Summer days are here and what better ways to vibe with it then going loud and proud in colours?

If you’ve been following the spring/summer 2022 runway shows, then you’ll know that one of the main trends common in many collections is… colour blocking. Now, this is nothing new (after all, fashion is cyclical) but pairing contrasting colours together, or wearing one solid bold colour from head-to-toe is always very refreshing. Plus, now that we can all go out and about, what better way to do that than dressing in bold colours?

But what exactly is colour-blocking, and how do we start?

What is colour-blocking?

The industry definition for this is the use of contrasting blocks or panels of solid, typically bright colour. Some of you may know that, back in the 1960s, it was Yves Saint Laurent who was one of the first designers to show this style of dressing. The now-iconic Piet Mondrian-inspired sack dress was shown at the fashion house’s fall/winter 1965–66 runway show, and that was the moment marked the start of the Mod Style trend.

The colour-blocking trend was then made popular by the American designer Stephen Burrows, who was obsessed with the disco era.

Anyway, while it is about mixing and matching colours, I know that sometimes this can be very daunting. So, if you’re nervous about mixing and matching colours, don’t worry. Opting for head-to-toe in the same tone actually makes it easier.

Here are four tips to get you colour blocking like a pro in no time!

Tip #1: Don’t complicate things and always start simple

One of the easiest ways to test the waters is by picking two colours only. Always go for primary colour blocks. We'd go for red and blue, and pick the richer deeper hue for the bottom. This will immediately make you look visually taller. Anchor the look with shoes in neutral tones, like grey, so you don't feel too overwhelmed.

Tip #2: When you’re ready for something brighter, make small changes

If you're ready to make a statement, go for complimentary colours, such as bright yellow and green. The look is fresh and cheery, and perfect for the coming season. Too much? Tone it down by slipping into a pair of denims jeans.

Tip #3: Create a scheme

Opting for a single colour from head-to-toe might be easy but it still requires some planning. You can choose different tones of the same hue - the key is to pick one focal piece and build an outfit around it.

Tip #4: Work with textures

You can't really go wrong with blue. But we suggest wearing different textures and mixing them so as to create contrast to your overall look.

There you have it. Some easy tips to help you work out the colour blocking trend. Are you a pro on this? Do you love colour-blocking? What is your go to colour combinations, and how do you colour-block? We want to hear what you have to say!