If you haven’t heard about colour blocking yet, then now’s the time to fine-tune your spring-summer fashion know-how with one of the season’s hottest trends – and just in time to work the up-coming vibrant styles into your wardrobe.
What is Colour Blocking?
In essence, colour blocking is pairing a couple of bright colours together in the one outfit. The trend first appeared on the northern hemisphere runways a few seasons ago, but has taken a little time to filter down into mainstream style. We’re now seeing celebrities and fashion-forward types sporting the look that is going to be EVERYWHERE come summer.
Top 5 Tips for Colour Blocking style perfection.
1. Wear Bright Colour!
This trend needs vibrant, bright colours to be worn next to each other to work – steer clear of pastels, greys or washed out and faded clothing. To make colour blocking shine, think vibrant jewel tones of emerald, ruby, sapphire, citrine and amethyst or neon brights – electric blue, hot pink, fanta orange.
Sara Phillips Colourblocking for Summer
2. 2-3 colours Works Best!
We’re talking colour blocking, here, not rainbow-blocking. Try teaming a bright shirt with red trousers and add a contrasting belt, or a vibrant cami with a neon skirt. Designers such as Sara Phillips and Gary Bigeni are offering colour blocked dresses and tops that work the trend and scream summer!
Gary Bigeni Colourblocks for Summer - Red and Blue
3. Add some Neutrals – and we’re not just talking about black!
If all over brights seem a little bold for your style, then wear a bright tee or cami along with a vibrant accessory (belt, bag, shoes) and then top with a neutral cover up. This is summer style, so try to avoid black and go for white, ivory and nude instead. You can even experiment with a little nude-on-nude colour blocking.
4. Spare Lines Allow Bold Colour to Shine
Such vibrant colour requires simple detail – avoid excessive embellishment or design trickery. Great shapes are key – a silk blouse with cutouts at the back, bright skinny pants, a draped silk dress, shoes that pop.
5. Accessorise with Confidence
The very best way to finish off a look, colour blocking or otherwise, is to wear it with confidence.
Designers delivering colour blocking looks at their best this season include Sara Phillips, Gary Bigeni, Frill Seeker, Lanphi and Therese Rawsthorne. Find a list of our colourblocking picks here.
How will you be adding colour to your look this season?
