By Niamh ODonoghue
02nd Sep 2017
02nd Sep 2017
Colour blocking is an achievable wardrobe goal, whether you’re a fashion amateur or well-polished with your Vera Wangs and Raf Simmons. It says to the world, “I know what I’m doing, ” even if you really don’t know anything at all. And really, isn’t that what we all need?
It’s particularly deadly if, like me, your wardrobe goes through random periods of the same colour (mine’s pink right now – millennial pink, of course). It’s a cost-effective and trendy way to get the most out of the things you already have stacked inside your wardrobe, letting you get the most from last year’s jumpers and jeans. International supermodel and American sweetheart Gigi Hadid knows how to perfectly colour-block and, superbly, showed us exactly how to nail it in New York recently. But for the everyday Moira (is Gigi even human?), how wearable is this kind of dressing?
There are a few principle guidelines to keep in mind before committing to a full colour block look. Avoid being head-to-toe in the same tone so you don’t look like a piece of fruit. The same tone can seem harsh on the eyes, and, again, the fruit reference, so break your look up with mild or darker tones that complement whatever colour you’re blocking.
Brighter shades on top and muted on the bottom make a perfect mono-tonal combination: Linen trousers with belt, Zara, €39.95, Contrast frilled top, Zara, Sequin applique sandals, Mango, €49.95, Star by Julien Macdonald yellow chain cross body bag, Debenhams, €34, Teardrop earrings, Topshop, €16.
ICYMI: HOW TO WEAR HEAD-TO-TOE YELLOW IRL
Secondly, colour-blocking shouldn’t restrict your wardrobe choice, but inspire you to choose combinations normally overlooked. Try choosing a base colour (like this striking orange below), and mix it up with clashing prints in similar tones. If in doubt, keep any heavy prints to the bottom, and lighter, more plain prints up top. And most importantly have fun with it and make colour-blocking your own! Take a look at our gallery above to see how fashion insiders from around the world are nailing the one-colour trend this season.
Miu Miu Crystal-embellished shearling and feather slides, net-a-porter.com, €850, Hermosa broderie Anglaise and cotton-jersey top, Tory Burch, €255, Textured-leather pouch, CLARE V,€190
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