COLOR BLOCKING FOR EVE... AND STEVE.

COLOR BLOCKING FOR EVE... AND STEVE.

Summer is in full swing and bright colours are popping out everywhere. One hot trend that is making a mark in fashion is “Colour Block” trend. It has been a trend in the 80s and early 90s, well it is back in style, with a bang and can be seen everywhere, in clothes, shoes, bags and accessories.

Colour blocking is the easiest and most affordable way to jazz up your even existing wardrobe. It transforms simple clothes into unique and fresh new look for summer. This trend is a fun way to play with colour and create a fashionable look all on your own, yet it is just as easy to make blunders. The wonder about colour blocking is that it allows you to feature your assets especially for women, as well as downplaying your flaws.

Colour blocking is all in the placement of the panels. Whether you use many graphic blocks or a few downplayed stripes, there is an option that works for everyone. Using stripes to your advantage allows you to draw the right kind of attention where you want it. Horizontal stripes will widen areas such as small shoulders and lend curves to boyish frames. Vertical stripes will lengthen the body and give it a leaner appearance, especially if the panels on the outside are dark. Diagonal lines and shapes are the most universally flattering and easiest to wear of all clothing items. Use dark or neutral panels around the waistline or stomach to camouflage unwanted curves. The same applies for minimizing a large chest and other problem areas.

Colour blocking is a great way to create vertical lines in an outfit. Vertical blocking will make you look slimmer and taller, but horizontal lines come into play as well. Sometimes, they can be negative, making you look shorter and broader, but in other cases, they can be a plus. An example would be using a belt or colour to define the waist!

Seen below is Rihanna, amongst other models in trendy "colour block":

Men should not be left out in this latest craze well. It actually gets even easier for men, this because men spot fewer items than their female counterparts. Calvin Klein and the recent  Louis Vuitton men’s collection by Kim Jones... compliments this trend rather well. Sometimes accessories also play a role in this trend, women can be spotted with bright nail polish, waist belts, head ban, earrings bangles, etc. While men can easily spot a very bright summer scarf, shoes or even a manly bag. For a right colour block effect, choose right colour combination. The rule of thumb for colour blocking trend is “the brighter, the better.” Try to select bright and vibrant colours for maximum style.  

Jerry Purfz for  JERRY PURFZ

Those who are afraid of bold colours can wear colour blocked pieces by using basic colour combinations to attract attention and make a bold statement. It will definitely give your wardrobe an instant update.

[Jerry Purfz]