The latest trend of the season is color blocking. But how to wear color blocking outfits is a big question. This trend uses multiple block colors that complement each other to create a bold look. Color blocking can be seen on runways worldwide, and there are several ways you can use this trend in your outfits.
How do you make your boring old black and blue outfits fashionable again? Try the color blocking trend!
Adding a splash of bold color can create a shocking difference in your wardrobe. This is why we love the color blocking trend so much - it makes you stylish instantly!
If you want to know how to wear color block outfits the right way, check out some of the tips below.
From using subtle monochrome to standing out with solid contrasting even clashing colors, you can tailor your wardrobe to your personality with the color blocking trend.
Related: Trendy Layered Summer Outfit Ideas
How To Wear Color Block Outfits
- Use Monochromatic outfits
- Wear outfits from the same color family
- Pair two contrasting colors
- Wear pre-designed color-block outfits
- Start small with color block accessories
Go Monochromatic
If you don’t like the bold and flashy tones for certain color block outfits and want to keep it subtle, monochromatic is the best way to go. It’s for those people who are wondering how to wear color block outfits without appearing like a neon stop sign.
Instead of choosing contrasting solid colors, you can use different hues of the same color.
For example if you choose purple as a base color, you can use lavender, violet, aubergine, and other shades to color block.
We suggest wearing the darker shades for the bottoms and the lighter colors on top. If you’re wearing a dress or a gown in one shade, you can color block by adding a coat or jacket in a darker shade of that color.
Like choosing a darker magenta jacket to wear on a light pink dress.
Another interesting way to wear monochrome color block outfits is by playing around with different fabrics and colors.
A silky smooth fabric can be paired with more textured jackets or bottoms. You can even mix and match matte and shiny variants of the different shades.
Choose Tones From The Same Color Family
A lot of people confuse colors from the same family as being the same as monochromatic shades. But this isn’t the case.
Monochrome involves choosing lighter and darker variants of one color, say rose pink, magenta, baby pink, and blush. But colors from the same family involves picking warmer or colder shades.
A good way to understand this method of color blocking is by looking at the rainbow.
On one end you have violet, blue, green, and their shades. And on the other end there’s yellow, red and oranges. So these are two different families of colors.
You can wear color block outfits by wearing tones from either of these two color “families”.
So for a vibrant, warm look you can wear reds, pinks, oranges, and yellows. Or opt for violets, greens, blues, etc.
Our friendly advice? While trying this color blocking trend, keep the accessories in a basic, neutral color.
Pair Contrasting Tones
If you don’t mind creating a splash, you can pair contrasting tones on your outfit. Now this method is the original way of color-blocking, or at least how it was intended to be.
While we were previously talking about selecting similar tones to keep it subtle, here you have to choose colors from opposite ends of the color wheel.
So if you have selected a base color as red, you can add purple or blue tones to create the color block effect. And no, this doesn’t have to be the bold, eye-watering aesthetic you think it is.
You can choose contrasting colors in subtle shades as well. Lets say, an outfit in light pink with lavender or a plain yellow dress with blue accessories.
We suggest going for a solid, saturated color and choosing a subtler, lighter shade from the opposite end of the spectrum.
For example, you can wear a dark red top and choose to layer it with a light blue or violet cardigan.
Pre Set Pieces
For those wondering how to wear color block outfits on a regular basis, we suggest trying out pre-set pieces.
These are clothes (dresses, tops, trousers, etc.) and accessories that already come with a color block design.
This could be in the form of a geometric pattern, stripe, or any other design. By selecting a few of these pre-set pieces for your wardrobe, you can save a lot of time.
No no more spending precious morning hours trying to mix and match colors to find the right combination.
Add Color Blocking To Your Accessories
Still unsure about the color blocking trend? No worries. You can keep it simple and start small with color blocking accessories.
This is so subtle that you will be wearing this trend without it being the point of attention on your outfit.
We’ve picked out some of our favourite color block accessories. Take a look!
Color Block Handbag
A simple way to add color block to your outfit is to choose a handbag in a solid, contrasting color to that of your outfit.
You can even go for pre-designed color block pieces like this cross body purse below:
Color-Block Crossbody Bags for Women Leather Cross Body Purse
Color Block Scarf
Whether it’s a bright, summery dress or your favourite LBD, the best way to add color blocking to your outfit is through a simple scarf.
I especially love the bright yellow scarf by Chan Luu as it adds a pop of color to your neutrals and contrasts well with your more vibrant clothes.
Chan Luu Womens 100% Wool Color Block Scarf
Color Block Shoes
A very, very subtle way to add color blocking to your outfit is to wear color block shoes.
Check out these amazing color block vans. We think it’s a fantastic choice for teenagers looking to try this trend.
Vans Mens Sk8-Hi Sneak
Color Block Jacket
A color block jacket can transform even the most simplest of outfits.
All you need to do is throw on one of these jackets over a plain neutral-hued dress or over a subtle jeans and t-shirt outfit.
SOLY HUX Women's Color Block Pocket Corduroy Jacket
Tips for wearing color block outfits for beginners
If you’re new to the color blocking trend it’s understandable to get overwhelmed with the color pairings.
This is especially true if you’re more of a black-and-grey-outfits kind of person.
But with these tips you can understand how to wear color block outfits if you’re an amateur to this trend.
- You don’t have to go adding a bunch of colors in your outfit, start off slowly by choosing two flattering tones.
- If you’re unsure about the color blocking trend, wear a monochrome outfit and break the monotony by adding a bold colored accessory.
- For example, you can wear a pair of bright red pumps on an all-black dress.
- Wear two separates in different colors. It’s the easiest way to get into color blocking.
- Whether it’s a dress and jacket, or pants and a top, or even a gown with a necklace, using two different clothes to create a color block will help you mix and match.
- If you’re worried about how to wear color block outfits that flatter your silhouette, try this tip. Wear a bright color top with darker bottoms.
- This tends to slim down your figure and puts your face into focus instead.
How to use color blocking to appear tall and slim?
One of the main concerns some women have about the color blocking trend is that they might appear chunky and short.
Monochromatic hues and all-black have been recommended by fashion experts as a way to appear slimmer and taller.
But it’s possible to have the same effect with color block outfits as well. Here’s how to use color blocking to appear slim and tall:
- When color blocking, wear the darker, richer color on your bottoms. So whether it’s a skirt or pair of trousers, wear them in dark tones as this gives the illusion of lengthening your legs.
- Another way to appear taller is to match the color of your shoes to that of your bottoms.
- Wear a long coat, jacket or cardigan in a contrasting color.
- When wearing color block outfits, keep the pants in one color.
Conclusion
Another one of the 80s and 90s trends to make a huge comeback, color block outfits are the flavour of the season.
The bold colors and contrasting tones make it a great way to add color to your neutrals and plain-old black outfits.
From beachwear to workwear, the color blocking trend is everywhere.
So find out how to wear color block outfits and try this trend today!
