For many women, a little glitz, more glam, and a touch of glitter spark joy the most. Others adore going all out when it comes to sparkle. Few things inspire emotions and occasions when wearing them on a dress, whether sequins, glass beads, or rhinestones. A glittering dress or outfit in our wardrobe can be perfect for something festive, a romantic night out, a VIP event, a prom, or gliding across the stage.
There are hundreds of different hues, tones, and colors to fabrics, and the details that capture the light, it can be challenging to decide what to choose and why. There are also a wide variety of dazzling effects when it comes to adding shimmer to an outfit that one might wonder: should I choose a tone-on-tone sparkling sequin or beaded outfit, AB stones, or contrasting colors?
Don't let yourself get overwhelmed! Rachel Allan is here to help!
What is Tone on Tone?
Tone-on-tone colors are palettes that feature one primary hue, such as red, and then add graduated tones within that scheme to match the primary color. A great example of tone-on-tone can be seen in our Plunging fitted mini homecoming dress in style 40285, where the fabric is a rich black, and the sequins added are also the same tone.
What are AB Stones?
AB stones or AB crystals refer to the effect placed on either. AB stands for Aurora Borealis, named after the Northern Lights, where crystals, stones, or even beads are given an iridescent coating that shimmers when in light. The term was first encountered as a rhinestone color in 1956 by Swarovski, who used it to describe a type of shimmering that looked similar to the Northern Lights with an array of soft hues.
When applied to beads, crystals, or even sequins, the AB coating provides a soft and subtle luminescent effect, but when applied to dark-colored items, this luxurious effect stands front and center. AB accentuates the original color of whatever it is used to, and the heavier the coating, the less of any under shade you will see.
What makes AB-coated stones, sequins, and beads so entrancing is that the effect is fluid and changes according to its surroundings. They can look a different color depending on the shade of the fabric they are attached to and even the lighting they are worn in. Effectively a mirror, AB-coated items on clothing reflect a virtual rainbow of colors.
What is Tone on Tone in Fashion Design
Tone-on-tone styling is also known as tonal dressing, meaning that your clothing items and accessories are based on a single hue of color; yet vary in brightness or tone. One of the reasons so many fashionistas and fashion-forward people turn to tone-on-tone clothing is because it is an effortless means to create a chic silhouette.
So in the case of sequins, rhinestones, or beads, a tone-on-tone design would have pink on pink fabric or perhaps burgundy fabric with pink bead accenting.
Tone on Tone Vs. Contrasting Colors of AB
The notion of sequined, beaded, or stone-decorated dresses or outfits has turned heads and won the hearts of women over other styles for years. It is delicate and light-catching and always makes whoever wears them feel special, whether it's a mini cocktail dress or pageant splendor.
Whether you should choose tone-on-tone glitz, the contrasting colors of silver, clear-on fabric, or AB all come down to personal taste. What do you love? What makes you feel and look beautiful? What color or glittery touches truly make you smile and feel confident?
Some women adore the holographic pizzazz of an iridescent bead or sequins, while others love looking for more subtle additions that highlight and twinkle.
How to Wow In The Glittering Gown You Love
1. Body shape
Whether you choose the iridescent, same tone, or contrasting tone—the first and most crucial step to wow in your gown is to choose the proper cut for you. Many women think a full sequin-coated gown or anything too glam is unflattering, but that may stem from the fact they decided to try on or wear a dress that doesn't work well for their body shape.
For a small example, a V-neckline always elongates the body, helping you appear taller and slimmer. A wrap-style dress is universally flattering because it snatches the waist and can hide your stomach.
2. Go simple with jewelry and Makeup
You're already wearing a breathtaking showstopper that will undoubtedly have all eyes on you. Rhinestone earrings and big chunky necklaces will get lost in the shimmer. Wear simplistic gold or silver jewelry.
Choose one feature of your face you would love to play up—either go all out on the eyes and keep the lips simple with a gloss or tint, or paint a vivid lip and keep the eyeshadow neutral. Let the shine be the focus.
3. Go nude for the shoe.
Consider wearing shoes as close to your natural skin tone to create the illusion that your legs are long and slender. A strappy sandal, plain court, or kitten heel can have the same effect.
4. Skin tone still counts.
When choosing the dress's color, especially if it is tone-on-tone or contrasting, it must still match your skin tone. Depending on your skin, some colors will never quite look as flattering as others, no matter how beautiful the bling is on the dress or outfit, especially when it comes to gold or silver tones in dresses. Warm skin tones look lovely in gold but wash out in silver, and cool skin tones look fantastic in silver but wash out in gold.
So which should you choose? AB or tone on tone or contrasting? With your skin tone and cut in mind, it's all up to you and your idea of the perfect sparkling outfit. When it comes to shimmering dresses that will have all eyes on you, don't forget us at Rachel Allan! Get the hottest fashion and check out our store locator to find our exquisite gowns near you.
