Colour Blocking doesn’t just have to look good on tabloids and pins. In fact, colour blocking is one of the most artistic yet useful fashion trends of all times. Granted, blocking colours (literally!) can sometimes lead to a fashion faux pas, but we’re here to tell you the basics. If you follow these, you can NEVER go wrong with Colour Blocking. Be for Beauty gives you an insight into the trend, and how you can try it through the year.
So, what the hell is Colour Blocking?
Very simply put: the idea of colour blocking is to incorporate two or more solids in an ensemble.
The idea is to pick from the opposite sides of colour wheel (like purple and orange) instead of the same colour klout. Doesn’t sound like rocket science right? It’s not. It’s really just mixing one colour with another in an outfit.
The hard part? Coming up with colour combinations. Let’s go through this together:
- Start by picking two colours: If you’re cautious (like me) or trying colour blocking at work, start simple. Choose a neutral (black, white, grey) and pair it with a colour. You can go with neons (pinks, yellows) or go with jewel tones (blue, purple, green).
Image Courtesy: Pinterest - Accessories are a great way to colour block: Be it a laptop sleeve or the cuff on your brand, colour blocking is just not done with clothes. Be it shoes, bags or jewellery, feel free to add a bit of colour this way. Our go-to favourites include an envelop bag, a neon necklace and some funky waist belts.
Image Courtesy: B Modish - Stay away from prints: This can be tricky, even for pros. Prints, prints on prints, and prints with solids is another story. Don’t bring in prints with colour blocking. Blocking it itself signifies solid colours. So don’t mess around with this basic philosophy if you’re just starting out.
How To Colour Block For Your Body Type
We all have different figures and body shapes. Here is how you can benefit from colour blocking.
For Athletic Shape : If you have broad shoulders and thin legs, block the broadness if your shoulders with a dark colour top (like black, maroon, navy blue, dark green) and pair it with a lighter bottom/skirt in white, sky blue, pastel pinks etc.
For Pear Shape: A heavier bottom can be easy to handle with colour blocking. Go for plunge or V-necklines in bold colours like hot orange or pista green and straight fit lowers in darker colours like grey, black, maroon and navy blue to balance out the structure of your body.
For Hourglass Shape: These body types can look more curvy by wearing dresses with dark colour blocked sides and bright panels in the middle (Think Donna from Suits). These panels help accentuate the curvy body instead of hiding it in one solid colour.
For Straight Shape: Beauties with straight bodies can colour block with any colours they like but can add accessories like belts on their waist to fakeadd more curves.
Here is an easy checklist to ace blocking colours in your wardrobe.
DO
Colour block with contrasting colours.
DON’T:
Colour block with colours of the same family or it loses the purpose.
DO
Colour block pastels with bold solids.
DON’T
Overdo the trend by contrasting only solids.
DO
Colour block with accessories.
DON’T
Wear the same colour of accessories as the darker colour you wear.
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