Colour Blocking 101 Part 2

**If you haven't already we suggest you read Part 1 to understand the terms and basics of colour theory before reading this post.

With our colour wheel and triangle to hand let's get colour blocking!

• The easiest way to colour block is to use analogous colours. Using analogue colours in the same immediate colour family means the contrast of colours is low, even though there may be a bright colour in the mix.

An example of colour blocking using analogue colours.
Lanvin.


Analogue colours from head to toe leads the eye upwards as it is one continuous flow, when done correctly this method can be used to create the illusion of a taller and longer silhouette as demonstrated in the image above. 

Tip: Use neutral colours to break up analogue colours and define areas.

• Colour blocking can also be achieved simply by using two colours from the same colour family that are neighbours on the colour wheel for instance yellow and lime green (yellow-green on the colour wheel) or red and orange and so on.

Red flare dress // Orange Peep Sandals

• A third colour can easily be added by introducing an opposite complimentary colour. This method is similar to the split complimentary method, however with this method the two colours chosen before a complimentary colour is introduced are direct neighbours.

Retro colour earrings

Blue earrings have been added - complimentary opposite to orange on colour wheel. 
Adding the blue skinny belt is optional, however due to the style of dress a skinny belt will be ideal to take it in and really emphasize the waistline, you could opt for a skinny metallic belt here if you prefer.

Skinny belt 

Tip: Avoid using no more than 3 colours, too many colours will make you look too busy and mean that people see colour alone and not you being complimented by the colours.

• Opt for a more vibrant look by matching two complimentary colours for example - purple and yellow or blue and yellow.

Blue Dress

Class Kurt Geiger heels

Blue and yellow are complimentary colours to each other and create a high contrast and striking finish especially when accessorized correctly.

Tip: avoid red and green! Unless if you wish to look like a Christmas tree. Opt for a hue of red such as pink if you wish to pair it with green instead. 

Add white, grey nude or black to complimentary colours to neutralise the overall look.

• To combine three colours this is where the triangle comes in to play! Draw a triangle with three equal sides on top of the colour circle. The three points where the triangle intersects generally work nicely together. This is the triadic colour method of colour blocking.

An example of triadic colour scheme.
Gucci.

Tip: Avoid colour overhaul with this method, if you wish to implement this method make sure you focus on one colour as the dominant colour and use the other two colours to accent. Ensure to keep  accessories neutral.

• Colour blocking can also be used by selecting split complimentary colours. Remember to pick a feature colour and use the second to support and the third to accent.

An example of split complimentary colour blocking.
Rachel Roy.

• Changing the hue of one of the colours can create an overall look that is not as high contrast and is 'a little softer' on the eyes.

Pink lace dress

Pointed court shoes

Pink is a hue of red. The yellow shoes featured is a lighter shade of yellow with cut out inserts. All of which together gives a softer overall look. To complete this look do so with neutral accessories.

• Bright colours should be worn with neutral accessories such as nudes, metallics and animal prints for a balanced classic look.

Cut out necklace

Hammered ring set

Gold Faux Snakeskin Clutch

White and Gold Clutch // Sunglasses

Neutral clutch in gold and white plus neutral sunglasses in black have been added to complete previous look.

• Prints such as zebra and leopard are counted as a neutral accessory - adding this in creates dimension to the finished look.

Zebra scarf

A cropped neutral white fitted blazer would really take this look up a level.

• Muted colours of the same tone can also be matched together... 

Jil Sander clearly demonstrates that colour blocking doesn't have to be bright colours only! Using neutral and muted colours can equally work well when blocked correctly.  

Tip: To complete this look match with equally neutral and or muted accessories in same to those seen in image.

...or used to bring balance to vibrant colours selected.

Bright orange vest

Paperbag chinos

Yellow Wedges 

Muted coloured chinos paired with a more vibrant yellow wedge and orange vest top helps to keep the look balanced.

• Neutrals can also be colour blocked, by simply pairing them up with a brighter colour in the form of a blazer and so on.

Black and white bandage dress

Candy pop blazer orange

Above neutral dress in black and white is teamed with orange blazer.

Candy pop blazer hot pink

Heart lace dress

Suede stiletto 

Fliplock chain bag

This neutral white dress can be teamed with a hot pink blazer and any other bright colours, the choices are endless! Wearing shoes that are neutral such as beige (as seen in the image) also helps to balance out this look.

If you're still unsure you can always take baby steps and simplify things with pieces that already incorporate the trend such as colour blocked dresses, skirts or even tops.

Pleated colour block dress 

Maxi combi dress

Contrast white and hot pink dress

Tip: Accessorize a colour blocked dress with a big clutch but avoid wearing them in the same colours as the clothing.

You could also simply wear coloured jeans with a muted or neutral top to begin with.

Purple Jeans // Green Jeans // Magenta Jeans

Colour block with accessories.

Tip: If you choose to take this route, go easy on the coloured clothing and opt for neutral tones for a chic look and appearance.

Woven Neon Shoulder Bag 

Colour block bead necklace

Colour block bangle set

You don't need to spend a lot of money to be in on colour blocking. 

It's as easy as simply layering a colourful belt over a solid coloured dress. 

Essential body con dress 

Remember:

1. Don't be afraid to mix.

Rules don't apply here, combine colours you usually would not dare to wear together. It can be done!

2. When in doubt keep it in the same colour family.

Contrasting with for instance pinks and purples looks great, but add some lime green and you've got magic. Again when done right!

3. Be confident

If you wear it, own it!

4. Keep it simple


Though colour blocking is fun. A simple look of blended colours works better than outfit consisting of solely prints and patterns - most of the time.

Hope these tips have been helpful.

Happy colour blocking! 

xxx