Rock the (Colour) Block: 5 Foolproof Colour-Blocking Ideas

Unsure about what to wear and looking for quick, fashionable outfit ideas? Try the colour blocking trend.

Stand out from the all-white and all-black fashion crowd, by colour blocking your way down the streets of Singapore. Whether you are working with warm hues or bold colours from top to bottom, colour blocking is sure to be a head turner to looking chic.

Not sure what this fashionable trend is about? Well, it simply means using “blocks of colour” in your outfit to create a bold, eye-catching look. The main principle of colour blocking is to combine two or three different, but complementary colours in one outfit. Typically, these colours are found opposite of the colour wheel.

Whether you're mixing contrasting tones or combining colours from the same family, it is without a doubt that colour blocking is a bold and fun way to dress! This way of dressing gives us the chance to express our sense of self, and allows us to show off our personality.

For inspiration, look to these five colour block outfit ideas that are stylish and easy to pull off.

Look 1: Modern Chic

Modern shapes and of-the-moment accessories maketh the concept of modern chic.

A modern chic woman is fuss-free. Her style is universally appealing, but not overly embellished. Her outfit's details will tell the story with quality fabrics and construction, solid colours, as well as tailored lines. The next time you need to pull something together, think crisp, clean, and sophisticated. 

Incorporate a top with a twist, like this navy Magyar Surpliced Cotton Blouse from iORA which features interesting design details like a round neck with surpliced V-opening. For the bottom, this dark grey Accordion Pleated Long Skirt from UNIQLO adds a touch of feminine elegance. Elevated slightly for a height lift, give onlookers a peekaboo under the pleated skirt in this pair of water repellent sneakers from MUJI. Complete the look with an easy-to-carry canvas tote bag from iORA, and a stunning minimalist layered ring from CHARLES & KEITH.

The result is a simple, yet modern and chic look.

Look 2: Laid Back Chic

 Wear this combination any day of the week for a laid back and chic outfit.

As much as we love getting dressed to the nines for a night on the town, sometimes, at the end of the day, all we want is to be comfortable. Of course, just because you want to wear a laid back outfit doesn’t mean you have to compromise your personal style. When the occasion calls for our favorite pair of joggers (hello, Netflix night), we're all for it, but casual doesn't have to be, well, all that casual. If you think being chic and cosy can’t be done, think again.

When in doubt, pair a top like this light blue Organic Cotton Broad three-quarter-sleeve blouse from MUJI, with UNIQLO's Satin Drape Jogger Pants in orange. In place of an elastic waistband, this pair of joggers sports tassels which makes it perfect for staying in or stepping out. Tie it all together, and add a touch of cool with this Adjustable Hat with Water Proof Tape from MUJI, and this Crossbody Asymmetrical Bag from iORA. Finally, slip into this pair of Ballerina Slingback flats from CHARLES & KEITH for a flirtatious touch.

If you're looking for an easy ensemble to throw together at a moment's notice, this outfit will create a relaxed yet put-together look for any occasion.

Look 3: Street Chic

Street chic is a versatile aesthetic that lends itself to most tastes.

Street style’s domination of the fashion scene over the past few years is an interesting phenomenon to note. With various elements at play, fashion and street style have come into a symbiotic exchange of inspiration where influences flow from the streets to the runway, and vice versa. The adoption of which has resulted in a street chic look of mixing highly fashionable pieces with streetwear staples.

One key to achieving the street chic look is the ability to effectively coordinate separates. Begin by pairing this black Ribbed Round Neck Half Sleeve T-Shirt from UNIQLO, which is made of rayon ribbed fabric, with a denim skirt from Levi’s. The denim skirt adds a street chic dimension to the relaxed top. Add variety with this silver Glossy Leather Sling Bag from iORA. 

Get the street style vibe right with this pair of Acetate Sunglasses from D&C (Anchorpoint), and this khaki Rex Double Buckle Slide from Rubi Shoes

Look 4: Resort Chic

Resort chic wear transports you to a beach somewhere with a piña colada in hand.

As a style, resort wear has significantly increased in popularity over the last few years. You may associate resort attire with swimsuit cover-ups, big hats, and flip flops, but it is so much more. As a clothing style, this year-round trend can include a number of items that are casual, yet very stylish. With breathable fabrics that typically require less ironing and fuss, resort chic wear will typically evoke ideas of travel to exotic, beachy locales.

Opt for light neutrals paired with bright colours. When choosing colours, khaki, shades of white and ivory, together with yellow all look lovely together. Let’s start the look off with this radiant Lettuce Trimmed Crop Knit from iORA that features a texture-weaving neckline and hem. Complement this with this pair of wine-coloured Drape Shorts from UNIQLO for a flared silhouette that flows beautifully. If you want to be fully prepared for anything at the beach and need more space, MUJI’s Water Repellent Polyester Tote Bag in light beige will protect your stash from splash. In the same vein, keep your feet nice and dry with the brand’s Water Repellent Flat Shoes in mustard.

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to accessorise with a pair of oversized sunglasses like this one from H&M, which will put you in a getaway state of mind.

Look 5: Safari Chic

 The safari chic trend is perfect for the modern woman taking on the urban jungle! 

In 1985 the concept of safari chic entered our lexicon because of actor Meryl Streep, who immortalised the no-fuss style of a woman living in the bush. Her uniform in the movie Out of Africa — white shirt, camo-coloured chinos and stiff-brimmed hat — inspired one of the biggest fashion trends of the era. This style, one that evokes a sense of old-world adventure and relaxed elegance, is still as current as ever in the fashion world.

When it comes to shirts, seek loose fitting and breathable linen material tops like this orange Linen Blend Open Collar Short Sleeve Shirt. For an instantly streamlined silhouette, pair it with Smart Ankle Pants in an earthy tone. Both are from UNIQLO, and are the easiest of safari staples to mix and match with. Featuring a block heel for a confident rise, this pair of High-Top Zipper Block Heel Boots from D&C (Hougang Mall) will help you on your way to supermodel style. For accessories, get adventurous with this Aria Chain Strap Cross Body Bag from Rubi Shoes, and this tan-coloured Raffia Fedora Hat from MUJI — essential for keeping the sun off your brow.

The safari trend is as covetable for a wildlife holiday as it is for an urban adventure.

Now that you have some guidance on how to colour block, give it a try! Remember to be self-confident and never be afraid to show off your style, imagination and mood. Always experiment, and you’ll discover a new you in every new colour! So, go on and have a great time blocking colours.

CHARLES & KEITH is located at Anchorpoint, Causeway Point, and Waterway Point.
D&C is located at Anchorpoint and Hougang Mall
H&M is located at Waterway Point.
iORA is located at Hougang Mall, The Centrepoint, and Tiong Bahru Plaza.
MUJI is located at Tampines 1.
Rubi Shoes is located at Causeway Point and Northpoint City
UNIQLO is located at Causeway Point, Changi City Point, Northpoint City, Tampines 1, Tiong Bahru Plaza, and Waterway Point.

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