We all know that fashions keep changing but that one must maintain their own style, knowing how to adapt or taking the best of each trend. Each one of us is different, we know what suits us best... and we also love to look at the catwalks to see what we can incorporate into our wardrobe. Today we are going to talk about one of these trends: color blocking.

What is color blocking?

His name already gives us clues about what it is about. It is the use of a single color, or color range, to create the entire look that we will use that day. We choose a color and give it all the prominence. We can create looks in maroon, dark blue, English green, and we will focus on textures as well as color, avoiding patterns as much as possible.

Benefits of color blocking

Simplicity does not mean laziness. It is a trend that will help us to transmit dynamism, energy, taste and creativity. In addition, it saves us a lot of time when putting together our looks. If we take into account what we learned in our article on colorimetry from the previous post, we will know perfectly what colors and tones are the best for us.

Where does color blocking come from?

We are facing a trend that, in reality, is older than time itself. If we go back many centuries, color was a way of demonstrating to which social stratum we belonged and, furthermore, what message we wanted to give to society. Pigments were extremely expensive and each caste (kings, lords, merchants) could use particular colors. Take for example purple, one of the most expensive colors to produce in the past, or the green made famous by French kings.

Years later, and with the expansion of the clothing industry, obtaining pigments was simplified, which democratized the use of colors. Yves Saint Laurent, with his pink and red suit doing color blocking, Courrèges or Stephen Burrows with their blue and black in the same outfit, are some of the designers who joined the fascination for color. Something that will help you a lot is to pay attention to the color wheel. We leave it to you below.

What types of color blocking are there?

There are different ways to put together a color blocking look according to your preference, so we are going to give you some tips so that you can build your wardrobe with this trend.

Contrasting color blocking

This type of color blocking is based on the combination of contrasting colors in bright and striking tones. Let's think here of highly saturated palettes. If we think of yellow, its contrast would be purple. Imagine that you put together a look to make a statement at an event. You will steal all eyes and you will look bold.

Tonal color blocking

In this approach, different shades of the same color are used to create the color blocking effect. We are going to think of a look where we will use the entire range of reds together, but raising and lowering the lights and shadows (more greys, more blacks and more whites within the range of each color). Let's imagine that, within the light blue ones, we are playing between the sky colors, the colder and warmer light blues, the tones of water. It will give you a refined and elegant image.

Monochromatic color blocking

In this case, different shades of the same color are used, from the darkest to the lightest. Now let's think about intensity, where we will play the pregnant versus the dullest. Let's take red again, where we can play with garnet, vermilion and tile in the same outfit.

Color blocking with complementary colors

 Complementary colors are those that are in opposite positions on the color wheel. By combining them in an outfit, a vibrant and balanced contrast is achieved. Imagine that you create a look in greens and pinks. In addition to a sensation of freshness and movement, it will give us a youthful image.

Color blocking with analogous colors

Analogous colors are those that are close to each other on the color wheel. By using similar colors in an outfit, a smooth and harmonious combination is achieved. Do you remember the example from the beginning, the pink with the red? That would be the example of an analogous color blocking look.

Tips to apply it and not die trying

Color blocking is an extremely striking trend, but it can seem challenging. Here we give you some tricks so that you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

Most used color palette

Let's think about a vibrant palette. The most used color palette of this technique ranges from yellows, greens, fuchsias, electric blues, turquoises, reds and oranges. These vivid colors give us that air of playfulness, even sophistication. You can also create more "sweet" contrasts with pastel or neutral colors.

Now that you know the palette, choose a consistent color palette

Select a color palette that you like and that works well together. You can opt for complementary shades or analogous colors to create a harmonious look. Remember what we have seen with the color wheel.

Start with simple combinations

If you are new to color blocking, start with simple combinations of two or three colors. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with bolder combinations. Think, for example, of the range of colors green, aqua green, cobalt blue and dark blue. You can give it a touch of light with white.

Play with the intensity of the colors

You can create different effects by playing with the intensity of the colors. For example, you can combine a vibrant shade with a muted shade for an interesting contrast. Imagine that you put on vermillion red pants, a rust red blouse and a burgundy blazer. You can also use a muted green with white.

Balance the color blocks

Distribute the color blocks in a balanced way in your outfit. For example, if you wear pants in a bright color, you can balance it with a blouse in a more neutral tone. Consider, for example, the looks of the hostesses. We are going to see a piece of a more vibrant color, like red, and a white one to balance.

Pay attention to accessories

Accessories can also be part of color blocking. Incorporate bags, shoes or jewelry in colors that complement your main outfit. Let's imagine that you have a look in shades of forest greens or dark greens. You could accompany it with gold accessories and white shoes to bring more light and close the look.

Experiment with different clothes

Color blocking can be applied to different types of garments, such as dresses, skirts, pants, and tops. Experiment with different combinations and find out which ones work best for you.

Consider your skin tone

Consider your skin tone when choosing colors for your color blocking. Some shades can highlight your skin more flattering than others, so try different options. Do you remember the article we uploaded about the 12 skin tones according to the seasons? Well, it's a good time for you to read it and get some tips on what colors go best with your skin.

Combine textures

In addition to colors, you can also play with textures. Mix garments with different textures to add dimension and depth to your color blocking look.

Try garments made in organic cotton , in linen fabric , viscose , lyocell fabric , corduroy fabric and in vegan leather . Above all, as we always advise, check that what you decide to buy is vegan clothing and/ or sustainable clothing , to do so, verify that said clothing complies with the Gots Certificate .

Next, we leave you clothes from sustainable fashion that are in trend:

Also, we offer you fashion accessories and footwear that you can complement and combine with your outfits:

Have fun and be creative

Color blocking is a fun and creative trend, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new combinations. Have fun with your style and don't take yourself too seriously!

Examples of color blocking: triumph this summer

Now that we have talked a little about color blocking, we are going to give you some examples so that you can arrange yourself as you like.

Remember when we talked about monochrome color blocking? Well, we have the ideal look for you in both dark tones (ideal if you have winter or spring undertone skin!).

In the dark tones, we have the monochrome look in dark blue tones.

Now, if we talk about complementary color blocking (sticky colors on the wheel) we have a set in light green and light blue, also from Clotsy Brand.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We also mentioned the contrasting color blocking and a very good option is to start to cheer up little by little by playing with textures. Although we have said that the textures were not common, here we leave you an example with a printed blouse and ocean blue pants.

Finally, here we give you a monochromatic but analogous look, where pink and orange tones reign, close on the color wheel.

Conclusions

As we have seen, color blocking is a trend that will help us make a statement wherever we go. Adapt this style to your capsule wardrobe and never stop having fun. You can find these garments and more in our sustainable clothing store Clotsy Brand .

We advise you to continue reading the article Colorimetry in Fashion , it is very related to this topic and you will learn much more.