Color Combos| Style| Style Tips

Colorblocking Basics

Colorblocking is a fashion technique that involves combining two or more solid colors to create a fashion statement and, to do it, right, there are a few basic rules to adhere to.

If you know me then you know I love a good list! There are a few ways color blocking can go off-the-rails but if you follow just a few fashionable insights, you can level up your style statements on a regular. I’m going to share a step-by-step list of HOW TO colorblock while simultaneously giving you a few rules to live by.

note: let me also preface this list by saying I do not participate in colorblocking very often because I like prints too much and I love hueing!

Let’s jump in on the how-tos for colorblocking:

  1. Stick with two or three colors to start (you must crawl before you walk…)
  2. Colorblocking goes back to the 60s with mod fashion and bright colors
  3. Grab a color wheel (or not) because colorblocking is about creating a high-contrast look and the easiest way is to choose colors that are opposites on the color wheel (i.e., yellow and purple)
  4. Divide your outfit and remember that proportions matter. My recommendation is to do one color waist up, and another color waist down.
  5. Steer clear of patterns to start
  6. Consider the fabric and texture (i.e., orange sequins and knit/matte blue pops but maybe a smidge too much for work)
  7. Place bolder/lighter colors at the top to draw the eye up
  8. Use a neutral to bring it together

Smoosh this all together and you get this! A beautiful picture-perfect look at colorblocking done beautifully by @theweltheguy – purple and orange (color wheel opposites, brighter on top, no other colors except the neutral

@theweltheguy

note: generally speaking if you wear black and toss in another color, that is not necessarily colorblocking! think opposites, so black and white with a strategically placed black/white handbag would be considered colorblocking.

xo, mo
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Monica Barnett

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