Trend Watch

Colorblocking 2.0

by Jordan Wolf on August 09, 2011 at 04:39AM

Looking for a cool way to infuse your end-of-summer look with some fresh style? You could run out and drop some serious cash on a brand new wardrobe or a few to-die-for designer dresses, but that’s just unnecessary, not to mention uncreative. Rework, revamp, and reinvent what you’ve already got with some new accessories in the trend of the season – colorblocking.

We’ve already been over the who’s, what’s, where’s, and why’s of this widespread trend, and showed you how to mix and match sleek solids for a gorgeous geometrical ensemble, so now take it one step further and upgrade your plain-jane shoes and purses to Colorblocking 2.0. No download required.

Feet first – we’re loving these fabulous fuchsia Yang Sandals from Jeffrey Campbell. Bright, flat, and comfortable, these shoes were made for the summertime. The multi-melon hues would go great with a rich neutral like tan, camel, or cognac, or score double points and pair them with an ultra-bright outfit like a lime dress or a sleek, fitted pair of orange pants.

Color-blocking turned a sea of heads at the Prada Spring/Summer show – bold stripes and chunks of primary colors contrasted with basic black on crop tops, wiggle-worthy tube skirts, and funky elastic strap shoes. These Prada Multicolor Elastic Criss-cross Strap Sandals are perfect for Miami – slip them on whenever you want to turn a simple outfit into a stunner. We’d love to see them with a body-conscious navy blue or black maxi-dress, or with a full, fluffy white skirt. In green, hot pink, brown, black, blue, and orange, it’ll be a long time before you run out of pieces to wear ‘em with.

Bring new meaning to the term “bag lady” with an amazing collection of color-blocked bags. Big or small, clutch or cross-body, a two-tone bag is the ultimate statement piece. Liven up a polished professional look with this ASOS Leather Color Block Satchel, and then take it out for a playtime, too, by pairing it with a silky mini dress in coral or cobalt.

Or, think small time with a multicolored mini-bag; check out the luxe, jewel-toned suede of Jeffrey Campbell’s Hoffman-2 Colorblock Bag and the irresistible patent-leather sheen of Laura Matthew’s chic blue-and-yellow Colorblock Clutch. Either one would make a fab addition to your going-out repertoire – and with colors this saturated, you never have to worry about losing your purse in a dark club again.

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