Fashion: Colour blocking

It’s all about selecting a shade and going for it from top to toe. This look isn’t for shrinking violets, it’s about being bright and eyecatching, so only confident dressers need apply.

Seen on spring/summer runways, such as DVF, Peter Som and Ralph Lauren, the trend has made its way on to the high street just in time for our Scottish summer.

Orange and hot pink look sensational together and are the colour tag team of choice for fashionistas.

Popping a pink top underneath an orange short suit will leave you on the right side of the fashion police, but crank it up a notch by adding a chunky black shoe to counter- balance the clothing.

Colour blocking has been around for a while and has morphed into different variations over the last few years, with some designers placing different colours on top of each other for a more rainbow-led look.

But the classic way to colour block has its roots firmly placed in the 1960s.

Take inspiration from Andy Warhol and his plethora of female muses and go über bright.

Blues should be bold so stay away from dark tones, such as navy, and likewise with lighter shades like turquoise.

Add texture through your fabric choices so that you don’t look one dimensional. Using denim teamed with crepe materials and tailored blazers keeps the look really current.

A simple way of achieving colour blocking successfully is by adding accessories to a dress in your selected shade. A yellow frock works well when adding a primrose heel and canary patent leather tote to tie everything together.

Greens should be vibrant, not acidic. You can lighten the look by adding lime in one of your accessorie,s but keep everything else strong on the body.

Creating elegant lines to colour blocking adds a nice fashion juxtaposition. Since this is supposed to be a bold look, introducing elegant or romantically cut clothing mixes things up. Pleating is very big on the high street right now and is incredibly flattering to the wearer.

Bright trenches are in abundance at the moment and are a great way to continue colour blocking while introducing a little bit of a cheat.

Popping a pump and handbag in cherry red alongside a pillar box-toned trench means you could sneak a simple black dress underneath if you just want to test the water with this trend.

• Model – Judi at Mannequin. Make-up –Ebony at Glamcandy. Assisted by Emma Prior. Thanks to Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art for use of Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing # 1136 at The Scultpure Show: 1900–2012, which runs until June 24.