Colour-Blocking: For Men With Discerning Style

06 Jul 2012
Written by Mr Cornells
Published in FASHION TRENDS
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We in summer and one trend rocking fashion circles is "the colour-blocking" trend. This concept is still alien to the average Nigerian man. This is understandable as Nigeria is a relatively conservative society. So, it's not given a rousing welcome here. Men with discerning fashion eyes will appreciate "colour-blocking trends" as they happen. But mixing colours effectively is VERY TRICKY and must be done thoughtfully.

Also, it's pertinent to point out here that blocking other colours with neutral colours like black, white and grey isn't colour-blocking. Many people make this mistake. Without much ado, here are a few tips:

Models on the runway

First Step

This must be done carefully to avoid looking like a Victorian court clown. Depending on what you have, start by "blocking" with just one colour. For instance, a baby blue shirt may go well with cobalt blue trousers/pants. You could finish off the look with an ultramarine blazer + light blue pocket square. All these colours are shades of blue, colour-blocked effectively.

Pieces from OzwaldBoateng collections

More Colours

Yes! One can block more than one colour. But the thing is, the colours MUST compliment each other. For instance, tangerine and red, yellow and green, blue and violet, etc may all be complimentary colours depending on how they matched. More risks may be taken to make it three colours, and this is max.

Efemena Tommy Snapped Milan Fashion Week 2012

Loud Colours For Guys

As a guy, avoid loud or shimmering colours. However if need be, one can take the "fashion risk" with colours like yellow, green, cyan, lemon, pink etc. These "loud" colours may be ideal for dark guys. Eg., trying out a yellow double-breasted blazer on green pants is a perfect combo. You could go further by having your pocketsquare in red or a shade of green like lemon.

A Fashionisto snapped at Arise Fashion Week Lagos, March 2012

Accessories

Your accessories must compliment what you are wearing. From your ties, to pocket squares, to cufflinks, to belts, manbags, socks, etc, they must all be harmonious tones and hues. But avoid creating a matchy-matchy effect.

Bright colour socks

A bright colour jacket

Mix and match bright accessories

Bright colour Coco phone

Shoes

To have stares looking your direction, you must walk by faith and no other thing does this better than your shoes. From tassled slip-ons, to derbys, to calf shoes and brogues, these footwear are essential if you want to make a statement with a colour-blocked dress sense. And of course, first impression matters alot. Ladies may forget colours, but not the bloke sporting snazzy brogues!