| Color Blocking |
It's the next best thing since sliced bread. But there's a right way -- and a wrong way -- to do it, and color blocking takes a bit of color savvy to get it right. It's not automatic, but with these tips, we'll have you color blocking in no time.
1. Start with your favorite color as a base. Who said base colors have to be neutrals? I love deep pink shades -- fuchsia (or hot pink) and corals. I often start with those colors and work my way around, using those colors as neutrals.
2. Get out your color chart. Colors are a science. Not all of them go together and no, black and white don't go with every damn thing! Find out which colors naturally pair well together by hue -- orange and blue, purple and orange, green and blue, yellow and orange, yellow and green, blue and purple, and so on. If you are unsure, use your color chart as a guide.
3. Incorporate bursts of color. Nothing brightens up an outfit more than a burst of color. And, color blocking isn't a do-or-die thing: you don't have to have an ensemble, how about just an accessory? If you've got an orange dress, add a bright blue belt. Or throw on a mustard yellow cardi over that bright blue dress. Use color blocking this way if you are afraid to go all out. The look you are NOT going for is the matchy matchy. It's OK to use different shades of colors.
 |
| The turquoise blue belt is what makes Malinda Williams' outfit WERK! |
4. Use a neutral as a base. If you are just unsure how to color block, you can always keep things a bit more subtle by using neutral colors like beige, khaki, tan, white and grey as neutrals. A bright orange top with a khaki bottom works. So, too, would a mustard yellow shirt with a gray bottom. Use your imagination. The sky is the limit.
5. Don't overdo it. While fun, color blocking should not be overdone. Your entire ensemble doesn't have to be color blocked. How about just a few accessories here and there? Or, if your outfit is color blocked, add a neutral shoe in a tan or beige as a way to balance the look out.
 |
| Source |
Do you color block?
I haven't tried it yet. I've been playing around on the polyvore site putting things together. I really like that site. It's like shopping without the bill. I'm not a strong accessorizer either, so I'm have a good time playing around on that site. I hope to build enough courage and try it on my own clothes.
ReplyDeleteHave to check out that site, @purplgirl48. Thanks!
ReplyDelete