Does colour blocking trigger images of the 1960s and inevitably, that Mondrian dress? Well, we’ve got great news for you – it’s back, but as a fashion trend for 2014, it’s moved way beyond its origins.
Straightforward squares are sprouting stripes, grids, patchwork and all manner of decoration, in hues from primary through neon and citrus to pastel. Just consider Peter Pilott’s Spring 2015 show of graphics and geometric blueprints! Or marvel at Phillip Lim’s Autumn 2014 collection, where tints transition from one to another, and sequined overcoats shimmer in silvers, golds and purples.
Wimbledon tennis fans got a fabulous final this year, plus a sneak preview of Victoria Beckham’s Spring 2015 line, when she turned up in a creation of navy, white, orange and maroon. The month before, Coach joined Friends of the High Line for their Summer Party, where Kate Mara’s yellow blouse and dark red shorts rocked the trend. Seize the initiative yourself to lift you through the dullest days of winter, and cover up with a moto jacket of coloured strips, or a block coat.
Sweaters are getting in on the act with tinted grids and contrasting sleeves, while an outsize jumper is a natural for skinnies, or block-themed moleskin pants. Include patches of spots or animal prints on any item, and don’t hold back on colours! Do the office thing in a black and white zigzag dress, but later, change into a stunning black-edged silk cami, or swish in a chiffon maxi of shaded panels.
This is your chance to clash, while making it look deliberate (which it is, of course). Pinks, reds, oranges, purples, blues, greens – you get the idea, we’re sure. Match (or rather, don’t!) jewellery, scarves, two-tone clutches or satchels, and platforms or flats. Get the look in minis or pencil skirts, which come in the right shape to start with. Cool brightness by mixing with neutrals, such as nude heels, or break things up with a belt.
Play the sixties game in a monochrome sweater over black leather pants, crowned by a grey fedora, or reference Piet Mondrian and Yves Saint Laurent primary blocks. We’re confident that you’ve grasped the concept by now. Start with a couple of key colours and build your outfit from there, but don’t rule out prints, whatever you may hear to the contrary. Just trust your instincts, and you won’t go far wrong!
The featured photo is of Lucy Williams wearing a monochrome colour block jumper from Hush
Colour Block Outfit Idea: Christine Andrew is wearing a color block long cardigan
Color Block Trend, 2014: Emily Jackson is wearing a grey and white color block cape from ASOS
Julia Engel is wearing a colour block scarf from Zara
Annabelle Fleur is wearing a red, white and black colour block moto jacket from Express
Tiphaine is wearing white, burgyndy and grey colour block top from Lacoste
Kayla Seah is wearing a burgundy, green and blue colour block coat from Valentine Pour Vila
Alexandra Pereira is wearing a black, blue and grey colour break jumper from M&S
Christina Caradona in her colour block moto jacket from Express
Nicole Warne gone colour blocking, wearing a red top and pink skirt from TopShop and matching green coat and shoes from Zara
Veronica Ferraro is wearing a colour block jacket and skirt
