A Colorful Life

Flipping through magazine pages of spring trends is exciting. Flipping through your closet of drab business basics? Not so much.

But we found a spring trend that easily translates from runway to workplace: color-blocking.

This applies to clothing or an outfit that features at least two solid colors paired together.

We know you’re not about to strut into the office looking like a walking rainbow. So, Little PINK Book picked out some options that add a dash of fun color while keeping it professional.

Spring ’12 collections from BCBG to Victoria Beckham show the key to great color-blocking is balance. One way to do this is by pairing bold colors with pales or neutrals, and avoid wearing too many colors at the same time (three or more bright hues is probably too much).

A pencil skirt with a color-blocked blouse in understated tones keeps your look from going over the top. If you stick to an all-neutral outfit, color-block with a statement bracelet or tricolored pumps.

You can pair this striped skirt from Nordstrom with a classic white button-up, then polish it off with simple accessories.

Don’t have time to come up with cute combos? Let the stores do the work for you! Opt for a two-toned ensemble, like this Talbots dress. Then, balance out the muted colors with a pair of bold heels.

Bonus PINK Link: Craving more color? Here’s how to wear the color of the year.

By Christina Thompson

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way.”
Georgia O’Keefe