Everybody’s doing it, don’t you know?
Yesterday, I talked up the new minimalism of this season’s fashion offerings but today I’m all loud and proud.
Colour. Blocking.
The two very words that would have sent me cowering to the back of my tiny wardrobe two years ago, have me super excited in a “clashtastic” way (clashtastic being my new fave word I have borrowed from Styling You reader @evaiezzi … she may be able to tell you of its origins).
So what is colour blocking?
Key styling suggestions
1. Start with one bright colour that you LOVE. It’s going to be easy to pull together a colour-blocked outfit if it contains a colour that already gets you excited. And … this one bright colour may be all you need for starters.
2. If the thought of a brightly coloured dress, top or jacket has you shaking in your black winter boots, maybe start with a bright scarf and a handbag.
3. As I featured yesterday with Trenery’s red and tan approach to colour blocking, a more timeless way to embrace this look would be to pare one bright colour back with a tan, black or white.
4. Colour combinations I love: navy and orange; pink, red and black; watermelon, cobalt blue and yellow; tan and red; purple, teal and red; purple and pink.
5. Don’t forget that “clashtastic” lip and nail: think bright pink, orange or red.
Shopping suggestions
1. Witchery drape neck shirt $139.95; pleated front maxi skirt $149.95 | 2. Sacha Drake Suki spliced tunic $219 | 3. Mimco floatsam jetsam sunhat $79.95 | 4. Samantha Wills high style ring $59 | 5. Sportsgirl Gaby satin wedge $99.95 | 6. Witchery colour block bangle $49.95 | 7. Sportsgirl stripe jersey tank dress $49.95 | 8. Metalicus Phar Lap pleated skirt $179.95 | 9. Saba jean jegging $129 | 10. Metalicus Phar Lap cropped jacket $259.95 | 11. Sacha Drake Lola dress $219
So, Stylers, put on your dark shades and amp up the colour in your wardrobe. Are you ready? Do you have a favourite bright colour?
Comments 27
Loooooving the colour blocking trend, so nice to see colour back in our lives (although its cold and raining today, feels like a grey-wearing day!)
The combination of teal and sapphire blue has to be my fave I think! But do love the Trenery red-camel thing they have going on! xx
Author
I think I’m a reformed black-loving girl. It’s all about colour for me this season.
I’m loving navy and red (not together) right now!!
Love, love, love the tunic!! Very tempted to buy for the races next weekend, just wondering though could it be too much material and make you look bigger?
Author
You can always belt it. If you click through to the Sacha site, you can see how. This design falls nicely from the shoulders.
OMG I adore that Sacha Drake tunic…but I am banned from spending $$…oh my! Looking forward to playing around with colour blocking. One thing I did notice when I was in the states is that they are moving on from brights to pastels very swiftly so i fear my cobalt jeans will languish in the closet for a daughter to grow into. Buying clothes/shoes now so they’ll be vintage for your kids is still a good excuse right? Tatum xx
Author
Definitely a good excuse!
When you’re, ah, bigger, clashtastic colour blocking can just look really, really, ah, big. That’s my worry. x
Author
It’s my worry too. That’s why I’ve started with baby steps – navy and orange. I also love the red/tan combo.
I think 11 is the only thing I would wear. But I am trying to get out of wearing clothes that reveal sun-damaged decolletage, cleavage and bingo arms!
Author
LOL. We need to love, accept and wave our bingo arms in the air!
I have my first ever launch party to attend in Sept for a Melbourne desinger JASONGRECH I’m very excited, was going to wear black with a bright colour eel skin clutch in red or my favorite turquoise, but if I can find something in my size might go a teal and red combination and be daring for the first time in my life.
Author
Go for it! Especially at a fashion event!!
Did you know I actually LOVE red and pink together. I used to kinda spruce up my school uniform with ribbons and ties al la Punky Bruster and pink and red were one of my faves to match.
I was told often that they should never be matched together, but meh, sometimes you have to set your own fashion.
I am excited to get colour blocking! I love colour. It can pick up your mood and your outfit.
I’m still too scared to wear a lipstick though.
Author
Do a red lippy with your pink, Miss Pink. Dare you x
Yay, I’m famous! Haha. When I said clashtastic I meant clashing, but in a fantastic way – so you’re definitely using it correctly! I’ve banned myself from buying any more black, white or grey clothes. Colour blocking is the way forward
Author
Love the word – and love your ban!
I want everything in the pictures. But #2 and #7 are my favourite. i love a singlet mini for throwing over my cossies in summer! And that tunic – helllooooo – that has I’m a keynote speaker written all over it. 😉
Author
Hello yes! Always good to have point of interest when speaking from the stage.
Gorgeous! I’m excited! I think I’ve heard of Sacha Drake before but I’ve not been on her website. She may be recieving a large portion of my money soon. Those dresses are divine and so my style. Thanks for this great post Nikki!
Author
Lauren, it’s one of my fave labels – Sacha is known as Queensland’s frock queen. For good reason!
number 11 is divine…i am in love with that dress.
Author
It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?! One of my favourite designers.
I love colour blocking, definitely one of the trends i will wear this summer 😀
http://primpedandprimed.blogspot.com/
Colour blocking is one of our favorite trends right now, so much fun!
Author
I’m just starting to embrace – but loving it!