It was in Spring 2011 when a certain Jil Sander collection changed it all. Bananas of Prada were not the only ones to steal the spotlight that season. Raf Simons’ bright and colorful silhouettes also took over the fashion world. From his game of proportions, volume, and length, to his couture shapes paired up with simple, white t-shirts, it was a delightful fashion display. But there was one particular trend from the show that really stood out: color blocking.
Color blocking can be defined as the art of mixing and contrasting different chunks of color in one ensemble. That September, bold color blocking was embraced by many designers such as Gucci, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Prabal Gurung to name a few. It obviously became the trend that defined the season. Soon enough, retail followed. We are sure that if we took a peek inside your closets, we would still find that green lantern skirt or the hot pink, jersey blazer, both from Zara. We all did it that season and we kept on doing it the next. And since fashionistas around the globe can’t seem to get enough of it, color blocking is not going anywhere just yet!
In fashion, all things tend to get renewed, refreshed, and reinvented. Christophe Decarnin transformed Joan Collins’ ghastly shoulder pads and inserted them in those pricey-but-oh-so-worth-it Balmain jackets. The infamous harem pants of MC Hammer were brought back from the dead (a much better version of them) in 2009 by Chloé and friends. And last season’s print mash-up morphed into a textured one. With neon and pastel colors taking over Spring 2012, it was only a matter of time for color blocking to get its revamp. Sugarcoated or electrified, this style is still a favorite among the fashion crowd.
Since color blocking went from bold hues to pastel ones, why not take it to neutral territory? Neutrals are a constant in fashion, even if tangerine or hot pink are in trend, you’ll always need them to compliment them. Instead of mixing them up with other hues, why not pair French Gray and blush with ivory or white? The result? Sleek color-blocking, always clean, always sophisticated.
We’ve come up with four different ways to style the neutral color blocking trend! It’s time to put your color blocking skills to the test with subtle colors. We know you can do it Chictopians. Get the style tips from the illustrations!
SKINNY JEANS
Jeans, FRENCH CONNECTION
Knit top, ZARA
Biker vest, ZARA
Shoes, ZARA
Bag, BALENCIAGA
Sunglasses, STELLA McCARTNEY
Thread bracelet, ACCESSORIZE
Spike bracelet, ASOS
Buckle bracelet, ACCESSORIZE
White bangle, TED ROSSI
Love ring, ARIELLA COLLECTION
Gris Deco nail polish, YSL
SMART SHORTS
Color-blocked top, TOPSHOP
Layered shorts, ROMWE
Snakeskin sandals, STEVE MADDEN
Tan clutch, ROCHAS
Leopard bangle, KATE SPADE
Cuff watch, LA MER
Bangle set, FOREVER 21
Earrings, FOREVER 21
Beige Leger nail polish, YSL
SCALLOPED SKIRT
Blush blouse, ASOS
Scalloped skirt, ASOS
Dynemite heels, STEVE MADDEN
Shoulder bag, ALDO
Lace white bangle, LK DESIGNS
Lace pink bangle, LK DESIGNS
White enamel bangle, KATE SPADE
Braided bracelet, ETTIKA
Buckle bracelet, MICHAEL KORS
Pearl studs, ASOS
Rose Abstait nail polish, YSL
TUXEDO VEST
Champagne silk top, ASOS
Tuxedo waistcoat, ZARA
Blush cut-off shorts, TOPSHOP
Chain detail belt, ASOS
T-strap sandals, ZARA
Antigona bag, GIVENCHY
Embellished bangle, FOREVER 21
Spiked bracelet, ASOS
Rope bracelet, ASOS
Love ring, ASOS
Gris Deco nail polish, YSL
Illustrations by Ana Sofia
Image via
River Island
Zara
Selfridges
ASOS
Topshop
Net-a-porter
Pret-a-beaute
Accessorize
