Colour Blocking Continues Into A/W11

 

 

Feeling the pinch this year? Well luckily, the fashion favourites for Autumn/Winter 2011 aren’t too different from Spring/Summer 2011. The continuation of styles such as chiffon blouses, maxi/midi skirts and wide leg trousers, are all evident in the new season collections. But today, I am going to give you everything you need to know about colour blocking for A/W11. Colour blocking has been extremely important this year, and is possibly the biggest trend that we have seen so far. 2011 has been hailed by fashionistas all over the world as the year for complete colour chaos.

So whether you’re wearing mustards,rust, electric blue or black, make sure you take note of the re-occurring colour blocking theme. The focus is not on the shade (although jewel tones are strongly recommended) but on the contrast of colours. So when tightening those purse strings this fall, bear in mind that some items in your wardrobe from S/S11 may come in handy. Be adventurous, and mix up the colour palette in the same way high fashion designers and high street stores have done.

High Fashion Colour Blocking Examples – Fall 2011

DKNY

To be a colour blocking queen, you need to mix up textures like DKNY’S “New York Mods” A/W11 collection. Uptown tailored jackets and sporty elements create a preppy twist.The tartan delights feature shots of colour, ideal for city girl dressing. And the statement black against red screams divine indie-chic.

Osman

Osman’s minimalist separates were matched with bundles of brightness. They were stunningly simple against leathers and fur, and showed a professional take to colour-blocking. Only a pro could create outfits as well co-ordinated as this! Topped off with Jessie-J like hair and harsh “Don’t mess with me” faces.

Prada

Moving on from the stripes seen at Prada’s S/S11 show, the A/W11 campaign consists of strong blocked bolds mixed with snakeskin and fur. Rubix cube inspired dresses and re-invented vintage elements from the 60s and flapping 30s. A modern approach to a winter wardrobe, proving that no matter how dark it is outside there is still room for colour.

Roksanda Ilincic

Breathtakingly beautiful sunset silks, in deep shades of plum, burgundy and orange melted down the catwalk at Roksanda Illincic’s A/W11 collection. This is colour block perfection for evening wear. The collection shows feminity and class, but oozes sex appeal and individuality.

Gucci

Finally to sum up A/W11 this year look towards Gucci. The fall show had it all! Fur, snakeskin, wide legged trousers, heavily 70s inspired pieces, chiffon and lots of COLOUR! Pops of purple here and there in various shades, lashing of turquoise/navy, flamenco hot reds, icy greys and touches of white for those frosty winter mornings.

Note: It is important that when colour blocking this season you take into account which shades/fabrics go well together and which don’t. For example, if your going to wear a cream chiffon blouse don’t pair it with a khaki pair of combats! Intsead match it with a high waisted navy cordroy trouser or jean.

High Street Colour Blocking Examples – Fall 2011

New Look

Looking cool and casual New Look’s A/W11 collection is quirky and fun. 80s inspired pieces together with heavily festival influenced items. A strong colour palette of darker brights for a retro edge.

Dorothy Perkins

A riot of rainbow colour at DP, bringing sunshine into the typically boring pieces usually presented by the brand. We have all been wishing for those hot summer days so that we can wear our summer outfits, and now it looks like we can wear them after all! Even if it is for A/W11… and it does decide to rain.

Primark

Primark is the perfect example, of cheap chic. Their version of colour blocking is right up there in the fashion stakes. Primark have proved that you don’t need a huge purse to be fashionable this Autumn Winter. You can fool anyone with a priceless primark piece!

Urban Outfitters

Still keeping to their grungy unique style, urban outfitters have embraced the colour blocking trend using inspiration from vinatge clothing. Baggy cardigans, fur, turbans and quirky patterns all matched with two or more colours.

Miss Selfridge

Embracing the theme of colour blocking Miss Selfridge, show how to work patterned multi-coloured knitwear and the most popular colour trends for A/W11. Rust with mustard or shades of emerald, are popular colours to watch out for this season.

Now you have all the information you need to wow, your friends with colour blocking this Autumn/Winter. Just remember to take into account the weather, so create bold and colourful winter warming outfits!