Colour-Blocking in theory and practice

Colour-blocking is still trendy this spring/summer, so here is how to pull it off.



The colour-wheel is a handy tool for styling your outfit. It`s simple;
Pick two colours from the same family (warm or cold) for clothing and add one flashy accessory or shoe in a complementary hue. Pair one primary colour with it`s secondary colour.



An example; let`s say you picked a pink blouse and a dark blue skirt (both from the cold colours side), you should pair them with orange shoes (or bag), since orange is the secondary colour to dark blue.


Purple, orange & pink
Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, bag: Salvatore Ferragamo, shoes: Elie Saab

Remember that colour-blocking requires bright colours. Neutral colours (black, white, grey) don`t count. Wearing a white shirt to red pants works but is not colour-blocking. Neither is wearing a grey shirt to black pants and white shoes.


Red, pink & blue
Dress: Vivienne Westwood, box clutch: Roberto Cavalli, shoes: Joop

Do:
- Wear with simple make-up and simple hair do (open hair, bobs, buns or simple pony-tails work best).
- Colour-block the same colour-intensity. Pair pastel with pastel and neon with neon but don`t wear a neon purse to a pastel dress.


Green, magenta & orange
Dress & jacket: Burberry Prorsum, clutch: Elie Saab

Don`t:
- Mix too many colours (4 or more), you don`t want to look like a parrot.
- Mix colour-blocking with other trends like metallics or print-mixing.
- Wear big jewellery, flashy nails or strong make-up with it.


Turquoise, dark blue & orange
Coat: Burberry, box clutch: Roberto Cavalli, pumps: Alexander McQueen


Red & pink (+ neutrals)
Blouse: Burberry Tailoring, pants: 7 For All Mankind, aliceband: Monki, bag: Roberto Cavalli, shoes: Joop


Pink, green & orange
Dress: Vivienne Westwood, bag: Etro, shoes: Alexander McQueen


Pink, yellow & dark blue
Blouse: Monki, skirt: Lauren by Ralph Lauren, shoes & bag: Elie Saab


Blue & orange (+ neutrals)
Blouse: Monki, pants: 7 For All Mankind, bag: Salvatore Ferragamo, shoes: Alexander McQueen

All looks styled by Jenny.

Pictures are property of the respective brands.

Which of the looks is your favourite and which would you wear yourself?
Are you colour-blocking this season? If so, what are your favourite colour-combinations?

15 Style Tips for Men

Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 11/12

1. Shoes make the man. Make sure your shoes are appropriate for the occasion, which will mean immaculate, closed leather shoes most of the time. Sneakers are only ok in the gym and flip flops only at the beach.

2. Get a REAL HAIR-CUT. I cannot stress this enough! Your hair is the frame of your face and shapes it. Most flattering hair-cuts require a certain length so go to a professional salon and don`t require ‘short and practical’. Flip through their books of model-haircuts and pick one that corresponds with your head-shape AND that you`re able to style by yourself every morning (the hairdresser can show you how). You will have to buy and use products for that.

David Gandy

Ralph Lauren Purple Label F/W 11/12

3. You need at least eight suits. A well-fitting suit is still the best thing a man can wear. You need: - one formal black suit for official occasions - one formal evening suit (preferably with satin or leather details) - three modern work suits (they can have trendy cuts) - one tweed-suit for traveling in style - one white (or beige) linen summer suit - one casual, stylish suit for private parties and occasions. Black, dark blue and all shades of grey are safe choices. If you`re into fashion you can go for red, tartan, dark green and shades of light-brown. (Caution: hands off pink, light-blue, yellow and all pop colours – they only work in editorials and on skinny japanese hipsters.)

4. Regular grooming is a MUST! Short hair-cuts need to be re-cut in a salon every four weeks, manicure & pedicure once a week. Eyebrows that grow together need to be plucked.

	5. Don`t shave off too much. The ‘metrosexual’ 90s are over. Beards are having a comeback and many people are really turned on by a hairy, manly chest. So don`t shave before it`s required.
6. Take care of your skin. You need an eye-cream, a day-cream (with UV-protection of minimum 15) and a night-cream. Anti-ageing starts at age 25. If you get skin irritations from shaving first change the method of your shaving, then the products (the dermatologist is the last resort).

Style icon & living legend David Bowie	7. Wear the established classics of menswear. Ties and bow ties complete every suit and also look stylish under pullovers on more casual occasions. Don`t forget matching cufflinks. Please wear hats and leave beanies to children.
8. Accessorize! A pocket square, coloured socks or a silk scarf add a fashionable touch to every suit.	Kenzo F/W 11/12

Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 11/12	9. You need bags! Yes, more than one. You should have a clutch for evening occasions, a laptop-bag (no nylon!) for school / work and a satchel and messenger bag for everyday use. Preferably in multiple colours. Oh and please burn your old bagpack immediately!
10. Perfume is the essence of seduction. A modern (!) fashion fragrance increases your attractivity several hundred percent. (Caution: hands of drugstore scents and ‘classics’ like Old Spice – nobody will want to sleep with you if you smell like their father!)
Jean Paul Gaultier F/W 11/12	11. Bad-boy details, please! The modern, sexy rebel is subtle. Underline your sex-appeal with accessories like leather gloves, biker boots, stylish (high quality!) leather jackets, one (!) leather or chain bracelet. (Caution: hands off everything David Beckham ever wore – that`s category ‘Over’)

12. Stay slim. It`s the easiest way to look good and all cuts will work on you.

Burberry Winterstorms Eveningwear F/W 11/12

Tom Ford

13. Have a style icon. Choose a man who`s style you admire, carefully study his style (details!) and copy it. Get rid of today`s dogma of “uniqueness” – not all of us are geniouses that re-invent style daily! - and don`t be the millionth person to ‘express their individuality’ with H&M clothing. Good style derives from experience and quality – not spontanous ideas! The copying of your icon`s style is just the first orientation anyway. You`ll find out what works on you and alter it for yourself in time.

14. Self-confidence & manners No matter how crisp you look – it`s all useless without confidence and good manners! Being a gentleman, listening attentively and not being completely self-absorbed will bring you far.
Brioni cufflinks F/W 11/12	15. Invest in status-symbols. Every man needs a quality watch (rather a descent mid-priced one than a fake Rolex!), designer shades, tasteful business cards, cufflinks and (real-) silk ties.

Written by Jenny for Solosso Style Tips, Picture credits: 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14. All are licensed Creative Commons 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

What are your most important style tips for men?

10 style tips to look your best by Dress Code: High Fashion

1. Cover the flaws of your body and emphasize the good parts at the same time. If you`ve got something nice to show – work it, baby!
	2. Rather “refine your type” instead of changing like chameleon. Find out what works for you and stick to it (that especially goes for make-up).

3. Have a definite hair-colour. Get rid of the dirty blonde or the ashish brown and get a haircolour that suits your type at a professional salon. Make sure your hair is always in it`s best condition (that requires using professional products).
	4. Learn how to do a make-up that covers the imperfections of your face (f.e. make your eyes look bigger, your lips fuller etc).

5. Have a professional pluck your eye-brows (regularly). The expert knows the right shape for your face.
	6. Always have a perfect manicure and pedicure (that means men too!).

7. Develop your own daily and weekly beauty routine and stick to it! Beauty requires persistence.

8. Shoes make the person! The choice of shoes says a lot about you so make sure they are high quality and always immaculate (sorry ladies, fake red soles are NOT an option!).

9. No plastic, please! Stay away from tanning, hair-extensions, fake nails or plastic surgery. These tacky no-go`s will throw you right into Jersey Shore-hell.
	10. Never ever ask a salesperson, your best friend or your parents what they think of your outfit. You won`t be getting an objective opinion. It`s YOUR opinion that counts. If you think you can wear it, you can!

Picture sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 8 9 10. All are licensed Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Which points do you agree or disagree to?