Is Colour Blocking On Trend in 2026?

Absolutely yes – colour blocking is having a major moment in 2026, with fashion weeks from London to Milan showcasing bold, confident combinations that prove this trend is far from over. After years of muted palettes dominating our wardrobes, we're embracing the art of pairing contrasting hues with renewed sophistication and modern twists that feel fresh rather than retro.

As someone who's been styling clients for over a decade, I can tell you that colour blocking has evolved dramatically since its last major surge. We're no longer talking about the stark, primary colour combinations of the early 2010s. Instead, 2026's approach is all about unexpected pairings, tonal variations, and strategic placement that flatters rather than overwhelms.

What Makes 2026's Colour Blocking Different

This year's iteration focuses on harmony within contrast. Think sage green paired with dusty rose, or burnt orange meeting deep navy. The key is choosing colours that share similar undertones or intensities. I've been helping clients master this by using the 60-30-10 rule: 60% neutral base, 30% dominant colour, and 10% contrasting accent.

The most wearable approach I've seen involves colour blocking through accessories and layering rather than head-to-toe statements. A cobalt blue blazer over a cream top with terracotta trousers creates impact without looking costume-like. This technique works particularly well for those new to the trend.

How to Style Colour Blocking Like a Pro

Start with colours you already love and feel confident wearing. If you gravitate towards earthy tones, try pairing rust with forest green or camel with burgundy. The trick is ensuring one colour dominates whilst the other provides the contrast punch.

Texture plays a crucial role in making colour blocking feel sophisticated. Mixing a silk blouse in one shade with wool trousers in another creates visual interest beyond just the colour contrast. I always advise clients to consider the occasion too – workplace colour blocking should lean towards more muted combinations, whilst weekend looks can embrace bolder contrasts.

Best High Street Options for Colour Blocking

Zara continues to lead the trend charge with expertly curated colour-blocked pieces and separates perfect for mixing. Their seasonal palettes always reflect current runway directions.

COS offers minimalist colour blocking that feels effortlessly chic. Their architectural approach to design translates beautifully into wearable colour combinations.

Mango delivers affordable trend pieces with excellent colour saturation and modern cuts. Their blazers and knitwear are particularly strong for colour blocking enthusiasts.

Whistles provides sophisticated options that work perfectly for professional colour blocking. Their understanding of contemporary British style shines through their colour choices.

Jigsaw excels in unexpected colour pairings that feel fresh and modern. Their prints often incorporate colour blocking elements seamlessly.

ASOS offers the widest range of bold colour-blocked pieces from emerging designers alongside their own-brand options, perfect for experimenting with the trend.

H&M makes colour blocking accessible with affordable basics that mix and match beautifully. Their Studio collection often features elevated colour-blocked pieces.

Premium Investment Pieces

Reiss crafts colour-blocked pieces with exceptional tailoring and sophisticated colour combinations that transition seamlessly from day to evening.

Ted Baker brings playful sophistication to colour blocking with their signature attention to detail and quality fabrication.

Luxury Designer Options

Max Mara approaches colour blocking with Italian elegance, creating pieces that feel timeless rather than trendy. Their coats are particularly stunning.

Unique Independent Brands to Watch

Palones is a London-based brand creating bold, architectural pieces that celebrate colour in the most sophisticated way. Their approach to colour blocking feels both artistic and wearable.

Rejina Pyo offers contemporary pieces with unexpected colour combinations that feel effortlessly cool. This Korean-born, London-based designer has mastered the art of modern colour blocking.

Styling Tips for Different Body Types

If you're petite, keep colour blocks proportionate to your frame – smaller blocks work better than large swathes of contrasting colour. Taller figures can handle more dramatic colour blocking and larger blocks of colour.

For those wanting to create a more elongated silhouette, vertical colour blocking works wonderfully. Think a navy dress with a coral side panel or colour-blocked trousers with a tonal stripe.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring 2026 colour blocking leans into fresh combinations like mint and peach or lavender and butter yellow. These softer pairings feel perfectly aligned with the season's optimistic energy.

For autumn and winter, we're seeing richer combinations emerge – think burgundy with forest green or deep purple paired with burnt orange. These combinations feel grounded and sophisticated whilst still making a statement.

Perfect Your Colour Blocking Fits with Tellar

Getting colour blocking right isn't just about choosing the right colours – fit is absolutely crucial. There's nothing worse than a perfectly coordinated outfit that doesn't fit properly. This is where tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable.

Tellar is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. No more guessing sizes or consulting confusing size guides – just accurate fits every time.

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Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements or your existing brand size
Use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand – tellar.co.uk
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The Tellar Fashion Hub is also a treasure trove of styling advice. It's a library packed with free posts from top stylists – honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. Whether you need style advice, top picks, or brand recommendations, they've got you covered.

For more comprehensive guidance, check out these essential Tellar resources:

Colour blocking in 2026 is about confidence, creativity, and finding combinations that make you feel amazing. Whether you start small with accessories or dive in with a full colour-blocked outfit, the key is to have fun with it. Fashion should bring joy, and there's something undeniably uplifting about wearing bold, beautiful colour combinations that reflect your personality.