fabrics. I started this outfit with a denim pair of jorts. These are so good! The length is perfect, the high waist sits just right, and it's a structured denim meaning it will retain its shape. For a laid-back yet intentional look, I added a long linen shirt layered with a cropped blazer. Mixing lengths is a surefire way to achieve elegant balance with a look and especially with shorts. Bold accessories such as a chunky beaded necklace, a large leather tote and chunky loafers add edge while maintaining the relaxed allure.

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How to style jorts, denim shorts outfit, Summer linen looks, blue jeans outfit inspo, Fashion over 40, Farotelle fashion blog, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, dressy shorts style, Banana Republic cropped blazer, large leather tote, Avec Les Filles shorts, chunky beaded necklace, slow fashion, classic style, Camper Twin loafers

How to style jorts, denim shorts outfit, Summer linen looks, blue jeans outfit inspo, Fashion over 40, Farotelle fashion blog, Minneapolis top fashion influencer, dressy shorts style, Banana Republic cropped blazer, large leather tote, Avec Les Filles shorts, chunky beaded necklace, slow fashion, classic style, Camper Twin loafers

Shop the look

These outfits just scratch the surface of how you can elevate shorts in the Summer, especially for women over 40. Which one gets your vote? And what ideas do you have about sharp shorts styling? 

what else piques your interest?