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One Color, Head-to-Toe: Three Ways to Pull It Off

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Summer after Independence Day is like winter after New Year's Day. The season's buildup has burst, and for the next 12 weeks everyone complains about the weather 'til it changes. Also, you've worn everything you like 800 times already and now you hate your entire wardrobe, so you're sale stalking like a mad person.

Here's a remedy for mid-season outfit boredom: the quiet power move of wearing the same color head-to-toe. It's stupid easy but the end effect is impactful and looks brilliantly pulled together. We've gathered a trio of ideas from real women to get you started, each highlighting a different hue for a different scenario. Check them out below, read why they work, and find out where to buy the pieces to make each your own.

Brown really doesn't get enough time in the sun, considering its shades are flattering on pretty much everyone. This sleeveless turtleneck and wide-leg pant combo is perfect for work, amped up by all-black accessories. Slide sandals in white, black, or even baby blue would be an easy substitute for sneakers.

  • Ray Ban sunglasses, $150
  • Saba 'Ava' top, $111 (from $139)
  • Saba 'Tegan' pant, $89 (from $220)
  • Givenchy 'Antigona Medium' satchel, $2,435
  • Larsson and Jennings 'CM Black' watch, $380
  • Rag & Bone 'Kent' sneaker, $325

Shoutout to the summer goths. All black in the summer is doable, but it helps to break it up with a little skin. This #000000 outfit doubles up on the cropped elements, with both an abbreviated top and trouser. The ankle-length, sleeveless vest creates length, nixing any stumpiness that comes from the horizontal lines created by the top of the trousers and the bottom of the top. The look gets a casual kick from sneakers, offset from the other outfit elements in white.

  • Boohoo 'Mia' sleeveless duster, $30
  • Boohoo 'Cally' crop top, $7
  • Tibi wide leg pants, $350
  • Breda watch, $49
  • Adidas 'Stan Smith' sneaker, $70

A photo posted by celia smith (@celia.smith) on

Our final look is all white, a summertime classic. What's cool about this—figuratively but also literally—is the layering of a swingy top over a pair of wide-leg pants. The oversize fit is balanced by the sexiness of bare shoulders and the cool factor of big, round, '70s sunglasses.

  • Wildfox 'Dakota' sunglasses, $189
  • Lovers + Friends top, $101
  • T by Alexander Wang pants, $170 (from $425)
  • Stuart Weitzman 'The Byway' sandal, $168 (from $335)