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.


Roman Mother of the Bride outfits and occasion dresses under £50

Mother of the Bride Dresses – JerseyShiftLBD – Maxi & Midi Dresses

Colour Block dresses and hats to match for race day and weddings

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

Roman Colourblock Pleat Halter Neck Maxi Dress in Navy
Roman Colourblock Pleat Halter Neck Maxi Dress in Navy
Roman

£70.00

View Details
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
Womens Colour Block Pleated Midaxi Dress
Womens Colour Block Pleated Midaxi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £75.00

£37.50

View Details
Coast Colour Block Drape Skirt Midi Dress
Coast Colour Block Drape Skirt Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £119.00

£71.40

View Details
Live Unlimited Curve Colourblock Hanky Hem Dress, Black/White
Live Unlimited Curve Colourblock Hanky Hem Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£69.00

View Details
Womens Colour Block Belted High Low Maxi Dress
Womens Colour Block Belted High Low Maxi Dress
Wallis UK

was: £65.00

£48.75

View Details
Dusk Fashion Colour Block Stripe Stretch Midi Dress in Black
Dusk Fashion Colour Block Stripe Stretch Midi Dress in Black
Roman

£45.00

View Details
Hobbs Women's Colour Block Slash Neck Midi Waisted Dress - 12PET - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Hobbs Women's Colour Block Slash Neck Midi Waisted Dress - 12PET - Navy Mix, Navy Mix
Marks and Spencer UK

£189.00

View Details
Roman Colourblock Floral Button Tiered Dress in Multi
Roman Colourblock Floral Button Tiered Dress in Multi
Roman

£40.00

View Details
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£199.00

View Details
Womens Colour Block Maxi Sun Dress With Split
Womens Colour Block Maxi Sun Dress With Split
Wallis UK

was: £45.00

£22.00

View Details
Boden Colour Block Ponte Dress, Multi
Boden Colour Block Ponte Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£120.00

View Details
HotSquash Contrast Pleat Midi Dress
HotSquash Contrast Pleat Midi Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Khaki
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Khaki
Roman

£45.00

View Details
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Grey
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Grey
Roman

£45.00

View Details
Mango Multi Stripe Tie Waist Dress
Mango Multi Stripe Tie Waist Dress
very.co.uk

was: £60.00

£27.00

View Details
Coast Racer Neck Printed Twill Midi Dress With Contrast Panel
Coast Racer Neck Printed Twill Midi Dress With Contrast Panel
Debenhams UK

was: £129.00

£58.00

View Details
Ro&Zo Dash Print Contrast Panel Skirt, Multi
Ro&Zo Dash Print Contrast Panel Skirt, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£79.00

View Details
Monsoon Elise Stripe Maxi Dress - Multi
Monsoon Elise Stripe Maxi Dress - Multi
very.co.uk

£75.00

View Details
Roman Sleeveless Stripe Print Midi Stretch Dress in Red
Roman Sleeveless Stripe Print Midi Stretch Dress in Red
Roman

£40.00

View Details
Coast Pencil Dress With Contrast Panels
Coast Pencil Dress With Contrast Panels
Debenhams UK

was: £89.00

£30.00

View Details
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
HotSquash Asymmetric Keyhole Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Beige
Roman Shadow Stripe Print Midi Dress in Beige
Roman

£45.00

View Details
Dusk Fashion Colour Block Stripe Stretch Midi Dress in Pink
Dusk Fashion Colour Block Stripe Stretch Midi Dress in Pink
Roman

£45.00

View Details
Coast Stripe Print Pleated Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Coast Stripe Print Pleated Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £129.00

£60.00

View Details
Boden Victoria Wool Blend Shirt Dress, Navy/Red
Boden Victoria Wool Blend Shirt Dress, Navy/Red
John Lewis & Partners

£150.00

View Details
Boden Catherine Ponte Dress, Rouge/Navy
Boden Catherine Ponte Dress, Rouge/Navy
John Lewis & Partners

£120.00

View Details
Boden Kate Stripe Shirt Dress, Multi
Boden Kate Stripe Shirt Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£125.00

View Details
Roman Originals Curve Stripe Print Twist Front Dress in Black
Roman Originals Curve Stripe Print Twist Front Dress in Black
Roman

£42.00

View Details
Scarlett & Jo Verity Stripe Maxi Dress, Multi
Scarlett & Jo Verity Stripe Maxi Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£95.00

View Details
Scarlett & Jo Isabelle Stripe Dress, Multi
Scarlett & Jo Isabelle Stripe Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£95.00

View Details
Ro&Zo Sofia Mono Stripe One Shoulder Maxi Dress, Black/White
Ro&Zo Sofia Mono Stripe One Shoulder Maxi Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£169.00

View Details
Boden Thea Stripe Long Sleeve Dress, Multi
Boden Thea Stripe Long Sleeve Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
Boden Colour Block Notch Abstract Ponte Dress, Navy/Glade
Boden Colour Block Notch Abstract Ponte Dress, Navy/Glade
John Lewis & Partners

£120.00

View Details
Coast Plus Colour Block Scuba Midi Dress
Coast Plus Colour Block Scuba Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £109.00

£76.30

View Details
Karen Millen Soft Tailored Colourblock Pleated Panel Midaxi Dress
Karen Millen Soft Tailored Colourblock Pleated Panel Midaxi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £189.00

£113.00

View Details
Adrianna Papell Colour Block Mikado Dress, Black/Ivory
Adrianna Papell Colour Block Mikado Dress, Black/Ivory
John Lewis & Partners

£169.00

View Details
Yumi Multicolour Rainbow Stripe Sequin Midi Dress Colour: Multi
Yumi Multicolour Rainbow Stripe Sequin Midi Dress Colour: Multi
Yumi

£37.50

View Details
Phase Eight Women's Colour Block Midi Bodycon Dress - 10 - Multi, Multi
Phase Eight Women's Colour Block Midi Bodycon Dress - 10 - Multi, Multi
Marks and Spencer UK

£119.00

View Details
Coast Colour Block Floral Body Con Midi Dress
Coast Colour Block Floral Body Con Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £119.00

£71.40

View Details
Coast Colour Block Wrap Waist Satin Jumpsuit
Coast Colour Block Wrap Waist Satin Jumpsuit
Debenhams UK

was: £99.00

£30.00

View Details
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock High Neck Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£199.00

View Details
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£139.00

View Details
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Karen Millen Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£249.00

View Details
Karen Millen Plus Size Soft Tailored Colourblock Tailored Sleeveless Midi Dress
Karen Millen Plus Size Soft Tailored Colourblock Tailored Sleeveless Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £199.00

£100.00

View Details
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Side Pleated Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

£249.00

View Details
Gina Bacconi Lorah Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/White
Gina Bacconi Lorah Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£130.00

View Details
Gina Olivina Sleeveless Scallop Dress
Gina Olivina Sleeveless Scallop Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£260.00

View Details
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Karen Millen Petite Fluid Tailored Colourblock Split Strap Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £169.00

£118.00

View Details
Olivia Rubin Maddie Rainbow Stripe Sequin Midi Dress, Multi
Olivia Rubin Maddie Rainbow Stripe Sequin Midi Dress, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£320.00

View Details
Coast Twill Colour Block Printed Midi Dress
Coast Twill Colour Block Printed Midi Dress
Debenhams UK

was: £129.00

£30.00

View Details
Colour Block Polo Dress with Short Sleeves
Colour Block Polo Dress with Short Sleeves
La Redoute UK

was: £180.00

£144.00

View Details
chesca Plissé Striped Midi Dress, Orange/Multi
chesca Plissé Striped Midi Dress, Orange/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£185.00

View Details
Olivia Rubin Monica Sequin Stripe Top, Multi
Olivia Rubin Monica Sequin Stripe Top, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£250.00

View Details
Olivia Rubin Penelope Sequin Stripe Skirt, Multi
Olivia Rubin Penelope Sequin Stripe Skirt, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£250.00

View Details
Adrianna Papell Colour Block Maxi Dress, Black/Ivory
Adrianna Papell Colour Block Maxi Dress, Black/Ivory
John Lewis & Partners

£199.00

View Details
InWear Sharla Diagonal Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/Eggshell
InWear Sharla Diagonal Stripe Maxi Dress, Black/Eggshell
John Lewis & Partners

£149.95

View Details
HotSquash Contrast V-Neck Knee Length Dress, Teal
HotSquash Contrast V-Neck Knee Length Dress, Teal
John Lewis & Partners

£125.00

View Details
Ro&Zo Daphne Floral Midi Dress, Pink/White
Ro&Zo Daphne Floral Midi Dress, Pink/White
John Lewis & Partners

£129.00

View Details
Gina Bacconi Janada Chiffon Maxi Dress
Gina Bacconi Janada Chiffon Maxi Dress
John Lewis & Partners

£370.00

View Details

Colourblock Hats Shoes and Bags

JW PEI Jana Vegan Leather Hollow Shoulder Bag, Black
JW PEI Jana Vegan Leather Hollow Shoulder Bag, Black
John Lewis & Partners

£100.00

View Details
L.K.Bennett Barette Fabric Open Court Shoes, Red/Pink
L.K.Bennett Barette Fabric Open Court Shoes, Red/Pink
John Lewis & Partners

£289.00

View Details
Ivory/Black Medium Hatinator with Contrast Feather Flower and Leaf Trail
Ivory/Black Medium Hatinator with Contrast Feather Flower and Leaf Trail
Chesca

£165.00

View Details
Dune Merriment Abstract Print High Block Heel Sandals, Multi
Dune Merriment Abstract Print High Block Heel Sandals, Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
L.K.Bennett Lana Fabric Clutch Bag, Green/Pink
L.K.Bennett Lana Fabric Clutch Bag, Green/Pink
John Lewis & Partners

£229.00

View Details
L.K.Bennett Dee Crinkle Patent Leather Crossbody Bag, Black/White
L.K.Bennett Dee Crinkle Patent Leather Crossbody Bag, Black/White
John Lewis & Partners

£229.00

View Details
Radley Hillgate Place Leather Multiway Grab Bag
Radley Hillgate Place Leather Multiway Grab Bag
John Lewis & Partners

£259.00

View Details
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
JW PEI Jana Vegan Leather Hollow Shoulder Bag, Black
JW PEI Jana Vegan Leather Hollow Shoulder Bag, Black
John Lewis & Partners

£100.00

View Details
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
John Lewis x A.W.A.K.E. MODE Square Toe Dome Stud Open Leather Court Shoes, Black Patent Naplak
John Lewis 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
John Lewis Betty Asymmetric Downturn Hat
John Lewis Betty Asymmetric Downturn Hat
John Lewis & Partners

£115.00

View Details
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
Dune Careless Leather Contrast Toe Heeled Courts
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
Dune Advert Bubble Print Patent High Heeled Court Shoes, Multi
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 x A.W.A.K.E. MODE Medium Embellished Suede Shoulder Bag, Tan
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
Paradox London Devora Embellished Clutch Bag
Paradox London Devora Embellished Clutch Bag
John Lewis & Partners

£39.00

View Details
Dune Closed Pony Leopard Pointed Slingback Courts, Brown/Multi
Dune Closed Pony Leopard Pointed Slingback Courts, Brown/Multi
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
Dune Hayes Leather Round Slingback Shoes
Dune Hayes Leather Round Slingback Shoes
John Lewis & Partners

£85.00

View Details
Dune Careless Leather Heeled Courts
Dune Careless Leather Heeled Courts
John Lewis & Partners

£90.00

View Details
Paradox London Devora Embellished Clutch Bag
Paradox London Devora Embellished Clutch Bag
John Lewis & Partners

£39.00

View Details
Radley Canford Gardens Bloom Hand Drawn Small Crossbody Bag, Merlot
Radley Canford Gardens Bloom Hand Drawn Small Crossbody Bag, Merlot
John Lewis & Partners

£119.00

View Details
Sam Edelman Tarra2 Slingback Shoes
Sam Edelman Tarra2 Slingback Shoes
John Lewis & Partners

£155.00

View Details
Radley Albion Road Small Zip Around Grab Bag, Walnut
Radley Albion Road Small Zip Around Grab Bag, Walnut
John Lewis & Partners

£219.00

View Details
Black/White Large Fascinator with Large Bow
Black/White Large Fascinator with Large Bow
Chesca

£175.00

View Details
Lauren Ralph Lauren Hartley Straw Bucket Bag, Natural/Black
Lauren Ralph Lauren Hartley Straw Bucket Bag, Natural/Black
John Lewis & Partners

£279.00

View Details

New 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.

Author Debra Binns
Curated by Debra Binns

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.

facebook icon pinterest icon instagram icon twitter icon