Connectnigeria Articles

By Oritsegbubemi Peace Pessu

color_blocking_collage — Credit: contagiousfashionfever.blogspot.com

The concept of true color sense! Okay, hold on. I’m not referring to the girl who looks like a victim of an unfortunate paint accident. Rather, I’m referring to a fashion trend with popularity roots traced back to the 1960s, later in the 1980s that has been revived by the designers of today. Though very much in vogue, very few understand this concept thus end up committing high treason calling it the ‘in-thing’ in fashion. Heard over and again, color blocking or color clashing is basically ‘large swatches of mixed but matching bright colors’, ‘bold color combos’ or ‘wearing large, bright blocks of colors that are seemingly disparate colors that actually compliment’. Yes, the colors match and compliment themselves. Following this trend could be based on the desire to let the inner wild child run free to explore or a desperate craze to look like a model as seen in a magazine and on TV. Particularly predominant in the female population especially those in adolescent age range, the color blocking trend can be worn to any occasion, the crux of the matter is always: “how well can it be pulled off!” Sadly enough, this fashion trend is not the easiest to pull off. Here are some tips that give you the edge of confidence on your choices: Choose a style technique: There are 3 approaches for choosing a style technique –

Monochromatic – use of one color in different hues. This for the safe players.
Credit: chazzcity.com
Separates – blending of different contrasting colors. This for the bold hearts.
Stand-outs – using an accessory or clothing already color blocked by the designer.

Select a color scheme: For those who choose to use the separates technique, I’d advise you get a color wheel from a local arts supply store. The color wheel helps you decide on what color scheme to use, be it complimentary e.g. yellow and violet or orange-yellow and blue-violet OR analogous e.g. yellow-green, yellow and orange-yellow or green, blue-green and blue. Give your look a balance: Though bold and fun, the secret of this style technique is to maintain the look on you, not the outfit. Be sure to wear the trend and not the other way round. Balance out your look with a neutral accessory which is visually subtle. In this touch up, simplicity is key. Make frame accentuating choices: Pick pieces or colors schemes that flatter your body frame. Let your choices be attractive. Define its how appropriate: In other words, is it appropriate for your lifestyle, your line of work, type of person, skin tone, hair color? Does it translate well on you? These questions have to be answered before and while giving this trend a try. Here are simple tips that change you from being color blind to someone with an acute sense of color style and from drab to diva. Now I am not a fashion police but here’s a piece of advice, K.I.S.S = Keep It Simple Sister.