I'm always here for a statement-making trend to break up the monotony of day-to-day outfits. Yes, I love my wardrobe basics [1] like jeans and t-shirts, neutral colours [2], and minimalist pieces [3]. But at the same time, I like to keep my eyes peeled for pieces that create impact, but without a whole lot of effort. Enter the two-toned trend. It's a look that bubbled up during New York Fashion Week [4] for the Spring 2020 collections [5] and has since started to permeate my Instagram feed by way of street style photos and #OOTD snaps.
A riff on colorblocking, but slightly more minimal, the two-toned trend takes shape via contrasting coats and dresses, remixed blazers and knits, and variegated accessories from boots to handbags. Ranging from neutral colour combos to print-and-texture mélanges and graphic black and white, there are so many ways to wear this trend, whether you're here for a head-to-toe look such as a coat-and-boot pairing, jumpsuit, or long dress or prefer a subtle accent like a sweater, bag, or mule. It's the kind of trend that breathes freshness into any wardrobe in an instant without being all that tricky to pull off. The pieces pretty much do the work for you and are especially easy to wear when styled alongside simpler items.
After witnessing a handful of two-toned outfits during Copenhagen Fashion Week [6] in January, it's my prediction that the trend will continue on as a prominent look during New York Fashion Week and only gain momentum throughout the Spring and Summer seasons.
If I've piqued your interest, continue on to check out my edit of two-toned pieces from clothing to accessories. Plus, I've rounded up some of my favourite outfits to serve as inspiration, whether you are planning to go all out with a top-to-toe look or want to dabble with a single two-toned piece.
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: Pants
Two-toned pants are one of the bolder ways to wear this trend, whether you're into a mix of fabrics and prints, colours, or denim washes. To keep this look easy, stick to a solid colour on top and sleek accessories.
Eudon Choi Two-Tone Flared Trousers
Eudon Choi Two-Tone Flared Trousers [8] (£349)
Staud Birch Pants
Staud Birch Pants [9] (£174)
Peter Do Two-Tone Leather-Cady Pants
Peter Do Two-Tone Leather-Cady Pants [10] (£1,350)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: Pants
María Bernad makes a strong case for two-toned pants in a mix of fabrics.
16Arlington Fonda Two-Tone Leather Bootcut Pants
16Arlington Fonda Two-Tone Leather Bootcut Pants [11] (£297.50, originally £595)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: A Handbag
If two-toned clothing feels intense, a contrasting handbag is an easier foray into the look. Neutral tones are, of course, the most versatile with a range of pieces in your closet.
Jw Pei Rantan Bag
Jw Pei Rantan Bag [12] (£77)
Frame Mini Les Second Suede Crossbody Bag
Frame Mini Les Second Suede Crossbody Bag [13] (£288)
Danse Lente Two-Tone Small Leather Tote Bag
Danse Lente Two-Tone Small Leather Tote Bag [14] (£375)
The Sant Obi Two-Tone Leather Tote
The Sant Obi Two-Tone Leather Tote [15] (£390)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: A Handbag
A two-toned pattern makes a bolder statement, as does a unique shape.
By Far Mini Jamie Nutella Croco Embossed Leather and Black Silk Bag
By Far Mini Jamie Nutella Croco Embossed Leather and Black Silk Bag [16] (£455)
The Volon Gabi Two-Tone Leather Clutch
The Volon Gabi Two-Tone Leather Clutch [17] (£580)
Osoi Brot Two-Tone Leather Shoulder Bag
Osoi Brot Two-Tone Leather Shoulder Bag [18] (£385)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: Dresses and Skirts
For a feminine take on the two-toned trend, we love the look of a midi dress or skirt. From side-by-side colour pairings to solids with contrasting trims, this is the perfect way to wear the trend at work or for sophisticated occasions.
Rosetta Getty Two-Tone Cotton-Jersey Turtleneck Midi Dress
Rosetta Getty Two-Tone Cotton-Jersey Turtleneck Midi Dress [19] (£242, originally £605)
Rejina Pyo Ellie Contrast Detail Pencil Skirt
Rejina Pyo Ellie Contrast Detail Pencil Skirt [20] (£400)
Acler Empire Two-Tone Satin Dress
Acler Empire Two-Tone Satin Dress [21] ($460)
Andersson Bell Emma Belted Two-Tone Faux Leather Midi Dress
Andersson Bell Emma Belted Two-Tone Faux Leather Midi Dress [22] ($483)
A.L.C. Grainger Skirt
A.L.C. Grainger Skirt [23] ($595)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: Dresses and Skirts
Muted tones make a two-toned look feel elevated, easy, and chic.
COS Smocked Cotton Dress
COS Smocked Cotton Dress [24] ($135)
Bassike Two-Tone Tailored Jumpsuit
Bassike Two-Tone Tailored Jumpsuit [25] (£535)
Bottega Veneta Ribbed Two-Tone Mohair-Blend Midi Dress
Bottega Veneta Ribbed Two-Tone Mohair-Blend Midi Dress [26] (£2,275)
Gestuz Celiagz Two Tone Boots
Gestuz Celiagz Two Tone Boots [27] (£329)
Zara Two-Tone Heeled Leather Mules
Zara Two-Tone Heeled Leather Mules [28] (£60)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: Shoes
A two-toned shoe is a perfect pop with a neutral outfit, even if they're neutral, too.
Manu Atelier Duck Two-Tone Leather Pumps
Manu Atelier Duck Two-Tone Leather Pumps [29] (£348)
Bevza Two-Tone Faille Pumps
Bevza Two-Tone Faille Pumps [30] (£265)
Wandler Isa Ruffle-Trim Square-Toe Leather Mules
Wandler Isa Ruffle-Trim Square-Toe Leather Mules [31] (£350)
Nasty Gal Double Take Two-Tone Boot
Nasty Gal Double Take Two-Tone Boot [32] (£22.80, originally £38)
Topshop Judy Leather Black Elongated Mules
Topshop Judy Leather Black Elongated Mules [33] (£69)
Atp Atelier Allai Flat Leather Sandals
Atp Atelier Allai Flat Leather Sandals [34] (£180)
ASOS Design Colour Block Coat
ASOS Design Colour Block Coat [35] (£65)
Bouguessa Two Tone Long Coat
Bouguessa Two Tone Long Coat [36] (£1,040)
Mango Contrast Flaps Trench
Mango Contrast Flaps Trench [37] (£140)
Ganni Two-Tone Belted Wool-Blend Coat
Ganni Two-Tone Belted Wool-Blend Coat [38] (£490)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: A Jacket or Top
If you are a jeans person or love a simple pant, a two-toned blazer or shirt is an easy way to liven them up!
Nanushka Eddy Belted Two-Tone Vegan Leather Shirt
Nanushka Eddy Belted Two-Tone Vegan Leather Shirt [39] ($495)
Shein Premium Double Breasted Spliced Wrap Belted Blazer
Shein Premium Double Breasted Spliced Wrap Belted Blazer [40] ($32)
Bode Louie Two-Tone Silk Shirt
Bode Louie Two-Tone Silk Shirt [41] ($462)
Monse Two Tone Pinstripe Asymmetrical Blazer
Monse Two Tone Pinstripe Asymmetrical Blazer [42] ($895, originally $1,790)
Madeleine Thompson Typhon Two-Tone Cashmere Cardigan
Madeleine Thompson Typhon Two-Tone Cashmere Cardigan [43] (£345)
Vila Two Tone Sweater
Vila Two Tone Sweater [44] (£35)
How to Wear the 2-Toned Trend: A Sweater
A black-and-white colour pairing look super chic, whether you style it with neutrals or brighter colours.
Marina Rinaldi Tipico Colorblock Wool Coat
Marina Rinaldi Tipico Colorblock Wool Coat [45] (£1,147)
Marni Two-Tone Cardigan
Marni Two-Tone Cardigan [46] (£690)