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Colour in FashionColour Trends

2012 Colour Trends for Fashion & Interior Design

By 08/29/2011January 28th, 201716 Comments

I opened my September Vogue magazine and was thrilled to read the headline on page 578 – Out with Tedious Black! Writer Sarah Mower goes on to say that among the fashion crowd, the race is on, not to see who can wear the highest heels but who dares to slip a neon-lime clutch under the arm of a sunflower-yellow jacket for example. At first, fashion made an attempt at labeling this phenomenon as “Colour Blocking.”

“I’ve never understood what that means—other than being a timid term for a sub-trend no one initially believed had any potential because women had been hooked on black for decades,” says Sarah.

Image via September Vogue 2011

 

We all need to hear this now, the sooner the better. “Only one, maximum two, giant fashion changes happen per decade.” The reason this trend is so important is because of the way it’s permeating tailoring—jackets, coats and trousers, which have been set to default black since the 80s.”

source

So this fall, buy the raspberry jacket instead of yet another black one. When the fashion seismograph registers a wave like this, the change it’s bringing will run for years. We already know that BIG colour is here to bring gray to life in interior design and I’m happy to report that this same trend in fashion will be here to stay.

What colour would you buy if you could find it?

ps. I hope all of you in the East are safe and intact from the Hurricane! xoxo Maria

Related posts:

How to Wear Colour or Neutrals: Which Group are you In?
Does Home Decor Follow Fashion?
Love Your House and Your Closet

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16 Comments

  • pve design says:

    I used to design clothing and one thing that always sold really well was color! I would love to splurge on a bright coat from Bottega Veneta. They have a stunning red one and a green one too. I think they would make the holidays cheery and bright.
    pve

  • Ms. Givens says:

    I found a nice handbag at Macy's in all purple. 🙂

  • Anonymous says:

    I looked washed out and older in black so I don't wear black around my face. It really limits what is available. I will be very happy for a change!

  • Ideezine says:

    Maria,

    Color does always lift you. Love all the shoes! I find it thrilling to restyle items for current times and comfort levels of fitting. I can wear most colors and love black with a bright colors. Change is good!

    You can tell alot about a person by looking in their closet and using that detective work to identify a new look for their home as well. My closet is organized by color.

    Bette

  • Katelyn @ Pure Panache says:

    I'm so happy that Vogue is featuring stylish color…I am a fellow color-holic, and believe that you don't have to wear black to be fashionable! Just discovered your blog, I'm really enjoying it!

  • Pink Overalls @DIY Home Staging says:

    This is REALLY good news for all of us. Black always seemed like such a cop out.

    I'll be looking for lime and orange pieces. Yum.

  • San Antonio Parade of Homes says:

    The color is very important. It symbolizes you attitude. Also it help to boost your mood. So in selecting colors you must be intelligent.

  • Donna Frasca ♋ says:

    All of them! I was never a fan of black and rarely wear it. I love the bright, bold colors (solids) whether they are in a pant or blazer. Now the shoes, although very pretty, are really just torture devices for me! LoL

    As far as translating these colors into the home – absolutely but toned down of course.

    I'm going shopping!!!

  • Janet says:

    Thanks so much for the great post. I'm so glad for more information on Casual clothing.
    I have such a fascination with clothes and love to stay up on the latest fashion trends and newest clothes on the market.

    http://www.clothingobsession.com/

  • Barbara Bussey {The Treasured Home} says:

    I wish my 56 year old feet could wedge into those gorgeous booties! Spectacular!

  • Anonymous says:

    Maria, I bought a new purple dress for the season. I wore it to a birthday party last weekend and I plan on wearing it as my new little black dress all fall/winter! Yay for colour !

    love, Anita

  • Christina says:

    Color blocking is sooooooooo 80's! my decade! I'm not a big fan other than the colors themselves. They cut you in half. I do however love it for design. Love neutrals, but you have to have color in there or ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

  • Brillante Interiors says:

    Love, love, love colors and it is always fun to color our life in fashion and design!

  • Linda @ a design snack says:

    I have two summer dresses that I love and wear all the time. One is just a smidge darker than royal blue, and the other is a pink on white print. I get compliments on the blue one, "I love that blue color!", and the pink, "it looks so summery", but when I wear my black sleeveless classic, I hear "you look great."

    This is a great post. But I think we should wear what we love AND what we look good in. And sometimes it is black.

    And I don't mind if no one shares this opinion: the pink blazer, yellow tank and green pants are wearing the model. Should be the other way around.

  • Maria Killam says:

    To all those who think that I am suggesting that we all run out and buy a pair of green skinny jeans. NOT. I just think it's exciting that colour is coming back in coats. I can't wait to buy one in a great colour for winter!
    Thanks for your comments,
    Maria

  • Marla says:

    I just love periwinkle, and it looks great on me. It can be hard to find, but I snatch it up when I see it, and never fail to get tons of 'you look so rested' or 'you look so great'

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