Color blocking seems to be a trend that comes back once a decade. There was the geometric blocking of the 60s, the statement pieces of the 70s, the neon-heavy blocks of the 80s and the complementary hues in the early 2010s. Color blocking is back this fall with beautiful contrasting tones. Think bright fire engine red with a deep plum purple, a sky blue paired with army greens or a chocolate brown paired with a bubblegum pink.
So, what is color blocking? Most credit Yves Saint Laurent with the birth of the popular design element thanks to his geometric color-blocked dresses of the 60s. If you want to get specific, color blocking is when two or more colors are combined or stacked in “blocks.” A lot of times designers will incorporate this style within a single garment, but the effect can also be created through separate pieces. More recently, color blocking has become more of a general idea that can be expressed through accessories as well as single-color pieces of clothing.
Rules in fashion are never set in stone, but here are 10 tips and tricks to introducing color blocking to your everyday wardrobe.
Trying color blocking for the first time? Bold colors can be intimidating, but starting off with a pop of color in your accessories can feel more approachable. Try a bright bag, a statement jewelry piece or a bold colored shoe to dip your toe into the world of color blocking.
Balancing your color blocks by wearing a bright color in more than one piece can help your outfit feel more cohesive. If you’re mixing in a pop of red, try the same shade in your shoes and your top over a good pair of jeans. Sandwiching the basic closet staple between bright pops of color elevates the whole outfit.
Struggling with what colors to pair? Consult a color wheel, it will never steer you wrong. Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the wheel, like purple and yellow or red and green. These shades offer high contrast and visual drama. Analogous colors are neighbors on the wheel, like blue, teal, and green. These combos feel harmonious and easy on the eyes. Triadic colors form a triangle on the wheel, like red, yellow and blue. These pairings are balanced but bold.
Sometimes colors you think will go well together don’t look the way you expected, and often that is because of the undertones of the pieces you’re choosing. Pairing a warm-toned and cool-toned piece, especially when color blocking, can make an outfit that goes together in your head look slightly off in real life. Same goes for saturation. A vivid red can be made dull with a pastel pairing.
Don’t let the basics fly out the window the second you see a bright red skirt. The cut and material of your clothing matter just as much as color. Color blocking works best with structured or simple silhouettes, since they let the hues take center stage without distraction. When you are just starting out, try sticking to clean lines and tailored silhouettes before adding in a textural element.
A statement piece, also called a hero piece, is a great way to introduce color blocking into your everyday wardrobe. Think of a statement piece, similar to accessories, as a singular pop of color. Try something like an olive green jacket over a white T-shirt and jeans or a bubblegum pink sweater with a neutral base.
From soft florals to playful gingham, prints will always be a staple in seasonal trends. If you’re nervous to color block an entire look, breaking up the different tones with printed items will make the overall effect more subtle.
Not ready for a full color-blocked outfit? Try toning down the look by introducing neutrals. While a little plain by themselves, adding neutrals to a bright look can help make the colors feel more manageable. Pink with beige, blue with black or green with gray are some complementary color combinations to consider.
One way to color block bold colors without running the risk of looking too busy is to pair separates in solid colors. Skip the patterns and fancy fabrics and go for a streamlined silhouette in contrasting hues.
Suit basics are a great way to introduce color blocking into your wardrobe. The simple silhouette lets the color speak for itself. Try pairing a vibrant blazer with a different color pair of trousers to keep this trend sleek and professional.
The post 10 Tips and Tricks to Add Color Blocking to Your Fall Wardrobe appeared first on LAmag.
