color blocking sounds somewhat intimidating, a 'fashion' term that only those in the know can get right. The reality is far simpler; as long as you stick to colors from your seasonal palette, color blocking is fairly foolproof, and a simple way to combine colors - both bold and less intimidating ones - within an outfit.
The biggest concern people have with color blocking is straying from 'chic, confident, stylish' into 'children's TV presenter'. But by sticking to a few simple guidelines, you can wear your colors with confidence, knowing that not only do they flatter you but that the combination looks incredible.
Firstly, get to know and love your personal color palette, and use it to its full effect here. If you don't know your seasonal palette, our color quiz can help you uncover it, and you can ensure that no matter how daring your color blocking, the shades next to your face will flatter your skintone and make you look and feel your best.
Secondly, don't try to go from zero to rainbow in one move. color blocking doesn't need to be pink and orange and green and purple all in one outfit. Starting with just a couple of colors, whether they are analogous, complementary or tonal (more on this in a moment), can be a much less intimidating way to experiment with color blocking without needing to wear every color in your wardrobe at the same time. Which isn't to say that once you've got your confidence up that you can't begin to play with two or three or more wildly clashing colors within your outfit!
Finally, avoid prints. If you're someone who likes the camouflage or extra detail that a print provides, this can be a tricky one, but even fairly subtle prints, really completely detract from the joy and boldness of color blocking. Keeping the cut of your clothing flattering but simple and letting the colors speak for themselves is the most effective way to carry off color blocking with confidence.
So you've got your palette, you're feeling brave, and now you want to give color blocking a go. Which colors should you choose within your palette? Our three simple steps to color blocking will lead you through from the simplest and most classic version through to bold, bright and beautiful, without frightening you away from your brights for life!
Tonal colors
Opting for tonal colors is the simplest way to experiment with color blocking. Even within the brighter seasonal palettes - Spring and Winter - opting for different versions of the same color can look sophisticated while still carrying that color blocking pop
Analogous colors
If you're ready to get a little bolder, then looking at analogous colors - ones that sit next door to each other on the color wheel - is a great step up from tonal colors. Use your versions of combinations such as green and aqua, orange and yellow, and red and purple. Add in a third analogous color for even more interest - more than that can be rather tricky though
Complimentary colors
The ultimate in 'clashing but matching', complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create a bold, high impact color blocking look while still sitting comfortably together. With versions of every color within every palette, it should be possible to find a complementary combination for your seasonal palette.
How Do I Translate This To My Seasonal Palette?
The same guidelines apply to each of the seasonal palettes - just choose 'your' version of each of the shades shown for a similar look which flatters you and your natural coloring.
The Basics Of Color Blocking
color blocking sounds somewhat intimidating, a 'fashion' term that only those in the know can get right. The reality is far simpler; as long as you stick to colors from your seasonal palette, color blocking is fairly foolproof, and a simple way to combine colors - both bold and less intimidating ones - within an outfit.
The biggest concern people have with color blocking is straying from 'chic, confident, stylish' into 'children's TV presenter'. But by sticking to a few simple guidelines, you can wear your colors with confidence, knowing that not only do they flatter you but that the combination looks incredible.
Firstly, get to know and love your personal color palette, and use it to its full effect here. If you don't know your seasonal palette, our color quiz can help you uncover it, and you can ensure that no matter how daring your color blocking, the shades next to your face will flatter your skintone and make you look and feel your best.
Secondly, don't try to go from zero to rainbow in one move. color blocking doesn't need to be pink and orange and green and purple all in one outfit. Starting with just a couple of colors, whether they are analogous, complementary or tonal (more on this in a moment), can be a much less intimidating way to experiment with color blocking without needing to wear every color in your wardrobe at the same time. Which isn't to say that once you've got your confidence up that you can't begin to play with two or three or more wildly clashing colors within your outfit!
Finally, avoid prints. If you're someone who likes the camouflage or extra detail that a print provides, this can be a tricky one, but even fairly subtle prints, really completely detract from the joy and boldness of color blocking. Keeping the cut of your clothing flattering but simple and letting the colors speak for themselves is the most effective way to carry off color blocking with confidence.
So you've got your palette, you're feeling brave, and now you want to give color blocking a go. Which colors should you choose within your palette? Our three simple steps to color blocking will lead you through from the simplest and most classic version through to bold, bright and beautiful, without frightening you away from your brights for life!
Tonal colors
Opting for tonal colors is the simplest way to experiment with color blocking. Even within the brighter seasonal palettes - Spring and Winter - opting for different versions of the same color can look sophisticated while still carrying that color blocking pop
Analogous colors
If you're ready to get a little bolder, then looking at analogous colors - ones that sit next door to each other on the color wheel - is a great step up from tonal colors. Use your versions of combinations such as green and aqua, orange and yellow, and red and purple. Add in a third analogous color for even more interest - more than that can be rather tricky though
Complimentary colors
The ultimate in 'clashing but matching', complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel and create a bold, high impact color blocking look while still sitting comfortably together. With versions of every color within every palette, it should be possible to find a complementary combination for your seasonal palette.
How Do I Translate This To My Seasonal Palette?
The same guidelines apply to each of the seasonal palettes - just choose 'your' version of each of the shades shown for a similar look which flatters you and your natural coloring.