My Take on Color Blocking Basics

Color Blocking 2012

Season after season, new trends come and go. But which do you play with and which ones do you let slip away into the night? How can normal people play with the millions of trends that appear like butterflies in the summer sky and fade away just as fast? You start with the basics and add little twists and tweaks, here and there.

One of my favorite trends right now is color blocking. To me, coloring blocking is my gateway into all the other trends, using prints, wearing bold colors and mixing patterns at best. At times, it can be daunting when you think about it.  Therefore, I have decided to break this down so we all can enjoy new things this season.

1. Accessories, Accessories, accessories!!!
   Adding jewelry, shoes or a handbag first allows you to see how you like the color before you go and grab a bunch of clothes in neon green, pinks and blues. By starting with these small basics, you can test it to see if it works with your skin tone. Color reacts to cool tones and warm tones differently, so play around. Adding things in piece-by-piece slowly creates the confidence to wear more bold pieces later.

2. Swap and Go!!

  When looking for pieces to add, start with staple pieces that you already love and incorporate a new trendy color. Sometimes, we can get stuck in grabbing what makes us comfortable. This time instead of a black jacket or slacks, try for a bolder color, like fuschia or robin egg blue or even a different pattern.  Swap out what comes natural and choose colors, prints and patterns that you see also work for you. You can amp up a simple t-shirt and jeans but adding the trend of your choice. Once you break down your staple pieces with little touches here and there, wearing the hottest trends will soon feel like second nature.

3. Broaden Your Horizons

With adding new things, use the help of your closest friends and family members to explore new options. If your friends are anything like mines, they are honest with you. They wouldn’t dream of allowing you to step out for a night on the town with a less than appropriate ensemble. While honest friends are a must so is checking out different magazines and publications for different pieces that you adore and getting inspired by them. My favorite go to places for the latest styles and trends are Vogue Italia, Fashion.Net and Trendland. They provide me with a variety of ways to pull things. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, just people watch. I am sure there are people who could inspire you to step outside of your traditional box.

Most of all… Just have fun and be yourself.

Happy Dressing!!!!

XOXO,  Tina