Color Blocking - No rocket science!

I would like to believe it’s impossible that any of us have missed out the trend of “COLOR BLOCKING” in outfits!

I say it’s the quickest way to look like a fashionista.

Yet, I will not refrain from saying that COLOR BLOCKING has a huge potential for a fashion disaster if not done right!

So, here I am putting down some very basic rules of Color Blocking. Naturally, these rules will be mere guidelines for some & starting points for the others! Let’s get started-

• Try to wear no more than 3 colors per outfit.

• I would put black and white into our “neutral shades” category. This will give you more room for color integration. Example- you can wear 4 colors if one of them is white.

• Do color blocking from top to bottom and not side to side. For example- your top is one color & your bottom is another. Not your left arm 1 color, the body in 2nd color & then right arm in 3rd another.

• If possible stick with solid colors to start with. Color blocking and patterns can be tricky & over whelming. Once you are confident go for it- why not!

• Be conscious of your “BODY TYPE” when color blocking as bold colors draw attention to specific areas. And we always want the focus to go on our flattering areas & not the trouble areas.

• If you are not confident about color blocking yourself you can buy dresses that combine bright colors - shop for a modest geometric style dress.

• It can be complicated to pick colors while combining for color blocking. So...

STEP 1 -Select one of the 3 techniques to styling a color-blocked outfit -

Option A: Monochromatic = one color throughout entire outfit in different hues.

Option B: Separates = mix garments of contrasting (2-4) colors.

Option C: Stand-Alone = one color-blocked garment where the designer has already done all the work for you.

STEP 2-Select a color scheme:

Option 1: Complementary colors are opposite each other on a basic color wheel (can be jarring to the eye)

Option 2: Analogous color schemes use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel (harmonious & pleasing to the eye)

• Color blocking does not have to be done with bright colors only, color blocked pastels work equally well.

• With the plethora of accessories easily available in the market these days they can contribute stylishly to color blocking! Think- necklaces, shoes, bags, scarves. belts etc. etc.

• Don't over accessorize. Let the color blocking carry the outfit.

• If you are looking for simplicity & elegance stick to one shade of metal jewelry/outfit- either gold or silver; particularly for chunky jewelry like statement necklaces and watches. For a bold look you could experiment with both shades together.

• Lastly, if you are wearing makeup -shades in your make up count too!!! - Apparently red lips count!

There will always be a million exceptions to the rules.

You be yourself & style it up!

Now that you have the basic tools in hand all I hope is, to see you participating in this color-blocking trend!

Neha Bhandari – Stylist & Founder of StylizedU

Neha Bhandari is a professional image consultant, personal stylist, and the creative force behind StylizedU, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals through style. With a background in Sustainability, and fashion, Neha brings a unique blend of empathy and aesthetics to her work, helping clients not only look better but feel more confident and authentic. Based in Luxembourg and previously in India and the US, she has worked with clients across cultures and continents, offering wardrobe makeovers, body shape analysis, personal shopping, and style identity coaching.

StylizedU is not just about fashion—it’s about transformation. Neha’s approach is practical yet deeply personal, guiding people to align their clothing choices with their lifestyle, personality, and professional goals. Her styling sessions lead to clutter-free wardrobes, revitalized self-image, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether it’s helping someone rediscover their style after a life transition or preparing them for a public appearance, Neha ensures that every client walks away more in tune with themselves.

Through workshops, blog posts, collaborations, and one-on-one sessions, StylizedU continues to inspire individuals to take ownership of their personal style. Neha’s mission is clear: when you feel good in what you wear, you show up better in every area of life.