Colour block like a pro
Published:Thursday | November 22, 2018 | 12:00 AM
We often hear of men who are intimidated to put together a colour blocked outfit, so let's fix that! Here are a few basics that will help you become a colour-blocking pro.
Let's start by taking a quick look at the colour wheel. The colour wheel is your ultimate guide to what works and what doesn't work with colour blocking. There are a few ways in which we can use the colour wheel to pull colours together.
There are three ways to colour block your outfit. First of all, colours that are direct opposites (complementary colours) are definitely the easiest way to colour block and a great way to start. Colours that form a triangle (triad colours) take a little more work, but it is still definitely doable with the right eye for colours. Last, we can colour block using colours that are adjacent to each other (analogous colours).
Keeping the colour wheel in mind, here are a few tips:
- Beginning with just two colours will help you learn what works and what doesn't, and build your confidence with colour blocking. You can also always pair a colour blocked outfit with a neutral to be safe.
- When colour blocking, keep jewel tones with jewel tones, pastels with pastels, etc.
- Keep it simple. Don't try to mix patterns when colour blocking. Think simple, clean lines for your clothing, and you'll have a much more sophisticated look.
- Be strategic. If you're proud of a certain body part, use a bold colour to draw attention to the area. If you have an area you're less than pleased with, use a neutral in that area.
- There are two ways to colour block. Wearing a muted or bright colour scheme. Muted means toning it down with lighter tints or contrasting accessory as a more subtle accent colour. Bright colours involve rocking separates that boldly contrast.
Paul Fearon who is currently an IT analyst, was born and raised in Hampton Green, Spanish Town, St Catherine. From a young age, he had a love for fashion and this further intensified when he migrated to Canada. He considers fashion to be a lifestyle, as it encapsulates every area of his life and allows him to express his personality and love for fashion through each attire, be it formal or casual.
He creates his own style by drawing reference from traditional menswear and streetwear while always maintaining a chic look. His love for colours forms a fundamental part of his style and transcends the norm. His passion for fashion is guided by the mantra that in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.
The colour-blocking technique is making a true style statement, so it is imperative to select pieces (and colour schemes) that are flattering to you. Without a doubt, colour-blocking is a bold and fun way to dress! The secret is to make sure that the focus remains on you and not solely the style technique. You want to wear the trend and not let the trend wear you.
View his Instagram @malefashiongeek for more male fashion inspiration.