How to Master Tonal Dressing for Spring

How to Master Tonal Dressing for Spring

HOW TO MASTER TONAL DRESSING FOR SPRING

For so long, we’ve been taught that it was against the rules to wear different pieces of the same color. But in recent years, we’ve seen a wave of style stars, models, and celebrities don head-to-toe monochrome, ushering a new era in fashion that’s going to last for seasons to come.

Enter tonal dressing, a concept wherein you’re dedicated to wearing one color either in different shades or textures from top to bottom. There’s something cool and unique about it that radiates confidence, especially when it’s done right. This style strategy can make any outfit look chic, elegant, and luxurious with zero effort.

According to industry experts, tonal dressing is a “natural part of our language” because it allows for ease when getting dressed or buying new items that can naturally sit in any wardrobe. It’s not about matching shades but rather selecting pieces from the same color family.

Tonal dressing may sound easy, but there are still a few tricks you can try to make it fashion-forward. Below, we’ve gathered tips to master this trend and how to incorporate it into your future outfits for various occasions.

 

1. Experiment with textures

Shop the Adrienne Vittadini – 3–4 Puff Sleeve Polyester Smocked Neck Blouse, $46.95

One way to elevate your tonal look and make it more visually appealing is by trying different textures, patterns, and fabrics within your ensemble. This creates a stunning contrast in your overall look. For example, pair a silk top with animal print pants, or try faux leather with linen. Switching up textures now and then keeps things interesting.

Styles you might like:

Shop the Adrienne Vittadini – Mandarin Collar 3/4 Sleeve Utility Shirt – Plus, $49.75
Shop the Printed V-Neck w/ Ruffle Sleeve Top, $36.95
Shop the Zac & Rachel Pull-On Crop Pants With Novelty Fringe Hem In Princess Blue, $34.95
Shop the Striped Rope Handle Beach Tote, $68.00

 

2. Use multiple shades of the same hue

Shop the Floral Printed Blouse With Lurex, $36.95

The key to building a multi-dimensional look is to experiment with varying tints, undertones, shades of the same color. Blue, for example, can be broken down into different shades like navy, cerulean, powder blue, denim, and cobalt.

Styles you might like:

Shop the Cooper & Ella Ruffle Neck Tara Blouse, $92.07
Shop the Adrienne Vittadini – Henley 3/4 Sleeve Blouse – Plus in Bright Green, $49.75
Shop the Green Jacquard Slim Leg Trouser With Satin Side Stripe, $100.95
Shop the Olive Maxi Skirt With Foldover Waistband, $39.95

 

3. Play with proportions

Shop the Dora Landa Laced Up Detail Back Breanna Jacket, $89.95

Dare to step out of your comfort zone by playing up your features. An oversized, boxy blazer paired with tapered pants and large hoops emanate sartorial elegance. What we love about today’s trends is that there are fewer rules for everything so that people can be creative with their looks. Keep on experimenting with length, shape, and volume to add intrigue and dimension to your style.

Styles you might like:

Shop the Closet Gold Boxy Open-Front Jacket, $63.95
Shop the Wide Leg Breezy Pants in Black, $49.95 
Shop the Farrah Pearl Pant, $114.95
Shop the Harmony Ankle Boots in Black Smooth, $62.95

 

4. Break the monotony with accessories

Shop the Lulu Belt in Brown, $20.95

Using contrasting accessories to break up a tonal look is a genius way of creating depth. Solid accessories like a black belt, gold cuff, or retro sunglasses will only add to the impact of your outfit. 

Styles you might like:

Shop the Louis Vuitton Sutter Shoulder Bag, $895
Shop the Luminous Leather Tote in Tan, $208.95
Shop the Champs Leather Double Zip Cross Body Bag in Tan, $39.95
Shop the Metallic Border Straw Floppy Hat, $48.00

 

5. Have fun with layering

Shop the Stone Border With Galaxy Kimono, $40.95

Seasonal dressing calls for light layers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. For example, you can combine long, loose pants with short, drapey tops. When the temperature drops, layer a sweater over another of the same hue and add a scarf to complete your look.

Styles you might like:

Shop the Oversized Kimono in Snakeskin Printed in Tan/Gold, $50.95
Shop the Stripe Waffle Tie Front Cardigan, $60.95
Shop the Long Scarf Soft Shawl Wrap Scarfs Blanket Fashion Head Stole Lady Women Scarves, $47.95
Shop the Jean Claude Triple Set of Handmade Knitted Tibetan Buddha Spiritual Multi-Color Bracelets & Bangles Adjustable 20–21.10 cm, $48.95

 

6. Opt for tailored cuts

Shop the Lena Gabrielle Ponte Taupe Snake Printed Blazer, $160.95

Perhaps the easiest style hack on this list, tailored sets are a great option for tonal dressing. You get the size and fit you want, plus you can mix and match with other pieces. When working with eye-catching silhouettes or prints, a tonal hue helps tone down the over-the-top factor. Think a sleek pantsuit worn with matching heels and accessories in a similar tone.

Styles you might like:

Shop the White Tailored Pants, $229.95
Shop the Lena Gabrielle Lightweight Straight Leg Ponte Pant, $93.95
Shop the Teresa Tunic Dress in Khaki, $90.95

Work with what you’ve got

The secret to nailing tonal dressing lies in experimentation. It’s the perfect way to refresh your look! Just like color blocking, it takes trial and error to find the look you’re most comfortable with. Afterward, you can slowly step out of your comfort zone and start playing with various items to create a new look.

Check Out Our Other Blog’s For The Latest Content

Sep 27, 2022

Creating An Autumnal Vibe In Your Home

Read More

Sep 27, 2022

Work Appropriate Denim Outfits

Read More

Sep 11, 2022

Curate Your Wardrobe With Fall’s New Colors

Read More

Sep 11, 2022

Transitioning To A Fall Wardrobe

Read More

Sep 06, 2022

PAY OFF YOUR MORTGAGE™ 2022 SWEEPSTAKES

Read More

Aug 29, 2022

Accessories To Elevate Your Casual Outfits

Read More

Aug 18, 2022

Wardrobe Staples For Every Budget

Read More

Aug 15, 2022

Transform Your Home With These Steinmart Exclusives

Read More

Aug 03, 2022

Holiday Shopping Begins Now

Read More

Jul 29, 2022

The Hostess With The Mostest

Read More

Jul 25, 2022

What To Pack For Your Summer Vacation

Read More

Jul 25, 2022

Closet Must-Have: Prints, Patterns and Popovers

Read More

Jul 25, 2022

5 Outfit Styles To Wear To The World's Most Epic Music Festivals

Read More

Jul 11, 2022

Finding the Right Summer Party Outfit

Read More

Jul 01, 2022

The All-American Style

Read More

Jun 22, 2022

Dress Up in Hot Summer Hues

Read More

Jun 21, 2022

10 Oversized Bags for All Your Summer Essentials

Read More

Jun 13, 2022

Guide to Shopping The Summer Trends

Read More

May 27, 2022

An A-List Style Guide For That Long-Planned Reunion

Read More

May 17, 2022

Memorial Day Sale Bargains!

Read More

May 13, 2022

Refreshed Return-to-Office Looks

Read More

May 05, 2022

Spring Trends To Carry On To Summer

Read More

May 03, 2022

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift For Every Type Of Mom

Read More

May 03, 2022

What To Wear For Every Spring Wedding

Read More

Apr 22, 2022

The Best Denim Styles For Each Body Shape

Read More

Dec 29, 2021

Recap: The Biggest Trends We Adored in 2021

Read More

Dec 22, 2021

Holiday Rush: Outfits That Will Take You From Day To Night

Read More

Dec 15, 2021

‘Tis the Season to Sparkle

Read More

Dec 08, 2021

Here Are the Gifts the Stein Mart Team Are Shopping for This Christmas

Read More

Dec 02, 2021

Adding Holiday Touches To Your Home

Read More

Nov 25, 2021

The Return of Denim Trends

Read More

Nov 18, 2021

Taking Knitwear to the Streets

Read More

Nov 12, 2021

2021 Holiday Gift Ideas for Every Budget

Read More

Nov 03, 2021

Fall Florals: This Season’s Must-Have Print

Read More

Oct 28, 2021

10 Statement Pieces To Wear For Thanksgiving

Read More

Oct 21, 2021

5 Most Popular Colors For Fall and How to Wear Them

Read More

Oct 14, 2021

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

Read More

Oct 07, 2021

Decorating Your Home For Halloween

Read More

Sep 30, 2021

What To Wear To Every Fall Event

Read More

Sep 23, 2021

Fall/Winter's 6 Best Trends And How To Wear Them In Real Life

Read More

Sep 16, 2021

Step Up Your Skincare Game This Fall

Read More

Sep 09, 2021

Accessorizing for the Last Days of Summer (and What We’re Keeping for Fall)

Read More

Sep 06, 2021

Your Fall 2021 Capsule Wardrobe Is Here

Read More

Aug 30, 2021

10 Hardworking Pieces You Should Have In Your Closet

Read More

Aug 23, 2021

Vintage Designer Pieces & Their Role in Circular Fashion

Read More

Aug 14, 2021

Office Apropos: 8 Outfits to Wear from Work to Weekend

Read More

Aug 09, 2021

The Denim Edit: 6 Outfits You’ll Want to Wear Forever

Read More

Aug 06, 2021

Fall '21 Trends You Can Wear Now

Read More

Jul 23, 2021

Do It Like the French: How to Perfect Parisian Style

Read More

Jul 17, 2021

10 Elevated Basics We’re Wearing Right Now

Read More