Photo: Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
Traditionally, moving from summer to fall in fashion means toning down the palette. Call it a sartorial representation of the shift to falling leaves and gloomy weather. Call it a post-summer come down. In any case, the somber hues of seasons past are out the window in fall 2011, and replacing them are vibrant tones and even a trend to capitalize on them: color blocking. We've seen color-block maxi dresses and tops this summer, but come September, the racks will be filled with color-block sweaters. And while it's bold, this look can be combined with a variety of personal styles and is easy to wear for all body types.
The good news about this trend is it's a forgiving one. 'The silhouette is boxier, which lends itself to a wider range of people.'
- Ruth Sonnenshein, fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and co-founder of the styling company A Clothes Call
Color Blocking 101
In case you need a refresher course, color blocking is a trend that incorporates at least two contrasting colors -- though more are encouraged -- in solid blocks. This can be accomplished in one garment, like a sweater, or by pairing a few pieces, such as a blazer, blouse and trouser, in three distinct hues.
This retro trend is reminiscent of styles seen in the 1970s. This season, designers are using a vibrant color palette, from pinks and oranges to cobalt blues and emerald greens. And while the style is distinctive, the fabric and cuts of the sweaters vary. Color blocking shows up in a variety of arrangements -- the colors can be blocked in geometric shapes, also known as Mondrian, after the artist, or perhaps a big stripe at the bottom of the sweater. And the playful, quirky nature of the trend lends itself to a variety of looks.
While buying a beautiful, new, designer-label color-block sweater sounds like a fantastic idea, your bank statement may disagree. Don't worry. Accomplishing the color-blocking trend doesn't necessarily require buying new clothes. Personal stylist Heather Snow's favorite way to color block is by combining three separate pieces that are sharply contrasted. "A white jacket, a black top, a pair of cobalt blue pants ... I love that look because it's so current for this year, but it's also so '70s as well."
And with the broadness of the color spectrum this fall, you probably have items sitting in your closet that are ripe for the trend.
"While the silhouettes are changing, I don't think the palette will change too much from summer to fall," said Ruth Sonnenshein, fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and co-founder of the styling company A Clothes Call. So if you bought a solid-colored maxi dress this summer, no need to put it in storage -- simply repurpose the dress by throwing on a chunky knit sweater in a contrasting color and a pair of ankle boots, and voila -- you're color blocking for fall.
All it takes is a little creativity, so invite over some stylish friends, crack open a bottle of wine, open your closet and discover some color-block outfits you never knew you had.
Exploring the Look
Whether your style is bold, conservative or whimsical -- or you change it up from day to day -- the color-block sweater serves as a centerpiece for a variety of looks.
"My favorite way to wear it tucked in is with a high-waisted, wide-leg pant," said Heather Snow, a Los Angeles-based personal stylist. She also suggests pairing a lighter knit sweater with a long, flowy skirt. For an even more bohemian style, Ruth Sonnenshein, fashion stylist, wardrobe consultant and co-founder of the styling company A Clothes Call, suggests pairing a cropped sweater with a maxi dress and a pair of ankle motorcycle boots. Looking for a simpler look? You can always throw on a pair of skinny jeans and flats, and you're out the door.
The good news about this trend is it's a forgiving one. "The silhouette is boxier, which lends itself to a wider range of people," Sonnenshein said.
But while sweaters are easy to wear for most every body type, do be conscious of how you style it. If you're fuller figured, Snow advises matching a sweater with a fitted pant. "I always tell my clients to wear fitted clothes," Snow said. "The bigger the pant, the bigger it makes you look."
She suggests trying out a longer sweater with a skinny pant and belting the sweater at the waist. And for the more petite woman, Snow says a sheer sweater with a long skirt or wide-leg pant can look very chic -- and won't leave the woman drowning in fabric. And the boho sweater-maxi dress combo is perfect for a tall woman, says Sonnenshein. So women of all body types can use the sweater as a jumping-off point for an outfit, albeit different styles.
Pushing the Color Wheel
If there was ever an autumn to break out of monochrome, 2011 is the year. "There's so much color -- the cobalt blue, the poppy red, the orange, the lavender ... there's no wrong way to wear the colors right now," said Snow. So when you're trying out your color-block sweater ensemble, don't let the piece steer you away from adding even more pops of color.
If you're feeling more fashion forward (and bold), pair your sweater with a brightly colored pant, suggests Sonnenshein. "I call it a 3D-effect," she said. "Instead of going two-dimensional, add a third color, and you'll jump out from the rest of the pack."
The bright color palette that designers are working in for fall harken back to the vivid, eccentric disco era. "[The trend] is a throwback to the '70s -- Halston, Studio 54, it's fun. Everyone is excited to bring that back to life again," noted Sonnenshein.
And there may be good reason to be wistful for times past. With the slump of the recession, the past several years have showcased a somber palette, and it seems designers and shoppers are ready to jump out of the funk. So it's no wonder that this playful, vibrant style has resurfaced this summer and is staying put for fall. As Sonnenshein said, "This is a trend where people can really let their wild side come out."
