Color Blocking – Triadic Brights on the Marshes

Color blocking is nothing new, but it is especially prominent this year.

From the Bloggers Do It Better challenge to the Color Brigade, there is no lack of inspiration out in the blogging world. But here on Stylepint, I haven’t really ventured into color blocking. It’s not that I don’t like color, but I don’t have many vibrant pieces…or so I thought. Since I’m putting the chambray styling series on hiatus (can’t give away all my secrets at once ) , it’s time for some color blocking!

What is color blocking?

It’s exactly what it sounds like with swatches of solid colors stacked next to one another. This time around, bright colors are paired together to create a fresh, youthful, and vibrant summer look.

Color schemes to rock this trend:

• Monochromatics
• Complementary colors
• Analogous colors
• Triadic colors
• Split complementary colors

I won’t go into detail about each scheme, but I’ll do my best to show an example of each for this series. Wendy did a great color theory video if you want more information.

How to add color to your outfits?

If you are usually in neutral colors like I am, adding color can be a daunting task when starting out. But there are some steps you can take to build your confidence in color. I wrote about them in a previous post and I will reiterate these steps.

• Easy: add a pop of color to a neutral outfit with accessories
• Intermediate: draw colors from a pattern/print
• Advanced: mix and match color schemes

Starting with Triadic Colors

Onto the outfit.

I started with the thrifted silk scarf and pulled three colors from the pattern to create a color blocking look. Using primary colors (red, yellow, blue) I constructed an outfit that’s bright and balanced. Pick one dominant color and use the other two for support. The red is the main focal point and the blue is a secondary asset. The yellow hue is subtly expressed through the metallic bag, nude wedges, and gold accessories to complete the look in a sophisticated manner.

Triadic color pairings:

1. Primary: red, yellow, and blue
2. Secondary: orange, green, and purple
3. Tertiary: red violet, yellow orange, blue green /red orange, yellow green, and blue violet

While I was taking photos, I heard a low hum and I followed the sound to a small swarm of bumblebees. I haven’t seen bees in a while…but I used to think they were everywhere. Yet, this is the first time I really noticed their presence in a long time.

It was fun watching them because they’re so big and fat, when they land on some of the poppies, the petals just fall apart. The bees slip off confused as they headed toward another flower. haha #beefail

Outfit Details: Forever 21 vest – S, BCBG tunic – XXS, DIY circle skirt, thrifted Ralph Lauren scarf, Charles David Awaken wedges

Shop: vest, tunic, wedges

Tagged as: bright colors, color blocking, fashion, petite, primary colors, red and blue, relaxed, style, summer, triadic color scheme