Pull off Benedict Cumberbatch's classy monochrome look

Fashion designer-cum-stylist Rocky Star gives few essential points those looking to ape the single colour palette look.

By Sujata Reddy, ET Bureau | Updated: Sep 18, 2014, 10.04 AM IST

Pull off Benedict Cumberbatch's classy monochrome look

While his peers were busy putting together a complicated ensemble for a recently held style awards in London, Benedict 'Sherlock Holmes' Cumberbatch hogged the red carpet spotlight, dressed from head to toe, in black. The monotone look is not only easy to assemble, it also makes you look effortlessly dapper. Fashion designer-cum-stylist Rocky Star gives those looking to ape it, a few essential points:

Colour code

Black is a great choice for the monotone look. It's one shade you can hardly go wrong with. But if you want to get a bit experimental, ivory, navy blue and pewter aka dark gun metal are top choices as well.

Widen your palette

Hues like browns, greys, bottle green, teal and blue are elegant too, but only if styled really well and with the right accessories. The bottomline remains that dressing monotone is fine in any colour, as long as you know how to enhance it with the right accessories.

Add ons

The right cap, hat, belt, watch, shoes, tie and glasses are some accessories that aid in giving an edge to an otherwise 'bland' monotone look. And if you're wondering, no, it's not essential that the accessories be the same colour. In fact, when working with a monotone palette, contrast is vital. Introduce a hint of contrast by way of red socks or belt, desert boots and loafers or even an orange beanie hat.

One for all

The best part of going for the same shade all the way is that this look suits all body types. Although monotone colours on a more or less lean body type gives it a balanced visual appearance.