What’s on every fashionista’s style agenda right now? Colour Blocking! Yes, it’s the trend that’s taken the world on a whirl; from the runway to the Tinseltown- everyone who’s anyone is embracing this new trend. But nothing beats seeing ordinary chicks on the street channelling the trend through coloured denim, fluorescent heels and bags in eye-popping colours.
If you too are thinking of joining the bandwagon; and what a headturning trend it is, I tell you! – Then girlfriend, you’ve come to the right spot! Today, I’ll be sharing with you 5 great tips on how to master the art of colour blocking. Be prepared to look and feel gorgeous in stacks of bright colours and pull it off like a true style-diva! Colour Blocking 101; here we go!
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Tip 1: Confidence is Key
Before we begin, I’d like to know if you’re open to experimenting with different styles and colours. I’ll bet you are; otherwise you wouldn’t come to this site in the first place! So now that we’ve established you’re willing to try on new trends, I promise you, you’re going to be at perfect ease wearing the colour blocking trend. Confidence really, is the most important ingredient when it comes to colour blocking. When I say confidence, you don’t necessarily have to go to extremes like Lady Gaga. As long as you don’t constantly beat yourself up on your looks, have a good sense of what your strengths are, and what your flaws are, and if you’ve fairly learnt to live with those flaws, you’ll be fine.
Tip 2: Get acquainted with colour-combos
Mastering the colour blocking trend also requires some knowledge of the colour wheel. The colour wheel explains how colours change and complement one another. Red, Yellow, and Blue are primary colours, whereas Orange, Purple and Green are secondary colours.
Red+Yellow= Orange
Red+Blue= Purple
Blue+ Yellow= Green
Colour Wheel
If you mix a primary with a secondary colour in a ratio of 2:1, you get a Tertiary colour! Take a look at how I’ve used this useful information for co-ordinating my outfit.
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Tip 3: Blend with Neutrals
I’m a big fan of neutrals! But as much as I love my blacks, whites, greys and browns, I realised that my wardrobe was starting to look utterly pale and boring. It was high time I injected some dazzling colours into my wardrobe, and I feel this trend couldn’t have a better timing. I’ve embraced this trend with open arms, and so far, I love every bit of it. If I’m unsure of any particular colour, but I’m keen on trying them on, I simply keep the backdrop plain white or black, and that does the trick. For example, I have a Pink blazer that I wear over a white camisole. And I wear my bright tops with neutral pants or skirts, and vice-versa. I say, unleash your creativity and be bold! It’s just sheer joy!
Tip 4: Avoid heavy prints
When it comes to colour blocking, you want to try and avoid heavy detailing, prints or patterns. This is not to say that you can’t wear prints, but try and keep them subtle. If you’re on the curvy side, it’s best to avoid prints and heavy detailing altogether, as it can make you look wider and heavier. The idea is to keep the whole look clean and simple. Also bear in mind to keep your accessories to a minimum. For example, a chunky metallic neckpiece should do wonders over an orange one shoulder body con dress.
Tip 5: The brighter the better
Colour blocking is all about vibrant, bold colours- so get rid of those old, conservative colour-combos and let your imagination run wild! (Temper them with reality later on, if you must). Just one little word of caution: make sure you don’t overdo the colours- there’s no reason to colour block your entire ensemble from head to toe! Go easy on the trend, and limit yourself to a maximum of 4 colours.
So there you go! I’ve just shared with you, my 5 important tips to master the art of colour-blocking. Now you too can implement these ideas and pull off this amazing trend like a true style diva! Heads will turn!!!
Until next time,
Paige @ FashionablyCheap.com.au
Photo Credit: ‘ryb color wheel’ by Leopard Print, http://www.flickr.com/new-pastpresentfuture/3800240305/. Licence at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0.
