From Runway to Retail: Colorblocking

As Paris Fashion Week comes to an end, let us look forward to the coming Fall 2012 trends: Military inspired, Graphic art prints, All white.

[source: Getty]

But let us not forget on March 20th, the season of spring actually begins. Remember the Spring shows from last fall? One of the dominant trends on the runway was color blocking. The idea is simple. Color blocking is pairing up two to four solid colors in one outfit. That’s it. The key to pulling the outfit of is that the colors need to contrast, yet compliment one another.

[source: Glamour.com]

Colorblocking as an idea is nothing new, but the concept blew up in the Fall runway shows and has translated into retail this Spring. Fashion One has scoured the internet to find the hottest color block pieces, so you can wear the trend as your style.

This simple, but adorable Rare spring skirt is only $69.83 from Asos. Pair it with a solid, bold color top like the model shows and you’re ready for an spring afternoon outside.

This Milly 'Imara' $390.00 dress from Nordstroms is a perfect colorblocking work piece. This tailored dress will turn heads at work because the contrasting colors are bold,but the dress is still appropriate. Paired with simple nude or brown heels, this outfit is perfect for an office look.

These Michael Kors $250 shoes from Lord & Taylor can be paired with an innumerable amount of outfits. A plain black, brown, or tan dress to start with, a tangerine orange top with black slacks, any bright color tops with a flowing black skirt. The possibilities are endless and the shoes are an easy way to integrate color blocking into many outfits you already own.

This $76.80 French Connection dress from Dillards simplifies the colorblocking trend by only picking different shades of the color red. As Bill Blass said, “When in doubt, wear red.”

This $88 Victoria Secret maxi dress is the definition of a spring dress. The vertical colorblocking stripes compliment one another, while adding height. Add a pair of colorful heels and you’ll be unstoppable in this number.

A very simple Akiko dress at $205 from Bloomingdales. The red boldness of the dress is toned down with the navy blue and nude stripes. The 60’s inspired minidress is reminiscent of the Go Go girl look with a modern twist.

These $188 Vince Camuto shoes from Bloomingdales somehow incorporate four colors into one pair of heels. These shoes basically can be worn with any brown, blue, orange, or yellow outfit. But let the shoes stand out when wearing these babies, because to much color in one outfit can be to much... and you want these shoes to have all the focus.

I like this $85 dress by Type Z from Zappos, because it combines color blocking with two other big Spring trends, pleating and the high-low cut. The belt comes with the dress, but it is removable. I would pair the outfit with a dark brown belt, or even a green or red belt to bring even more color to the outfit.

Another work appropriate color blocking outfit from Bebe at $129. Do you have a picture of yourself sporting the colorblocking trend this Spring? Send us your pictures at info@fashionone.com and we’ll post another blog piece with pictures of our viewers in this fashion forward trend.