Colour Block & Slimming Illusion Dresses
Contrast Colour Block Dresses
Dresses with black lines and contrasting colours at the waist produce a shapely figure and work well for all sizes. Colour block dresses create a shape on a slim body and are flattering on a curvy body too. Petite dresses with panels or vertical lines can also give the appearance of height on a smaller frame. Buying plus-size outfits with dark panels and cut-outs at the side makes the contour of the body appear much slimmer. A splash of colour also has a part to play in the art of illusion and can enhance the silhouette in the most flattering of ways.
Mother of the Bride Dresses – Jersey – Shift – LBD – Maxi & Midi Dresses
Colour Block Dresses and Hats to Match
Coast colour block dresses and hats to match come together to bring standout race day outfits. Expert milliner Lisa Tan has crafted stunning hats and fascinators complimenting Coast’s special occasion dresses.
We love the Lisa Tan Geo Stripe ruffle shoulder midi dress featuring bold bursts of colour and contrasting geometric shapes. For a classic edge, the colour block midi dress offers a sleek sleeveless fit and flare design in a pink, lime and white combination. Contrasting tones, rainbow hues, cascading hems, bows and ruffles complete the special race day and wedding occasionwear at Coast.
Illusion Colourblock Dresses
Live Unlimited Curve Colourblock Hanky Hem Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners
£69.00
View Details
Sarta Colourblock Sleeveless Tiered Midaxi Cotton Dress in Pink
Debenhams UK
Hobbs Women's Colour Block Slash Neck Midi Waisted Dress - 12PET - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK
£189.00
View Details
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Coast Racer Neck Printed Twill Midi Dress With Contrast Panel
Debenhams UK
AX Paris Multi Stripe Smudge Print 2 In 1 Frill Split Midi Dress - Multi
very.co.uk
Coast Plus Georgette Long Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress In Colour Block
Debenhams UK
Ro&Zo Sofia Mono Stripe One Shoulder Maxi Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners
£169.00
View Details
HotSquash Halterneck Contrast Panels Maxi Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners
£155.00
View Details
Karen Millen Soft Tailored Colourblock Pleated Panel Midaxi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Colourblock Tailored Bandeau Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
£229.00
View Details
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Colour Block Panelled Tailored Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Phase Eight Women's Colour Block Midi Bodycon Dress - 10 - Multi, Multi
Marks and Spencer UK
£119.00
View Details
Karen Millen Compact Stretch Colour Block Panelled Tailored Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Plus Size Soft Tailored Colourblock Tailored Sleeveless Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Debenhams UK
Olivia Rubin Maddie Rainbow Stripe Sequin Midi Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£320.00
View Details
Karen Millen Plus Size Compact Stretch Colour Block Panelled Tailored Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Debenhams UK
Colourblock Hats Shoes and Bags
Radley Valentine's Day Edition Liverpool Street 2.0 Mini Grab Bag, Black/Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£199.00
View Details
Dune Merriment Abstract Print High Block Heel Sandals, Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£90.00
View Details
L.K.Bennett Dee Crinkle Patent Leather Crossbody Bag, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners
£229.00
View Details
John Lewis x A.W.A.K.E. MODE Square Toe Dome Stud Open Leather Court Shoes, Black Patent Naplak
John Lewis & Partners
£179.00
View Details
SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Rampling Satin Colour Block Court Shoes, Candy/Mouette
John Lewis & Partners
£255.00
View Details
Dune Advert Bubble Print Patent High Heeled Court Shoes, Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£90.00
View Details
John Lewis x A.W.A.K.E. MODE Medium Embellished Suede Shoulder Bag, Tan
John Lewis & Partners
£119.00
View Details
Dune Dinkydenbeigh Leather Blend Leopard Tote Bag, Black/Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£64.00
View Details
Dune Closed Pony Leopard Pointed Slingback Courts, Brown/Multi
John Lewis & Partners
£90.00
View Details
Radley Canford Gardens Bloom Hand Drawn Small Crossbody Bag, Merlot
John Lewis & Partners
£119.00
View Details
Lauren Ralph Lauren Hartley Straw Bucket Bag, Natural/Black
John Lewis & Partners
£279.00
View DetailsNew styles include black and white contrast dresses, multicoloured stripes, bodycon pencil dresses and print colour block dresses. Online brands and high street stores such as Karen Millen, Boden, Phase Eight, Asos, Damsel in a Dress, Coast, L.K. Bennett, Chesca, Ted Baker and Gina Bacconi boast a vibrant collection of colourblock designs.
Slimming Figure-Shaping Dresses
Visual trickery dressing is not just for the red carpet and celebrities. The new fashion frenzy can be seen in the new season dress collection at department stores such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. So add your own drama to your wardrobe with a Bodycon slim-fit bandage dress to showcase your curves. Here you will find figure-hugging dresses combined with a modern block pattern perfect for effortless day & evening dressing.
Panelled Bodycon Dresses
The secret behind creating an instantly slimmer silhouette is a clever design. New colour block dresses are embracing the shaper-dress trend that accentuates the figure. Savvy celebs know how to dress to impress, and panelled bodycon are real show stoppers. Reiss dresses are both figure-flattering and on-trend, especially their latest bandage styles.
Catwalk-inspired geometric prints are a winner, too and work well with colour block pieces. Update your wardrobe and take your pick from the latest graphic stripes, cube and chevron prints and team with bold splashes of colour.
Colour Block Tops and Jackets
Jackets, cardigans, blouses and tops can play their part too in the world of illusion. Styles include colour blocking, darts and gather for shaping, seam detail that nips in at the waist and monochrome prints. Wear over black trousers or a pencil slim skirt for an elegant, tailored 1940s look. Smart two-piece outfits look good for work or play.
Debra Binns is the co-founder of MotherOfTheBrideOutfits.org.uk. Debra has been creating and sharing relevant content about women's occasionwear since 2009, bringing together fabulous fashion from the high street and online stores for that special occasion.
