I'm color blocked already..are you???

Think hot pinks with fiery reds and royal purples with Tangerine orange....Yes! Its spring..this season is all about color and I'm so lusting after this color blocking trend..its so chic plus its so much fun creating eye catching combinations with bold colors. It's not a new trend as such but is back with a bang and has spread like virus in almost every store's spring/summer collection! So i tried to decode the trend today and it is totally hawtt!

What is Color blocking?
It essentially refers to 'blocks' or a combination of different solid colors in one outfit. Colors need to be mixed, matched or clashed for the best effect! You can start by wearing a single bold color from head to toe, like in a dress, a jumpsuit or even office wear! Or you can go on board with two or three contrasting colors, but four is the maximum limit! Well anything in excess is bad and you know that..don't you :p This could be for a top, bottom, tunic, dress, handbag, accessories, scarves, shoes and even makeup ( check out my post about nail paints @ http://stylejunkiee.blogspot.in/2012/04/add-some-color.html.) Just go out there..shop some color and create an outfit by putting blocks of solid colors next to each other. You can go for monotones, You can go for monotones, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting and complimentary colors.
Refer these inspiring color blocking looks right off the runway!

You will find every color of the rainbow  in stores this season. Stand out with this trend by complementing bold hues of yellow, orange and blue with neutrals of white, black and grey, or by creating a splashing riot of color with shocking shades of pink, orange, yellow, tangerine and green.

If you are afraid to mix more than two colors, try mixing rich shades of turquoise, blue, orange and purple teamed with gold accessories for creating the ultimate luxe look. Be a stunner by mixing tones of deep purple with salmon pink and lemon yellow with green.

Get the basics right!

Know which colors complement each other the best. As fun as it sounds, don't pile on every color you find in your wardrobe to avoid looking like a human rainbow! Start with anchoring your outfit with a neutral color like black, white, nude, grey or beige or follow this color wheel!

• If you're just starting to experiment with color blocking, always go with the Complementary colors since with them you could never go wrong. These are colors placed directly opposite to each other on the wheel. Like red and green or yellow and violet.

• Then take it to the next level by trying Triad colors. These are three colors evenly apart from each other forming a 'T' shape. Like yellow, purple and orange-red.

• And finely go with Analogous colors which are any three colors lined up next to each other on the color wheel. Example: blue, blue-violet and violet. 

• Another combination is a 90 degree angle. Combine colors that are at a right angle with each other like red and violet.

• Go for Jewel Colors which being equally rich, flatter each other, such as emerald green and ruby red.

• Keep colors in the same saturation level, pastels with pastels and neons with neons.

• Being the color of summer, White is a must have. So why not create a polished and chic look by pairing bright white with vivid colors. Try a bold pair of colored shorts or trousers with a crisp white shirt or go linen by mixing a nice white pair of linen Capris/shorts with bright colored tank or a tee.

• Or just Mix and Match by rotating the arrows around the color wheel until you find a mix you love.

How daring can you be

• Now if you're not daring (like me;) then you should opt for simple color-blocking in your outfit. This can be incorporated in the accessories; jewelry, handbag, belt, shoes,scarves etc.

• And, if you are a little bit more daring but don't want to go all out, you can add more color to the outfit by wearing color blocking accessories and a bright piece of color blocking outfit with neutral accessories like these outfits.

• And if daring is your last name and you want to go all out by Color blocking your entire outfit including accessories, nails and probably makeup..Hell no..Don't ever do that if you want to avoid looking like a Rubik's cube..Always follow this rule: Never ever use more than 3 or a maximum 4 colors in your outfit..and the count includes accessories and make up along with the clothes..:p

Some tips:

• Don’t be shy to experiment, but make sure you are able to pull off the color combination you are trying.

• Choose what you want to color block and keep the rest of your look simple. For example, if you opt for a color blocked bag, go easy on the clothes and shoes. And if you want to color block your apparel, keep the accessories neutral.

• Never ever ever combine two color blocked items. This is the worst thing to do to this trend. 

• A darker column of color down the torso will have a slimming effect on your body. You can wear a colored cardigan, jacket or a blouse worn open to give the effect.

• If you are pear shaped, opt for darker colors on the bottom half.

• If you are apple shaped, avoid horizontal blocks of color around the stomach area but do highlight legs with color blocks by wearing brightly colored pants/tights

• If you are an hourglass, a color block around the waist is a great way of highlighting it and drawing attention to your oh-so-perfect figure.

Now that you know how to efficiently use colour, it's time to put that eye-catching outfit together. 

P.S. I  paired two of the season’s favorite colors today: Cobalt blue and zesty tangerine...not bragging but i knew it in my heart that i couldn't go wrong with this winning combination. ;) Loved it totally! XOXO