Choosing the right colors for color blocking & dots for your dress

The normal, unwritten protocol of the fashion world is that trends are ephemeral. They emerge in one season and vanish in the next. When they are the rage they become the toast of the fashion industry but when they go out of style they fade into oblivion like an ageing superstar. But, as they say, exceptions prove the rule and two trends have been doing just that: color blocking and polka dots.

Color blocking is here to stay

Forget match-match for some time, contrast is the way to go. Mix and mismatch shades to achieve the color blocked effect. The good news is that while the West is waking up to this trend only now, color blocking has been an inherent part of Indian couture culture for decades, maybe even centuries. Pairing a purple choli with an orange lehenga or contrasting a red blouse with a black sari is an integral part of our ethnic dress sense. And, although the best part is that color blocking does not have a fixed set of rules, it is better to follow some simple guidelines.

Do's for choosing right colors

• Be bold: Display your bold side as you go for color blocking with gay abandon. Team a caramel tank top up with a silver skirt or wear an olive green T with your trademark denim. In color blocking, more than the apparels it is the attitude which matters. If you have the confidence to carry off two seemingly unrelated shades with panache, then go for it.

• Keep your body shape in mind: While it is true that color blocking suits all body shapes and sizes, the main thing to remember here is to color block according to your figure. Go for a layered look if you are Amazonian in your body type; if you have heavy hips but lack height, try pastel shades rather than bright hues because bold colors end up emphasizing the hips and cutting inches further.

• Experiment: The good news about this trend is that there is no end to experimentation. Neon colors are the big thing this season and color blocking gives you the perfect setting to check out if fluorescent tints become you. So, try out a sea green top with turquoise blue capris and find out from the mirror and your gal pals if neons are up your alley or not.

Don't for choosing right colors

• Overdo it: When colors are involved it is easy to go overboard and end up looking like a neon rainbow. Dare to pair but restrain yourself from matching a fuchsia blouse with an aubergine harem pant and fluorescent yellow blazer and topping off the look with crimson lipstick and indigo eye shadow. It is better to pick and choose your colors to avoid resembling a patchwork quilt. While boldness is required it is best to go with colors that you are comfortable with.

• Forget the accessories: If you are dressed in white from top to toe, adding a crimson lipstick, a scarlet clutch and red ballerina shoes will complete the look and make you party-ready in seconds

• Leave out prints and patterns: Many people feel that adding graphic prints and intricate patterns makes color-blocked outfits too cluttered; hence, they avoid designs altogether and go for plain numbers. But fashion designers are unanimous in the opinion that it is okay to flirt with patterns without upsetting the essence of color blocking. So make geometric prints a part of your wardrobe and watch the heads turn.

Passionate about Polka

Who would have thought that a handful of dots sprinkled across garments would take the fashion world by storm? Named after a Bohemian dance by the same name, polka dots came into sartorial existence decades ago and are still going strong.

Do's for choosing right dots

• Keep size in mind: Remember, in the case of polka dots, size does matter. If you have a short, curvy figure, then avoid large dots and go for smaller ones. They will help in creating a slim silhouette. Also keep in mind the shape and cut of the dress.

• If you are in your mid- 30s, wearing a polka dotted midi with puffed sleeves may make you look like a gawky schoolgirl instead of portraying you as a fun-loving, independent woman.

• Team up with patterns: Like in the case of color blocking, many women hesitate in pairing prints with dots for the fear of looking awkward. Nothing can be farther from the truth. Blouses in animal prints and skirts with polka are a big rage right now as are floral motifs and dots. Even formal dresses are seeing a transformation from the usual plain to dotted and printed.

Don't for choosing right dots

• Keep age in mind: Those who say polkas are for adolescents have it all wrong. Aishwarya Rai was 35 when she carried off the famous polka dotted top in the retro drama Action Replay. Just go for pieces which are age-appropriate and you will be just fine.

• Go from head to toe: Imagine a dotted dress, dotted accessories and dotted shoes. People will start seeing spots everywhere. Very few people can carry off the top-to-bottom polka look. If you are just a beginner in the polka universe, then stick to giving a subtle nod to the trend: maybe a hair band or a belt in dots to start with. Then you can keep adding spots as you grow in confidence.