Master the Art of Male Color Blocking

Yesterday, I posted a Blogger Spotlight on color blocking and with such a great response I decided to expand on the topic for those who wanted to try this technique with different color palettes. 

This is an older spread that came out in June of 2011 but I feel as if it depicts the different variations of color blocking effortlessly. Twenty-one year old model Taejahn Taylor, from Massachusetts is currently taking the fashion Industry by storm. The young model has worked alongside the infamous Alessandra Ambriosso and Rob Evans on a shoot for Numero Tokyo, however here we see him on his own in the spotlight for GQ! This in depth " Ola De Color" fashion spread was shot in the desert as features the photography of Sergi Pons and styling by Miguel Arnau.

Color Blocking Tips

The color wheel will be your best friend! The best color combinations are within two to three spaces of each other. If you've mastered this skill set you can add additional combinations with colors diagonal of each other. 

Cheat. You'll look like a fashion genius without putting any thought into it if you simply buy an item that is already color blocked. Pick one that works for your skin tone and personal style- and make sure all the colors flatter, not just one or two.

Pair separates. When it comes to color-blocking with separates, the easiest way is to pair a bright hue with a contrasting darker hue. Once you've gotten the hang of it, you can try to pair two bold colors, but we suggest starting with the basics. As I talked about in yesterday's blog post, try using an additional dimension of color to break up your two separate layers as pictured below with the belt option. 

Kick it up a notch. Once you've got your basic/ bold hues covered, it's time to add one more (yes, one more). Try adding a pattern or stripe to add more physical levels to your ensemble. Remember to keep colors in line with the visual story you are depicting. Notice in the below picture the stripped socks and tribal shoes were added.

Up the Ante. Once you've got your main hues represented in your outfit, take color-blocking to the next level with accessories. If you've got a deep-hued top, or bright suit, pair it with bright accessories and vice-versa. A bright yellow top looks great with cobalt blue bracelets, and a deep purple or navy pant works very nicely with bright shoes. Try adding a bold hat to further address your color story. 

Opposites attract. There are a few things to remember when it comes to color-blocking with the right colors. Make sure you only have one neon color. While it's totally okay to rock three bold colors, only one of them should be super bright. We like this formula: one bright, one bold, one neutral.

For some additional palettes check out these visuals 

 Great options to wear with Royal Blue 

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Blogger Spotlight: Color Blocking [Art + Fashion]

Yesterday, I decided to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan to check out the SCHIAPARELLI & PRADA exhibit. For this [Stylish Sunday] I went with a summer favorite theme: Color blocking. There is a very fine line in allowing the mix of different colors to work against each other, but when done effectively you are able to produce a combination worthy of a photograph. For this ensemble, I wanted to work with the dark contrasts of navy and purple by adding a pop of green hue for additional definition. The hint of orange is showcased in the sole of the shoe and is also brought out in my belt option. I used the bright orange belt as a focal point barrier to break up my shirt and pant. The pink lapel flower is just another dimensional layer of color I added to make the upper of my wardrobe pop when wearing the jacket. It serves the same purpose as my orange belt when the jacket is off. That forth dimension of pop color is a crucial element when selecting your combination while color blocking. Granted, it's not necessarily needed but when used correctly it solidifies the fact that you know what your doing!  

In a recent TREND REPORT  blog post relating to [Getting Dressed from the Sole], I talked about how this hot trend would be sure to surface in the summer months. Ideally the concept is self-explanatory. By literally allowing the sole of your shoe to depict your fashion forecast for the day, you are able to allow your shoes to speak for themselves. Check out that informative post here and the break down of my color blocking outfit below. 

 [Joe Fresh] Navy Oxford with orange sole- $69.99 (Sale rack---originally $99.99)

 [ALDO] Orange Belt- $19.99

[ALDO] Gold watch face- $40.00 (Comes with 3 additional bands) 
[American Eagle] Navy blue and white watch band- $2.99 (Clearance)
[Canal Street]  Gold bangle- $5.00 

[EXPRESS Men] Purple 1MX dress shirt- $59.90 (Now on sale for $29.99)
[H&M] Green suiting pant- $29.90
[Ralph Lauren] Navy weekend bag (free with the purchase of Polo Blue cologne--- this offer is            
                             no longer available)

[Goodwill] Navy peak lapel, double breasted blazer- $9.99

[Hancock Fabrics] Purple pocket square-$2.00 (1/4 of a piece of purple fabric]

Check out my post here on [Juliet's Pocket Squares] for other great square options. 

[H&M] Fuchsia lapel flower-$3.95
Check out my post here on [Male Lapel Flower Fashion]


::F I N A L  L O O K::

If you are in the New York area or will be visiting soon, the Met's Spring 2012 costume exhibition "Schiaparelli and Prada" will be showcased until August 19th. The educational exhibit explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and  Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. 

Are your socks happy?

In today's dress code your socks are just as important as the kicks you stuff them in. No more solids, it's time to spruce up your sock game with print!

Designed in Sweden, Happy Socks is paying attention to detail with a large array of socks that will literally brighten up your day, hence the name. The vibrant colors and bold patterns are hard to pass up and sure to be a conversation piece when styled with contrasting pieces from your wardrobe. Take a look at some of the male fashion pics from the Happy Socks lookbook:

Here are my 3 personal favorites from the collection:

 Leopard

 Color Block

Big Polka Dot

Happy Socks can be purchased on their Official website here. Although the socks are happy, the prices won't make you sad. A starting price of $12.00 is the going rate to get your hands or shall I say feet in a pair!

This sock brand proves although you can have a mean shoe game, your socks can be happy (lol).

Check out the Happy Socks Official Blog here.