Are you bored of wearing the same old neutrals and prints? Do you want to spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant and playful colours? If so, colour blocking is the perfect trend for you, and we’ve got some colour blocking hacks to share with you. Colour blocking is the art of combining two or more solid colours that contrast or complement each other, creating a striking and stylish look that will make you stand out from the crowd.
Whether you opt for primary colours, neon shades, pastels or earth tones, colour blocking can add some excitement and personality to your outfit. But how do you master this trend without looking like a walking rainbow? Here are some tips and tricks to help you colour block like a pro.
Colour Blocking Hacks 101
Choose colours that work well together
The first step to colour blocking is to choose colours that work well together. You can use a colour wheel to help you find the best combinations. There are three main types of colour schemes that you can follow:
- Complementary colours: These are colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green, blue and orange, or purple and yellow. They create a strong contrast and a dynamic look.
- Analogous colours: These are colours that are next to each other on the colour wheel, such as pink and purple, yellow and green, or blue and teal. They create a harmonious and soothing look.
- Triadic colours: These are colours that are evenly spaced around the colour wheel, such as red, yellow and blue, or green, orange and purple. They create a balanced and lively look.
You can also experiment with different shades and tints of the same colour, such as dark blue and light blue, or bright pink and pastel pink. This is called monochromatic colour blocking and it creates a chic and sophisticated look.
Balance your proportions
The second step to colour blocking is to balance your proportions. You don’t want to overwhelm your figure with too much colour or create an unflattering silhouette. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Choose one dominant colour and one accent colour: A good rule of thumb is to choose one dominant colour that covers about 60% of your outfit and one accent colour that covers about 30%. The remaining 10% can be another accent colour or a neutral like black, white, grey or tan.
- Use darker colours on areas you want to slim down: Darker colours tend to recede and create an illusion of depth, while lighter colours tend to pop out and create an illusion of volume. Therefore, you can use darker colours on areas you want to slim down, such as your hips, thighs or waist, and lighter colours on areas you want to highlight, such as your bust, shoulders or legs.
- Use vertical lines to elongate your figure: Vertical lines can help you create an illusion of height and slimness, while horizontal lines can make you look shorter and wider. Therefore, you can use vertical lines to elongate your figure, such as by wearing a long coat, a maxi skirt or a pair of high heels. Avoid horizontal lines that cut across your body, such as by wearing a belt, a crop top or a pair of ankle boots.
Accessorize wisely
The third step to colour blocking is to accessorize wisely. Accessories can make or break your outfit, so you need to choose them carefully. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t overdo it: Less is more when it comes to accessories for colour blocking. You don’t want to add too many colours or patterns that will clash with your outfit or distract from your main statement. Stick to one or two accessories that complement your colour scheme or add some interest.
- Use neutrals to tone down your look: If you feel like your outfit is too bright or bold, you can use neutral accessories to tone it down. For example, you can wear a black bag, a white scarf or a tan hat to balance out your colourful clothes.
- Use metallics to add some sparkle: If you feel like your outfit is too dull or plain, you can use metallic accessories to add some sparkle. For example, you can wear a gold necklace, a silver bracelet or a bronze belt to enhance your colourful clothes.
Have fun with it
No. 4 on our colour blocking hacks is to have fun with it. Colour blocking is all about expressing yourself and having fun with fashion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, shapes and styles. You can also take inspiration from celebrities, magazines, blogs and social media. The most important thing is to wear what makes you happy and confident. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to colour blocking, so let your creativity and personality shine through. Happy colour blocking!