Color Blocking 101

Due to popular demands we have decided to blog about the color blocking trend 101 and how to gradually get used to it as a new user.
Color Blocking was the most popular trend in 2011 and continues into 2012 on a whole new level.
Did you dare to try it last year? Are you ready to ease yourself in gradually?

This amazing trend allows you to be an artist, so you are able to express yourself through colors.
With color blocking almost everything is allowed. From extreme neon blocking to pastels for those who prefer mild blocking.
 If you are not into total-look, you can block with accessory.
 Matching shoes+bag can be bold and jewelries... fabulous!
Now lets get technical:
 In order to color block you need to study the color wheel.

First we have our primary colors: red, yellow and blue. The mixture of primary colors into various combination creates secondary colors: green, purple and orange. If we keep mixing, our end result will be tertiary colors (orange-yellow, red-orange, violet-red, yellow-green & blue-green). There are also tints and shades: tints are mixed with white while shades are mixed with black.

Before class ends, here are some easy tips & techniques to keep in mind when color blocking:
1. Analogous colors: any three colors lined up on the color wheel (e.g. violet, violet-red & red)
2. Complementary colors: any colors directly across from each other (e.g. blue & orange)
3. Pair colors that form 90 degree angles with each other (e.g. yellow & red -orange)
4. Pair colors that form an X (e.g. blue, orange, violet-red & yellow etc.)
5. Pair colors that form a T (e.g. yellow, blue-green & red-orange)
6. Color-families You can substitute pink (tint) with red and still be able to pull off the combos based on the color wheel.
 Lets see some simple color blocking pictures!

Notice that Yellow and Green are neighbors on the color wheel and how it compliments each other?

Start with primary colors: Red, Blue and Yellow.
You can pair these three colors for a cute fresh outfit. You can also pair colors across from each other on the color wheel like: Purple and Yellow or Blue and Orange for a bold look.

 

Well put together I would say!

If you are new to color blocking try putting an outfit together with colors from the same family like Pink, Red and Purple for a tied together look.
Use neutral colored jewelry like black, gold, beige and white unless you want to look flashy.
Please do not get matchy matchy with jewelry.

*Tip Do NOT RUSH into color blocking just because everyone is.
* If you are a Color Blocking Newbie, start with colors you feel comfortable with.
*Total look can be really "walking on the edge" so to avoid risk of fashion crime, start blocking with your accessories.
*Buy an item or two (blazer or pants suggested). But remember: this is about wearing your existing clothes in new way, not buying all new ones.
As we gradually ease into blogging, we will write more on this trend.