Colour blocking is a trend that can turn any plain look into a vibrant outfit. Learn how to mix and match colours or blocks with advice from our Personal Shoppers.
What is colour blocking?
Colour blocking is the use of colour as the main tool to put together a look. One or more colours can be used, hence the word “block” to define this technique. Generally, it’s easier to avoid prints as much as possible so as to give all the prominence to the power of the colours and the textures of the garments.
How did the colour blocking trend come about?
Colour was, for many years, a way for social classes to differentiate themselves. Colour pigments were highly prized and, in many cases, being able to use certain colours depended only on the purchasing power of merchants, kings and emperors. Time passed and technology and chemistry advanced to the point of democratising colour in the 1960s and 1970s. It was from then on that playing with colour began; we can see a real “before and after”. Designers such as Yves Saint Laurent, Courrèges or Stephen Burrows joined the fascination for colour of artists such as Rothko, Mondrian or Vasarely, awakening a new era of attention towards the magnetism of colour and the possibilities of its combinations.
What types of colour blocking are there?
To create a chic and daring outfit, we suggest different ways of using colour blocks:
Monochromatic colour block
A total look built around one single colour. This way of combining colour is elegant and stylish, but we must reminded you to be careful with the following:
- Don’t choose a colour that doesn’t match your skin’s and hair’s.
- Avoid those colours that can feel “too much” or a bit cloying, such as a baby pink or a deep red
- Ensure you look after the details!
Colour blocking: contrasting colours
There are many ways to wear contrasting colours and complement them. When in doubt:
- Choose two colours, one neutral and one more powerful or trendy
- If you can, check a colour wheel and choose a base colour and its complementary (opposite to it on the wheel). If you choose two or three colours, ensure they form a triangle shape on the wheel.
- Let nature or art inspire you, and when you see a colour combination that you love, take a photo and save it as a base for future looks.
Colour blocking: colour families Another way to colour block is to wear the same colour but in different shades. For example, you can combine navy blue, baby blue, grey and blue-white to give depth and contrast to your look.
Tips for wearing colour blocks in your looks
It’s possible that, as you get older, you might feel not quite yourself or a bit like playing “dress up” when trying to pile on lots of accessories. Accessories are the perfect elements to experiment with colour. It’s an elegant way to play with your style and forget about overdone looks, difficult prints or excessive outfits. Here, style is all about you.
Do
Wear the colour that suits you best next to your face. If that’s not possible, balance it out with lipstick or jewellery to counteract any washed-out effect Play with layers in tops, jumpers, two-tone dresses, jumpsuits, one-colour overalls, etc. Use the darkest colour on the areas of your body you like less and the most vibrant and eye-catching colour on the areas you want to highlight Keep an eye on the colours of the year: Pantone makes it easy for you with their choices, and it’s always better to choose a trendy shade of yellow than one that is no longer relevant
Don'ts
As you are playing with colour, don’t include garments that play excessively with volumes or textures or with elements that may overload the look Lose sight of the fabrics you choose for your garments: be very careful when washing them so that the colour doesn’t wash off Overload with colours on accessories: neutral colours work well on any extras if your look is doing the talking
How to colour block this Summer according to your colouring
This summer, colour blocking is the trend to follow. We can help you choose colours by keeping an eye on colourimetry.
How to colour block if your traits are Winter colours
Women with Winter traits don’t do style by halves, so a black and white look would be perfect. Dior chose monochromatic looks with a sporty or tribal touch that emphasised the silhouettes on its catwalks. It is very important that the white is bright and intense so that it helps you shine, rather than wash you out.
How to colour block if your traits are Autumn colours
Alberta Ferretti plays with harmonies and uses colours that may not seem the most attractive at first sight, but remember: the elegance is in their nuances. 70s green, sunset orange… The combination of khaki and cinnamon colours is beautiful and perfect for you if your traits lean towards Autumn colours.
How to colour block if your traits are Spring colours
Designer Tony Burch colour blocks two shades and finishes the look with powerful tones; for example, a buttery yellow shade accented with red details. This kind of mixture creates dynamism and looks very creative. The perfect option for you if your colouring is Spring.
How to colour block if your traits are Summer colours
Generally, we may not recommend prints for Summer types, but this look is a perfect example of how colour counteracts the print and complements it. This is a somewhat irreverent approach if your colouring leans towards a Summer colouring, but you fancy a break from pastel looks.
Do you fancy a spot of colour-blocking this Summer 2021? Don’t forget to let your Personal Shopper know!
