After a week of thunderstorms followed by unseasonably cold temperatures, I am happy to get out and about in a more spring appropriate outfit! While I keep my overall silhouette somewhat classically prep, I do love to play with prints and color. Today’s outfit is an example of the latter. I’m going to show you how to wear the spring monochrome trend in 2022.
My husband Alex and I went to check out a barbecue and burger place here in Athens called White Tiger Gourmet. It’s a casual spot housed in an old grocery store, built in 1905. With shaded outdoor tables and delicious food, I know we’ll be coming back here all summer long!
The Summary (TL;DR)
Today’s featured items are a smocked puff sleeve linen top and Kate pants from J.Crew
The outfit is modeled, and Kelly pulled together 3 alternatives
The takeaway fashion tip: try a monochrome outfit with different shades of the same color
How to Wear The Spring Monochrome Trend 2022
1. J.Crew Smocked Puff Sleeve Linen Top
(J.Crew)
Monochromatic outfits are really easy to put together – especially when you mix shades of the same color. There is no wrong way to do this. Shades of the same color will always go together.
Today, I went for mixing shades of green.
As soon as the temps warm up, I am all about linen. Every spring and summer I am looking to add to my linen top collection and this new smocked puff-sleeve top from J.Crew is a great addition. The ruffled neckline and puffed sleeves add a feminine touch, which is a really fun difference from many of the camp shirt styles found in linen shirts.
J.Crew Kate Pant | J.Crew Smocked Puff Sleeve Linen Top | Aerosoles Georgia Loafers (similar) | Linea Paolo Annette Loafer (similar) | Aerosoles Mila Loafer | Madewell Small Transport Tote
Shop the outfit
2. Kate Pant
(J.Crew)
I have been getting a lot of wear out of these versatile straight-leg pants from J.Crew. The bi-stretch cotton is light and super comfortable. The Kate pant comes in a variety of colors that are perfect for year-round wear.
J.Crew Kate Pant | J.Crew Smocked Puff Sleeve Linen Top | Aerosoles Georgia Loafers (similar) | Linea Paolo Annette Loafer (similar) | Aerosoles Mila Loafer | Madewell Small Transport Tote
Shop the outfit
3. Accessories
(Madewell, Assorted Similars)
With a monochromatic outfit, you can go monochrome with your shoes too, or you can get a little creative and throw in a pop of color, or print. I went with these snake print loafers (old), Similar here, here and here. I do consider snake print in neutral colors to function as a neutral – so you can really get away with adding them to a variety of colors and outfits for a little print pop.
I love the square shape of this Transport Tote from Madewell. It’s just big enough for my essentials. I have detached the crossbody strap to make a handbag. This particular Madewell bag is about 10 years old, and after years of near constant use, it has aged really well.
Alex and I moved to Athens the summer before the Pandemic; with moving and organizing our home renovation, we haven’t had much opportunity to explore our new city until this summer. So I am really looking forward to getting out there and seeing (and sharing with you) all that Athens has to offer! Thanks so much for stopping by today, take care and be well! xo Kelly
J.Crew Kate Pant | J.Crew Smocked Puff Sleeve Linen Top | Aerosoles Georgia Loafers (similar) | Linea Paolo Annette Loafer (similar) | Aerosoles Mila Loafer | Madewell Small Transport Tote
Shop the outfit
Alternative Stylings
Top Left Board: J.Crew Kate Pant | Everlane Eyelet Puff Sleeve Top | Madewell Kiera Mule Sandal | Bembien Ella Bag Top Right Board: J.Crew Kate Pant | Banana Republic Ramie Safari Shirt | J.Crew Winona Loafers | Madewell Simple Crossbody Bag | Madewell Cropped Cardigan Bottom Board: J.Crew Kate Pant | Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt | J.Crew Seville Espadrilles | J.McLaughlin Fiona Tote
In Case You Missed It
Remember, Thursdays are a 2-post day. Beth pulled together her 10 favorite graphic tees for Spring and showed you 5 different ways to wear them, including budget alternatives. Click the title or image below to check out the post!
Spring 2022 Best Graphic Tees Edition
About The Author
Kelly, you are adorable!
You are too sweet, Brenda! Thank you for stopping by today! xo Kelly
Nice; very polished! Your haircut looks great and I really like the loafers. You are so pretty, Kelly. We passed through Athens on our way to visit our son in med school at UAB. Out of our way but wanted to check it out. We’re from N.C. and it has kind of an Asheville vibe. Good place to live, I’m sure.
Hello Carolina Girl, we do love Athens – so much to offer and its proximity to other great places in the south is perfect for day and weekend trips. We are hoping to visit Asheville sometime this summer or fall. Let us know any places you recommend! xo Kelly
Hi Kelly,
You’ll enjoy Asheville! Our daughter attended UNC-Asheville, so we visited quite a bit. First off:
Great hikes around the area:
https://www.exploreasheville.com/outdoor-adventures/hiking/moderate/
Shopping: Check out the Emporium on Wall Street, Grove Park Inn Shops (both in the resort and just outside main building) and shops near Biltmore. If traveling just outside of Asheville, Southern Highland Craft Guild Fork Art Center has nice treasures, from pots to jewelry.
Eats: Breakfast — Sunny Point Cafe, Biscuit Head, Early Girl Eatery. Lunch/Dinner: Rocky’s Hot Chicken (1) or Tupelo Honey (2) for chicken, Mela’s for Indian, Jerusalem Cafe for Mediterranean, Delvecchio’s (hole in the wall) for Italian, Red Stag Grill or Rhubarb for special eve. Go afterwards to Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar if you’re a bibliophile. For pastries and espresso/latte or chocolate: Old Europe or Chocolate Fetish (try their sipping chocolate). If hiking near Black Mountain, about 20 min. from Asheville, lunch or dinner at La Guinguette. Little French/Latin fare spot with best French onion soup and crepes. (Haven’t tried the Latin.) Okay, hope this helps. Now I need to get back to work! Have an awesome trip, XO
Love your new haircut Kelly. I alway struggle with what to wear with my olive green pants always even up with white shirt.
Hi Lorraine, I hear ya! You can think of this color green as a neutral – it’s one of nature’s favorite colors! Think of combinations you find in nature, and you can’t go wrong! xo Kelly
I love the monochromatic look and what you put together here all except the shoes. I personally do not like anything in snake print. My preference, so would do another pair of shoes. Thanks for the different options you showed on the outfits. Cute.
Hi Sherry, My favorite thing about a monochromatic outfit is that anything goes for the shoes and accessories. Go with what you like! xo Kelly
Hi Kelly
Your haircut is super chic! Liking good! Thank you.
Thanks so much, Joanie! xo Kelly
Love the haircut!!
Thank you, Peggy! xo Kelly
Kelly,
Great outfit. Easy wear for any occasion. Love a pop with shoes. That is a good one. You and Beth make a wonderful team. Pieces of both your styles can be adapted to any age!
In the third picture, the bag with the bamboo handle. I didn’t see a link to that?
Hi Pat – Great catch, the Fiona bag has been updated with the appropriate link. Thanks so much for stopping by today! xo Kelly
Nice post. The color looks very nice on you. Also really like your new hair cut! Thanks for the small tour of Athens. It looks like a nice place to live. I’ve never been there but maybe someday. Looking forward to more looks of the city.
Hi Paula, We will have more looks of the city to come, thanks so much! xo Kelly
Love your style Kelly. Your casual. Classic style with a modern twist appeals to me. Your haircut is very flattering. Thanks for the tips.
Thank so much, Sharon! xo Kelly
I love your new haircut Kelly. It looks great!
Loving your recipes too!
Thank you so much, Ali! xo Kelly
Adorable outfit and I love your haircut!
Thanks so much, Betsy! xo Kelly
Thank you Kelly
very happy for the petite addition, to Beth Certain age.
I am 5’2″ .
So I will benefit a lot from it!!
Thank you very much
Hi Gloria, I am very excited to bring a petite perspective to Style at a Certain Age! Thank you so much for your interest! xo Kelly
Cute! Cute! Cute! Love the green as a neutral.
Me too, Nancy! I love all the shades of green and I feel like green is an easy color to wear with so many other colors and prints. Thanks! xo Kelly
This was great, Kelly! I am a fan of the monochromatic look, and I love everything about the one you put together for today’s post! I also liked the snakeskin mules, which is not a shoe style I’ve ever considered before. You’re right, though, they can be a “neutral” and really jazz up an outfit!
Just realized that the shoes are not actually mules, but you know what I mean! 🙂
Hi Meg, I do know what you mean! and I linked to a similar snakeskin shoe that is a mule! So perfect for summer. Often, whenever I am wearing a single color outfit, and it needs a little something extra, animal print is what I reach for. The snakeskin is especially easy because it’s usually in neutral shades that go with everything – a perfect pop! xo Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Love your style!
I’m a petite, rectangle with very slim hips/legs. I can eat a carrot and it shows in the front view tummy area creating a roundness, front to back. I agree, monochromatic dressing is one of the best styles for petite gals that don’t have enough limb length to cover.
I’m so looking forward to your styling tips and highlights of Athens.
Have a very blessed Easter,
Trish
I’m with Brenda: you do look adorable. It’s a classic outfit, and I am obsessed with the blouse. It is super cute, and the outfit will look just as good in ten years as it does now. Of course I am still loving the Madewell handbags, and before the summer is over, I intend to buy one. Women of any age could wear this outfit. It would look great on anyone. Green looks well on you. Great pick.