1 DON'T OVERDO IT
The easiest way to pick colour-blocked pieces that flatter is to choose a dress that features one hue for the top and a different hue for the bottom. Depending on the colours, this combination can hide common figure flaws, such as wide hips and broad shoulders.
Also, opt for a dress where the two colours meet at the waist area as this emphasises your waist and accentuates the figure, giving you a more hourglass frame. You can add a third colour by cinching a thin belt in a clashing hue, for instance, to add visual interest.
Unless you are a waif-like model, avoid wearing more than three colours at a time. It can look too busy and the more chunks of colour you have on you, the more you cut up your body. This will make you look shorter and wider.
Colours brighten your complexion but too many colours, especially if they are intense hues such as bright yellow, red and orange, will overpower you.
If you are wearing separates, always choose a dominant colour and let the rest complement it.
If the dominant colour is red, for example, choose pieces in more basic or neutral colours, such as pastel yellow, white or grey. This balances the look, making the ensemble easier on the eye.
2 CONSIDER YOUR BODY TYPE
Use dark and neutral colours on the parts of your body you do not want to draw attention to. Contrast these with brighter hues on areas you want to flaunt.
So if you are bottom-heavy, make sure the bottom half of your outfit is in a solid dark colour. Brighter colours on top will draw the eyes up and elongate your frame.
Those who have broad shoulders and are top-heavy should wear brighter and bolder colours below the waist. Bright-coloured jeans, for instance, work well. Keep colours and patterns simple on top to minimise attention to that area.
Generally, combining bright colours with neutral shades is a safe option. Spice up a grey top with a purple pencil skirt, for instance, and complete the look with nude or black heels.
A bright colour attracts attention to the part of your body you wish to emphasise, so pants in a cheery hue can draw the eye to your legs. The reverse combination works for your torso and neckline.
3 THINK OF THE COLOUR WHEEL
Complementary colours are hues on opposite ends of the colour wheel, such as blue and orange, and violet and yellow. These colours create a contrasting effect yet work harmoniously with each other. Check out the colour wheel at bit.ly/3w8WjF, the website of Pantone, a leading authority on colour for the past 50 years.
However, because these are strong hues, always use one as the dominant colour and let the other play a complementary role. Your outfit should stop traffic, not cause accidents.
Also, avoid mixing two dark colours as the heavy effect would make you look dowdy. If you insist, add a brighter colour to break up the look. For instance, if your outfit comprises a brown top and a black bottom, throw on a white jacket to brighten up the look and break the monotony.
4 KEEP ACCESSORIES SIMPLE
When working this trend, keep your accessories plain and simple.
To tie the whole look together, shoes and bags should be in neutral colours or black.
Black accessories streamline the whole look and allow the outfit, which should be the focal point, to shine. You should not be a walking Rubik's Cube.
If you prefer an all-black ensemble, a colour-blocked statement necklace or bag can spice up the look.
At the end of the day, however, these are just guidelines. If you have the confidence to bend the rules and rock several colours at one go, don't let anyone stop you.
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