Spring Trend: Color Blocking

Color Blocking ...It's back and a high trend for Spring.

Spring fashion colors are usually subtle with pastels and neutrals ruling the scene. But this year spring is infused with bold, daring colors that have been dominateing fashion runways.

Color blocking is a styling technique that hasn’t quite been picked up by everyone yet. It involves some knowledge of the color wheel and a bit of bravery. The main idea is combining different colors that support and compliment each other.

Color Wheel Basics

The color wheel explains how colors evolve and some colors organically pair well with each other. First we have primary colors: red, yellow and blue. Mixing these colors in different combinations, creates your secondary colors: green, purple, and orange. Lastly, your tertiary colors results from further mixing. Some colors innately pair well together. Analogous colors are three colors lined up on the color wheel. Complementary colors are directly opposite one another on the wheel. These are your go-to pairings. Also consider tint and shade when color blocking. Shades are colors mixed with black. Tints are mixed with white. The amount of white and black added varies and creates different results. Consequently, shaded and tinted variations pair well with other shades and tints.

To recreate this style, first become well acquainted with the more successful portrayals of color blocking. Well known designers Prada and Stella McCartney have also devoted part of their collection to color blocking. If you are willing the shell out the extra dough, Gucci and Prada are a great starting point. If your wardrobe budget is a bit more modest, it is still very easy to try out this trend. Just visit your beloved retailers and pick up your favorite bold colors. Using your recently acquired knowledge of the color wheel, start mixing and matching. Happy pairing!

The Rules

1. Three is the magic number

Stick to two or three colours, anymore than that and you might end up looking like a Rubik cube. Two’s fine but three makes for a more interesting and effective contrast.

2. Don’t be afraid to clash

The normal rules don’t apply here, don’t be afraid to combine colours you usually wouldn’t, pinks and reds work well!

3. Keep it in the family

It’s also effective to contrast two tonal variations with a more contrasting jarring colour, for example pinks and purples against a vibrant lime green.

4. Be loud and proud

This trend is all about bold bright colours and works best with the most vivid shades.

5. Keep it simple

The look works best with plain neutral accessories; break up the colour blocks with cream, black or grey shoes/belt. Never attempt to introduce prints or patterns.

Hope this spring trend finds you!