While it may not seem obvious at first, but a little bit of
curious research can shed light upon the fact that there is in fact a
science behind fashion. Most of us more commonly associate fashion as an
arts’ venture, because perhaps that’s a more easier thought process and
also comes naturally. However, there is evidence to prove otherwise.
The color theory that most of us have studied in our physics class can be applied to the fashion worlds’ concept of color blocking. Yes, lets take science out of the text book and use it to create outfits for everyday life! How very interesting – wouldn’t you say??
Color blocking is the idea of taking a two or more solid-bold colors, and using them throughout your outfit. While that may seem simple enough, the confusion arises from having to select which colors to put together. There are some of us who are just innately good at this, and can mix and match colors without putting in an iota of thought. But then there are those who have to learn to be fashionable and trendy.
Unlike in any period of history before, we are living in an age where we can self-teach our selves pretty much anything! We must take advantage of this privilege.
The color wheel describes the range of colors that we see in the world.
Primary colors – Red, yellow, blue
Secondary colors- Orange, green, violet
Tertiary Colors- red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-green, blue-violet, red-violet
These colors can be used in ways that makes an outfit appealing to the human eye. In order to color block there are few things that we can take from science on how to create balance in an ensemble. Here we will illustrate two basic strategies on how to color block- Complimentary and Analogous color blocking.
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| Color Blocking using Complementary Colors |
1) Complimentary colors
– these are colors that lie on opposite sides on the color wheel. So if
you just chose one color, then follow your finger through an imaginary
diameter- the color on the other end is a complimentary color. An
example is the following image on the left.
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| Color Blocking using Analogous Colors |
2) Analogous Colors – These are colors that
sit next to each other on the color wheel. So if you put your finger on
any color on the color wheel, the colors to the left and right of that
color are Analogous colors. So yes- you can safely put together two very
bright colors- red and pink !
While these are just two of the basic themes of color blocking, I have
chosen them because you can start of with these and then move on to the
more complex ones. Like a science experiment, there is trial and error
involved – so you must be patient. Put together a few different
combinations based on the color wheel and see what works for you.
Whether you are trying to color block your top with pants, or you are
trying on a pre- color blocked dress- remember to have fun with it !!
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| Color Block using Pastel Colors |
Pastel Color Blocking
Another way that you can be a part of the
color block trend is to color block with pastel colors. Pastel colors
are very light, low saturated colors, and have a matte output. Examples
include-butter yellow, powder blue etc. Again, don’t forget that it may
not be a one time success- but you shouldn’t get discouraged and give
up.
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| Color Blocking with Neon Colors |
Neon Color Blocking – another way to
incorporate color blocking into your wardrobe is to use bright neon
shades. Keep in mind that this color palette will surely be a very bold
one. So if you are feeling a bit experimentative – go for it ! If you
have your hesitations about color blocking in general, it is better to
start off with something like pastels and then progress to this.
This post just basically brushed the surface of the wonderful world of
color blocking. Keep in mind that you can learn a lot about how colors
work in conjugation with each other when constructing different outfits.
I would love to learn about your ideas, and how you guys go about color
blocking. So please comment. Remember to EXPERIMENT LIKE A SCIENTIST
!!!
This is a very interesting way to use the leopard print. In this style, the leopard print is paired with two neutral tones - the black of the pants and the white of the blazer. However what really takes this outfit up a notch is a bright colored collared check shirt. Add a nice pump - and va va voom !! 
If you wish to integrate leopard print into corporate/office wear, you can opt for a beautiful leopard print long sleeved blouse such as this. The other details like the black contrast trim at the collar and the bow add the extra oomph to this shirt. It is very nicely paired with white pants or a white pencil skirt. 
This particular leopard print top would look great when worn with a pair of your favorite fitting jeans. You can pretty much wear heels and dress this top up or wear flats and dress it down. It depends on how you feel and what the occasion is. The polka dots make for great visual interest and you can look for similar tops where the leopard print is mixed with some other pattern. 
This leopard print dress in a lovely light shade is beautiful, stylish, yet it oozes comfort. So if you are one of those people who really does not wear tight dresses or tops, this one is defo for you. You can add some tights in the winter time and wear your favorite boots, or you can wear some gladiator sandals for the summer time. 
When you muster up the courage to wear a print on your bottom half, then you might as well go for a leopard print. Again this can be paired with neutrals if you want to play it safe , or if you wish to deviate from the norm, you can select different colors and patterns even. But make sure, that the end product does not look chaotic and hodge podge. 
Finally, if you feel like you really want to take baby steps when experimenting with this style- you can opt for a lovely leopard print scarf. While it is mostly worn in the winter time, if you find a lightweight , cool fabric you can also try to wear it in the winter. It is a great conversation piece and you will surely be noticed. 
