The color-blocking trend has returned, good news for anyone who wants to look slim and stylish. Wear separate pieces in different vibrant colors, or choose items that do the work for you with squares and rectangles of color where you want it.
Learn some basics about how to work with color to get the best visual effects. Some colors appear to diminish, while others practically scream out for attention. If you follow a few simple guidelines, your trendy style will appear to take inches off your most troublesome areas.
Dark colors tend to recede, while lighter and brighter colors may appear larger. Women with larger tummies may choose to use darker colors in the mid-section or on either side of the waist. A longer, narrow line down the center of your outfit may slenderize you and make you appear taller. This can be created with a bright shell worn under a darker jacket left open in front.
Pop of Color
Call attention to a pop of color worn with any neutral. Look at yourself as objectively as possible and decide where you want the eye to land. Then decorate yourself accordingly.
Flatter any figure type by playing with blocks of color. Flaunt an hourglass figure with a bold, wide belt, showing off your tiny waist. Women with an attractive décolletage may want to dazzle with a colorful necklace.
Ideas for ways to add a stylish pop of color:
- Neutral suit with a brightly colored shell
- Black dress with electric-colored platform heels
- Navy pants, tan jacket and ecru shell with a coral necklace
- Vivid yellow belt with neutral or contrasting pieces
Contrasting Color
Study the color wheel to get a good feel for contrasting colors that create an attention-getting, powerful impact. If you want to draw attention away from wide hips, pull the eye up by wearing a neutral skirt or pair of slacks with an electric blue shell and coral jacket.
You may choose complementary colors in their truest hue, or select a variant, such as the one mentioned above. Turquoise can pass for either blue or green, depending on which of the colors dominates. Peach is a lighter shade of orange, while coral is bolder and more authoritative. If you’re not sure how colors look together, don’t be afraid to try them on in front of the fitting room mirror.
Color wheel contrasts:
- Blue and orange
- Red and green
- Yellow and purple
Mix and Match Color
Today’s fashion calls for fun with color. You’re free to mix any hues you like. They don’t have to match in color, as long as they give you the look you want. Create layers to generate intentional color blocking. Stick with three bold colors, and avoid more than one in a neon shade.
Examples of intentional color blocking:
- Vivid red skirt with royal blue shell and bright gold cardigan with a black belt
- Yellow dress with a bright red belt and lightweight purple jacket
- Royal blue dress with bright orange platform peep-toe heels
When you decide to try your hand at color blocking your outfits, be bold but take a look at the complete ensemble to make sure it works. Whether you accent a neutral with a pop of color, mix contrasting colors or combine two or three bold colors, you can create a slenderizing look that shows your sharp sense of style.
Sources:
- Adrienne Thompson, Color Blocking Makes an Un-Square Style Statement, USA Today.
- Aylin Ulutas, Wanted List: Color Block, Elle Girl.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
