We see color blocking everywhere these days.
From casual wear...
To the runways...
It's a trend that's not likely going away any time soon.
I often hear of women who are intimidated to put together a color blocked outfit, so today let's fix that! Here are a few basics that will help you become a color blocking pro!
Let's start by taking a quick look at the color wheel. The color wheel is your ultimate guide to what works and what doesn't work with color blocking. There are a few different ways we can use the color wheel to pull colors together.
First, colors that are direct opposites, as the first color wheel illustrates. This is definitely the easiest way to color block, and a great way to start. Second, colors that form a triangle, as the middle color wheel illustrates (and yes, there are differently ways to form a triangle, but we're gonna keep it basic for today). Lastly, we can color block using colors that are adjacent to each other, as the color wheel on the right illustrates.
Keeping the color wheel in mind, here are a few more tips:
1. Baby steps. If you're nervous to color block, start with baby steps :). Beginning with just two colors will help you learn what works and what doesn't, and build your confidence with color blocking. You can also always pair a color blocked outfit with a neutral to be safe.
2. Keep it in the family. The color family, that is. When color blocking, keep jewel tones with jewel tones, pastels with pastels, etc.
3. Keep it simple. Solids, solids, solids. Don't try mix patterns when color blocking. Think simple, clean lines for your clothing, and you'll have a much more sophisticated look.
4. Say yes to accessories. A great way to color block is the use of accessories.
Adding a colored purse to an outfit makes it hard to go wrong, or try a fun nail
polish color!
5. Be strategic. If you're proud of a certain body part, use a bold color to draw attention to the area. If you have an area you're less than pleased with, use a neutral in that area.
There you have it! As you get comfortable with color blocking, you may be able to bend some of these rules a bit. Most importantly, remember that you are unique, and to dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Now go and have a look through your closet and you just might find some "new" outifts!
