Tonal Dressing
When it comes to tonal dressing, it generally means dressing head to toe in the same colour, or in varying shades or tones of a specific colour.
Wearing similar shades of the same colour is a really easy way to create a sophisticated outfit whatever the occasion. It also gives you the chance to be creative with your style choices, experimenting with different textures and cuts without needing to worry about creating a cohesive colour palette.
Putting Together the Perfect Tonal Outfit
Although it may seem like a daunting task, tonal dressing is a breeze once you get the hang of it. Every great tonal outfit starts with a colour that speaks to your personality and personal style, and you don't need to dive right in at the deep end if you don't want to.
If your favourite colour to wear is navy blue, you could pair some navy pull on trousers with a navy blazer and dip your toe into the tonal dressing trend by wearing those go-to pieces with a lighter blue t-shirt or blouse. Or if you prefer lighter neutral tones, it is also possible to perfect this look using shades of white, camel, tan, beige and cream.
You may decide to introduce bolder pops of colour through smaller accessories, like belts, bags and earrings. So, something like pairing a whisper pink jumpsuit with barbie pink chandelier earrings is an understated way to get on board with this fun tonal trend.
Taking Tonal Dressing to the Next Level
When you're ready to take things up a notch, start experimenting with bolder colours and more extreme contrasts between tones. Pairing a light sea blue pleated skirt with a rich cobalt blue jumper creates contrast in several different ways, both through the colour and the juxtaposition between the very different textures within each piece.
If tonal dressing is something you want to take with you into the upcoming autumn season and work with rich tones like rusty oranges and mustard yellow, select pieces in tones that sit at the darker and warmer end of the palette. Wearing a pair of wide-legged women's trousers in a rich rust colour with a much lighter peach top will lose the cohesive look that gives tonal dressing its sense of easy-going sophisticated style. However, pairing the same trousers with an autumnal orange women's blouse is guaranteed to impress.
The Finishing Touches
Neutral shoes are a must for tonal outfits, as they will enhance rather than distract from the main star of your sartorial show, which is your chosen hero colour. And it's important not to forget about the importance of texture within tonal outfits, as incorporating several different fabrics will give dimension and prevent your look from falling flat.
You can use this as an opportunity to experiment with leather look trousers and satin shirts, or structured denim with airy linen tops.
