Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed activewear aka athleisure wear gradually become a wardrobe essential. I think it's safe to say, joggers are the new jeans. In fact, activewear’s growing popularity has influenced our favorite fashion brands to expand their clothing lines to include more activewear. I can remember a time when activewear held a small corner on a brand's website; only listing 10-15 items, tops.

Fast forward to the present day, the conception of fashion brands like Beyoncé’s “Ivy Park” is a prime example of how athletic wear has been widely embraced into high and mass fashion. Now, while activewear has not always been my first choice of clothing to style, to be quite honest, it has grown on me. I have added garments like joggers and sweat shorts into my everyday wardrobe. Even more, I enjoy the comfort and style athleisure wear offers. It has become my go-to WFH aesthetic.

This week, I am getting comfy once again in an athleisure-inspired look BUT let me not forget to mention that the true inspiration for this week’s look is our first lady. The only first lady we acknowledge, Auntie Mich. On inauguration day, Michelle Obama came to slay and blessed us with jewel-toned monochrome realness. This week, I am embodying my inner first lady and strutting in a jewel-toned monochrome inspired look.

The centerpiece of this week’s ensemble is this plaid purple flap pocket coat. Firstly, plaid is one of my favorite types of patterns. Secondly, as a New Yorker, we live to layer; especially during the winter season and incorporating heavy-duty flannels into my winter wardrobe is my favorite way to add form and personality to a look. 

What I enjoy most about styling a monochrome aesthetic is that I can play around with pairing different shades of a similar hue. For example, the purple hue in the joggers and flannel are lavender while the beaded t-shirt is lilac. Both hues are in the purple family and are a perfect combination for a tonal look. 

Onto the footwear, normally, I would pair this look with sneakers or slippers but I wanted to finish off the look with a splash of spunk so snakeskin booties were my shoe of choice. 

This week’s styling tip is: Monochrome or Go Home!! Just kidding ! Creating monochrome looks are super simple. If lighter colors are not your steez, start with darker colors like black. We all can appreciate an all black outfit.  If you are like me and enjoy experimenting with different colors. Pick a color.. any color and create your favorite tonal look.

Stay tuned for more style blog posts every Tuesday.

Xoxo,

chamXpagne

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