Given that the MR PORTER office is populated with designers and fashion types, we’re accustomed to outfits that are pared back to one single tone. But, as it turns out, black isn’t the only colour. In fact, an increasing number of figures that we would consider stylish are stepping out in clothing of a limited palette – only that palette is often of a far more vibrant frequency. Head-to-toe reds, purples and oranges are all now in the mix. But what are the rules when it comes to such looks? And how do you avoid appearing as though you’ve just escaped from an American penitentiary? Truth seekers should look below.

___

What’s the secret to wearing just one colour?

@mrtonyennis via Instagram

___

Among the myriad looks currently keeping the street-style snappers on their toes – and, given that we recently identified prospector-esque tailoring, 1970s sleaze and grannycore all as acceptable dress codes, there’s a lot to play with – we’ve certainly noticed a plethora of outfits set in single colours popping up. Not so much colour blocking, which pits different hues against each other in geometrical sections, as taking one shade and just really going to town with it.

Now, if there is one dressing tip that you could take from the military forces of Star Wars’ Galactic Empire – and, as well as building planet-atomizing battle stations, those guys knew how to dress – it is that an outfit featuring just one colour can have one hell of an impact (as can a Death Star, but hey). But between the black and white that the Sith Lords and their lackies favour, there is an entire spectrum of opportunity.

As any goth worth their kala namak will tell you about dressing all in black, it’s not simply a case of slapping on any old article of clothing that happens to correspond with that particular shade. Mr Robert Smith, for instance, probably wouldn’t look right in a double-breasted blazer, drainpipe jeans and pool slides, even if they did all tip towards the darkest of hues. Likewise, an all-white outfit presents its own set of problems, mostly involving spillage. For that, we advise you to read this guide and also avoid young children armed with chocolate. But once you stray from the extremes of the colour palette, other factors come into play.

For one: which colour should you choose? We’d advise steering clear of anything too close to your own skin tone for fear of appearing to be naked from a distance or – worse still – depending on your skin tone, appearing to be a sausage. Tones from the red corner of the spectrum can prove striking if successfully deployed, but wearers run the risk of seemingly being disciples of the Rajneesh movement. One for advanced single colourists, then. But for beginners, navy blue is a solid choice. Chances are your wardrobe is already full of navy shades, and street-style regulars provide ample examples to follow. (Do a Google image search for Mr Noboru Kakuta, a particularly stylish paragon of all-navy style.)

Another issue to consider: shoes. While not strictly the case, footwear tends to be available in a more limited range of colours than clothes, and, while bright-orange sneakers might pop with a top and trousers of the same vibrant hue, you might find use beyond that one outfit restricted. Shoes in white, black or natural shades should complement most looks, although brown shoes will work exceptionally well if you’re going down the navy route.

To make your getup really sing, though, focus on textures – a variety of fabrics will add depth and a sense of purpose. And, as alluded to earlier in our description of Mr Smith, keep everything in proportion.

For further study, the single colour trend has its own unlikely hero in keeping with Princess Margaret, who seems to have become an icon for A$AP Rocky and his grannyish headscarves. Also see her sister, the Queen. When it comes to public engagements, few can touch her one-tone ensembles; if you’re looking for a role model, there are none higher than Her Majesty. Yaaas Queen, as they say.