No dear, this is NOT colour blocking

Sorry, this trend doesn’t mean we are going to start playing with Lego… (although it may require dark sunglasses).

Colour blocking is one of the hottest trends this summer, and lucky for all of us, it is one that we can ALL wear (if we want to, that is). Basically you get the brightest colour you can find, and then clash it with the second-brightest colour you can find… and so on!

This is what colour blocking looking like on the runways…..

Ok got it? great! blog done…..

Well OK, maybe it’s not QUITE that easy….there are a few quick tricks to getting colour blocking right (and not looking like a can of jellybeans exploded on you!) So here they are;

1. If colour blocking scares you, use white too.

This tones down the colour slightly. Try to avoid colour blocking with black, this is a spring/summer trend, you want to be fresh and bright and black tends to dull colours (just ask Trinny and Susannah)

These options from Suzanne Grae (1) and Sussan (2) are good ways to work your way into colour blocking

2. Match colours of the same intensity

You don’t want to put a fluro pink with a pale blue (that will just look like the 80’s vomited on you). Most of the colours that are around this season are a vibrant mid-tone – cobalt blue, coral and jade green are the most predominant. But matching colours with the same intensity, it looks like you have careful constructed your outfit, and the colours will compliment each other, rather than you looking like it’s laundry day and you are wearing whatever is left in your cupboard.

All these colours have the same intensity – they work well together without competing. Top from Asos.com $11.98, Shoes from Novo $59.95 and jeans from CottonOn $39.95

3. Simple, clean lines are best

Because there is so much bright colour, stick to clean, simple shapes otherwise the look can be a little over the top. (Think Katy Perry – sorry Katy, I love you, but only you can get away with what you wear!)

Clean lines work best when colour blocking. L – R. Sussan, CottonOn, Suzanne Grae

4. Find the outfit that does it for YOU

Like all trends, wear this in a way that suits you, your lifestyle and your body shape – there is no use trying to wear a trend in a way that doesn’t work on you, you won’t look fashionable, you will just look silly.

Here are three of my lovely personal styling clients working the colour blocking trend in their own ways:

From left to right – Pip, Catherine and Sharyn all working the colour blocking trend in their own way – go girls!!

5. Let the outfit do it for you!

There are so many great pieces around at the moment that have incorporated colour blocking into the outfit (that way you don’t have to think too hard yourself, I like that, not having to think too hard…..my brain hurts!)

Let the dress do it for you! 1) Suzanne Grae $69.95, 2) Country Road $149, 3) Ally Fashion $34.95 4) Suzanne Grae $59.95

So hopefully that helps with colour blocking a little – it’s a fun trend that suits EVERYONE if done correctly! Colour is always flattering next to everyone’s face, and I don’t know about you, but I always have an extra spring in my step when I am wearing a little bit of colour (that is the Queenslander in me coming out I’m sure!)

Here is a quick list of a few stores that I have found to be really embracing the colour blocking trends:

1. Country Road

2. Sussan

3. Suzanne Grae

4. Bardot

4. Novo

Will you be embracing colour blocking this season? How are you going to do it? Where are your suggestions for stores that offer great pieces to colour block?