10 Top Tips to Master One-Tone Dressing

Dressing head to toe in one colour is an art that can take an outfit from gloom to boom!

Both Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton did monochromatic dressing beautifully on Christmas day.

Kate head to toe in seasonal berry and Meghan in classic navy. Dressing head to toe in one colour is an art, which can give you a chic and sophisticated look if mastered. Shoes and boots don’t always have to match up in my book. A contrasting shoe to a tonal outfit can create a stylish edge and save you effort and money whilst still creating the one-tone look.

Choosing the right colour to do the look in, whether to add a contrasting shade or keep it strict and how to use it to flatter your body shape are all things to consider.

Here are my top 10 tips to nail tonal dressing…

1. One of the simplest ways to master one-tone dressing is to do it with a coat and a same colour dress beneath as done by the Royals. A pair of nude shoes or boots rather than a matching pair will not only elongate your legs but save you the expense and hassle of finding a matching pair, (that you possibly wont get much wear from). If you're going to try the head to toe look in a bold tone, like red or cobalt, make sure to keep the rest of your ensemble fuss free. A nude shoe will help you do just that.

2. If you wear tailoring and like an androgynous look as I do then opt for a matching jacket-and-trouser combo and pop a same-toned tee underneath to make an even bolder statement. A nude boot or shoe will work here. Or slip on a white trainer for an uber cool look and if your going for it, add a tonal coat over the top.

3. Wear matching pieces of the same tone and material for an effortless wedding or evening statement. A matching shoe here can look sensational and paint your nails the same colour (if appropriate) and boom!

4. Try experimenting with different textures of the same colour to create the tonal look for an easy, comfy day time look. For example; grey marl jogger, silver grey oversized cosy jumper with a buttery grey leather jacket. If grey is your colour add a grey trainer or ankle boot but I’d opt for a crisp white trainer here.

5. Slightly varying shades of the same colour, say sky blue and denim blue, can have an even bigger impact. Don't be afraid to also try a stronger contrast within the same colour hue. Take a deep burgundy red with a cherry red. This draws attention to the different elements of the outfit, adding depth and can balance the frame. For example; if you have a small bust and proportionally larger hips, wear the cherry red piece top half and the burgundy red below.

6. Small touches like a pop of another stronger colour in the form of an accessories will lift your ensemble. A bag, belt, scarf or nail polish works well. Try adding a contrast shoe with a matching earring to a block colour outfit.

7. A relatively simple outfit looks remarkably more sophisticated when every element is the same shade. Take an oversize mulberry jumper with a pair of mulberry jeans. Picking pieces of the same hue will elevate even the most casual creation.

8. For an interesting twist, one-tone dressing is also a great way to mix casual and dressier pieces together. Think: blush logo sweat shirt with a blush pleated chiffon skirt or a black leather biker jacket over a black party dress.

9. Dressing all in one colour can help accentuate your height and/or slim your frame. So, if you're petite, block colour dressing in any hue of your choosing, for your complexion, will lengthen the silhouette. Similarly head to toe dressing in a deep tone will have a slimming effect.

10. Know what colours and combinations suit you. Not everyone suits a soft tonal look and needs some contrast or they can look washed out. I love muted soft shades worn together and dreamily create outfits of tonal ethereal greys or buttery creams and toffee, but sadly, I look drained and ill. Therefore to get with the one-tone theme, I pick strong clear colours and I always add a contrasting piece or two.