Trend to Try: 3 Rules to Colour Blocking in 2018

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Steve Marais | Styling: Akim Jardine

A colour clash technique that’s been present over the ages - some periods more prevalent than others - colour blocking is the way wear your hues, this season. We know, it can look jarring and sometimes feel a little juvenile, but things have changed this time; there are more subtle ways to pull it off and measured approaches to the bright contrasts. That’s probably the great thing about trends rolling in and out of style: there’s a chance that the next cycle will be better than the last and even more fun to play around with. We’ve put together three ways you can come correct with clashing colours in 2018, scroll through and try yourself out…

A clash of equally blasting brights can be as for the wear as it is for onlookers, but it’s not to say that they should be avoided completely. They have their place, and you do what you want when you’re popping! Do the most, but focus on a coherent composition, divide the colours or prints up into sections that are easy to consume, that way you can get away with wearing the rainbow without setting off any alarm bells.

Jumping straight into bold brights from a tonal wardrobe is a leap most of us can’t manage. You adjust to loud trends like colour blocking better when you make a smooth transition into them, and even end up having a lot of fun. So, do pair that navy with cute florals and other natural hues, you’ll still be on trend even though you’re going at your own grade. 

Pastels are underrated tones on the spectrum that can make as much impact as their vibrant counterparts, when done right. They even come across really well when you do make the unexpected pairing with a primary colour. This is an elegant way to pull off a colour block for work or whenever you feel like smartening up.