Color-blocking 101 - Part 1

I think color blocking is one of the coolest n stress-free ways of looking savvy. Some tips on color blocking

1.       If you are a newbie to color blocking go with basic colors/ the ones you’re comfortable with. For example; black n white, grey n black, red n blue. Pick any 2 colors and pair them. Just remember the colors need to be deeper and richer - meaning faded denims or ripped denims won’t help in creating a perfect color block outfit.

I would suggest adding a colored denim or skirt to your closet if you want to try color-blocking.  If you are not yet up to wearing colored bottoms, the summer is a perfect time to try the colored shorts trend – colored shorts just add the right amount of well color, perfect for summer n hot temperatures, sightseeing tours, vacations – the list of pros goes on and on ;))

2.       Another basic rule so that your colors stand out is adding a touch of neutrality/ neutral-ness (u get the hint, right?).

Wear neutral colors for accessories and shoes – tan or dark brown, black, and beige are all neutral colors. I bet you will have at least one pair of shoes in these colors, so try them on with the color blocked outfit.

I would add a colored bag just to jazz up the color blocked outfit – but again go neutral if you are not comfortable there.

3.       If you are in a mood of experimenting, u can do a triad of colors – add a broad belt to your outfit – shorts n tee, skirt n tee/shirt. You could also add a thin/skinny belt if you are doing the colored denims and tee/blouse look. The belt can be a neutral color and you can match the shoes with your belt. Or it can be a funky color just to add that extra level of color blocking and you can go neutral on shoes.

4.       Another fun outfit idea is getting a color blocked accessory. I don’t know how that happened, but color blocking was sorta ‘cool’ last summer too. And I remember grabbing this color blocked satchel-cum-crossbody bag from Aldo last summer (in the pics below).

It was the perfect accessory for my rather straight and businessy outfits to office.  Plus it was a cross body so for my adventures/outings after office (with husband of course ;)), I could just sling it across and I was good to go.

5.       If you are in a mood to experiment, you can try the color blocked shoes/stilettoes/sandals. They are ‘abso-freaking-lutely’ fabulous and I wish so desperately to own one.

The color blocked shoes can add the right amount of oomph to your LBD (Little Black Dress) on a balmy night out or LWD (Little White Dress) on a summer afternoon.

Color –blocked cuffs/bracelets earrings and even color blocked necklaces are just bursting with hues and great pieces to start off with trying the color-blocking trend

There are some more tips I have in my bag of wisdom but I am going to hold on to them till the another post (Color blocking 101 Part-2). For now, I will let you see/judge /review a color-blocking outfit that I came up with for office wear.

I want to do a special mention for my leopard print shoes *Drumroll please* It’s the first time they are showing up on my blog. They are one of the best pumps I own - perfect fit, perfect heel. They are so very comfy and versatile - I wear them to office, to dancing with my friends, on weekends, almost everywhere ;))

This is my entry to the ‘Color-blocking’ challenge on Everybody Everywear. 

Outfit details:
Skirt, Earrings and Belt - NY and Co.
Tee - Ann Taylor
Chunky necklace - Sears
Leopard print pumps - Kelly and Katie, DSW
Color-blocked bag - Aldo
Watch - Michael Kors Women's Chronograph (Gift from Parents)