Rock the colour block!

I’m all for a print!

For a very long time, much of my wardrobe was made up of bright and vibrant prints, and while it definitely provided a feast for the eyes, it could at times be quite difficult to style as I had neglected my block colours.

Yes, prints can be layered and paired together to create a real showstopping look, but more often than not we can overlook the power of a block colour in making a bold sartorial statement.

I was reminded of this at a wedding I went to recently where I pulled out two looks from my wardrobe; one, a vibrant, vintage inspired floral midi dress; and the other, a bold block colour full length dress.

I went with the pink-y/red high neck dress because when you combine block colour and a great silhouette, you really don’t need to do much else to the look. A couple of well thought out accessories and you are set.

Someone who also knows the power of simple block colour and pairing block colours is Opera Lane stylist Breeda O’Connell and I love how she styled this for a recent event.

White can often be seen as a summer colour, but I am very much here for a winter white, especially when it comes in the form of a stunning white structured dress.

The devil really is in the detail with this, and I’m obsessed with the gold brooch detailing at the waist and the super flattering ruching in the silhouette completed with the strong shoulder detail. See the photo on the left.

If going for a block colour - especially white - I think you cannot go wrong with leaning into the structure of the piece and then complementing with accessories. White and gold are just ideal but in summer I would swap out the gold for turquoise or hot pink accessories.

While a block colour dress is an easy way to get to grips with the trend, separates can also work a treat. Colour drench and use the same shade in tops and trousers, knits and skirts, or use different shades from the same colour family to create super styled looks.

I love the burgundy trousers paired with a lighter top which is so flattering but as always use colour to your advantage and wear your best colours near to the face. The outfit is pictured to the right.

Again, you can use off the shoulder details and nipped in waists to elevate the look.

Wearing block colour also allows you the freedom to play around with texture which I always feel works particularly well for autumn winter which often features luxe fabrics such as leather, suede and wools.

When colour blocking, really pay attention to the types of colours you use. Complementary colours such as pink and green or blue and yellow a very high impact look while tonal colours from the same colour family create a very sophisticated, easy to wear style.

If wearing a really bold primary colour, you can ground your look with wardrobe essential neutrals so I always have a stock of white, black, grey, and navy t-shirts, trousers and jackets that will always work well with my brighter block colours.

When it comes to your accessories, I love one big bold piece like a statement cuff or chunky necklace but you could also kick things up a notch and layer multiple bangles or layer larger necklaces.

Remember, you can play around with it and add your own style to this blank canvas!