Wardrobe Oxygen: Color Blocking Stands Out Among Spring Fashion Trends

If you haven't already noticed, Spring 2011 runway looks were infused with color. Whether it's bold stripes from Prada, the saturated separates at Gucci and Jil Sander, or the color-blocked dresses at Prabal Gurund--bright hues are definitely on trend.

I love the return of color to fashion, but have found it can be a tricky trend to master. Here are some tips on how to achieve the color blocking look this season:

Understand the Trend. Color blocking isn't just adding a pair of red earrings to a neutral ensemble; this look is bold and quite beautiful. Many designers are offering single garments with graphic blocks and stripes of color; others are pairing solid-colored pieces together to create a strong look. The point is lots of color, lots of intensity.

Know Your Color Wheel. If you're new to mixing bright colors, it can be daunting to figure out which colors go with which. The color wheel was created by Sir Isaac Newton and has been used ever since by artists, printers, and designers for deciding which colors work best together.

Complementary colors are those that are directly opposite one another on the color wheel; analogous colors are those that reside next to one another on the wheel. Complementary colors are a safe bet for those who are new to color-blocking; when you have gained confidence in mixing brights, it's a gorgeous look to pair analogous colors.

Use Black and White. Nothing makes bright colors pop better than pairing them with optic black and white. A great way to dip your toe into the color-blocking look is to wear a brightly colored blouse with white trousers and a black belt; consider strong accessories in black and white (bold bangles, wide modern belts, platform and wedge heels, structured bags) to pair with your bright ensemble.

Keep it Clean. Bright colors look best paired when they are on clean silhouettes. Let the colors tell the story and focus on well-tailored trousers, silk shirts, clean shift dresses, crisp pencil skirts. This season has also brought a return to crisp structured handbags and other accessories, keeping with the graphic trend. Keep the ruffles, textures, and decoration for other ensembles in your wardrobe.

Anchor Color with a Neutral. To keep from looking like an exploded box of crayons, balance your brights with a neutral piece. A magenta and orange color-blocked sheath with nude platform heels, a purple jacket and turquoise shell with tan trousers, hot pink blouse with red trousers and beige wedge heels.

A pair of skin-colored shoes will be your best friend this spring with all the bright hues--they go with everything and elongate your leg. With such strong hues, consider a strong shoe--flatforms, platforms, and wedges are on-trend this spring and can hold their own with bright and bold clothing.

Will you be wearing the color blocking trend this spring? What is your favorite brightly-hued look this season?

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.