Spring has you craving colorful looks, but you're unsure how to combine them? If you agree, you've come to the right place! In this article, you'll learn about one of the color-combining techniques—color blocking—and how to apply it in practice.
Why is the color wheel so helpful when choosing a style?
To understand color blocking in fashion , let's first look at the color wheel. It was created to help us understand how colors are created and how to combine them. It also helps us see which color groups we have (which colors border each other) and which colors are opposites.
What is color blocking in fashion?
Color blocking in fashion is a technique for combining colors in clothing . It involves pairing clothes in complementary colors (from the same color family) or contrasting colors (opposite on the color wheel), creating distinct color blocks in the outfit.
Color blocking is considered to have originated with Yves Saint Laurent's design of the Mondrian dress. It was inspired by the Neoplastic painter Piet Mondrian's painting "Composition in Red, Blue, and Yellow." The Mondrian dress, with its distinctive contrasting colors and geometric lines, became incredibly popular because it perfectly captured the spirit of the 1960s —referring to the Op Art movement and the dynamic rhythms of contemporary culture. However, energizing color combinations have never truly gone out of style—they remain relevant and can enhance any look.
Color blocking styling
Before embarking on your color journey, it's worth first understanding your color type. This will allow you to enhance your beauty and accentuate your strengths. However, remember that color analysis primarily focuses on upper garments (those that sit next to your face) and is merely a suggestion—the most important thing is that the colors in your clothing complement your personality. For more tips on choosing colors for your beauty, check out the article 👉 How to Identify Your Beauty Type?
We can use the color blocking technique in styling by combining clothes of one color, color family or opposites.
Styling within one color
This is a great solution for those who are just starting out with color and aren't sure how to combine them or are unsure if they'll feel comfortable in saturated hues. You can incorporate color blocking into your outfits using slightly less vibrant colors, for example, by choosing a Miss Graceful shirt in baby blue and navy cigarette pants—a mix of pastels with a saturated, yet still subdued color. Therefore, combinations like the Miss Confident jacket in magenta and the Miss Exclusive dress are perfect. in raspberry, or the Miss Cozy turtleneck in purple with a lavender skirt, despite being the same color, create simple yet interesting color combinations. Playing with shades also applies to slightly brighter hues. Blood red with burgundy or orange with peach will certainly boost your confidence and attract attention .
Styling in complementary colors
Another tip for creating unique color combinations in your outfits is combining complementary colors—those that are next to each other on the color wheel . For example, a set consisting of a turquoise Miss Tulip skirt with a light blue Miss Shape bodysuit . A combination of yellow and green or red, for example, on a Miss Allure dress , with pink on sandals and a handbag, also looks great, breaking up the classic black or beige look (which, of course, also looks great). Smuggling in color in accessories can not only subtly enhance your look but also refresh your clothes , giving them a completely new character. This means you won't have to buy a completely new item, as you can enhance it with accessories. This is also a good idea for beginners who are just starting to discover the power of color.
Styles in opposing colors
However, it's the mixing of opposing colors that's most associated with color blocking. These are colors that lie opposite each other on the color wheel. Clothes in these colors create the most interesting fashion combinations. Of course, you don't have to choose bright hues right away—this trick also works with pastels. You could choose, for example, a light pink Miss Tulip skirt and pair it with a light blue Miss Desire Light bodysuit . If you need inspiration for energizing combinations, you'll find a few examples below:
- blue and yellow
- blue and pink
- blue and orange
- green and orange
- green and red
- green and pink
- yellow and purple
- yellow and pink
- yellow and red
💡Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to just two colors in your styling, you can also combine opposing colors with the native color of one of the colors (e.g. green with purple and pink) or with a shade of the same color (e.g. cobalt, blue and red).
Even though we are not always aware of it, colors influence us, and each of them has its own energy charge, so it is worth getting to know them, and the increasingly warmer weather is certainly a good excuse to start experimenting with the color palette!
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