My two favorite techniques to add personality to an outfit are color blocking and layering. Here, I merged both techniques. I achieved this fall look by utilizing my Jamaican roots, saving money and maximizing my closet.

Color blocking

Color blocking is my birthright. For anyone who knows Jamaicans knows that we’ve been color blocking since the beginning of time. A true representation of the island’s bold and trailblazing culture.  My grandmother has been dressing me in color blocking outfits since I was a toddler running the streets of Winchester, Jamaica. And now as an adult, I can appreciate a good color block.

By definition, color blocking is taking colors that are opposites on the color wheel and pairing them together to make interesting and complementary color combinations.  There are a few types of coloring blocking:  1) monochromatic color blocking 2) analogous color blocking 3) complementary color blocking 4) triadic color blocking and 5)tetradic color blocking. 

With this look, I did analogous color blocking by combining a pair of red Zara trousers, a pink Target clutch , and an orange Zara ribbed dress.
Analogous colors are colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, and to really rock them in a color blocking technique, you are best off opting for three colors, two colors and a neutral, or two analogous colors and one shade or tint of one of those colors. (via Glowsly)

Typically, red and orange aren’t known to be paired together. But y'all know I’m a risk-taker so this outfit fits my style perfectly. With that, I want to encourage you to take the risk that reflects your personality.  The upcoming fall season, presents plenty of opportunities to push your stylistic boundaries. Try pairing colors from autumn’s color palette (shades of orange, yellow, green, and brown) to achieve your next color blocking look.

Layering

You’ll see me use the word dimension often. Because dimension adds character and character is a key component to distinguishing your style. One of my favorite ways to add dimension is layering. Personally, I am a New Yorker and layering is a stylish way to stay both warm and fashionable during the fall and winter seasons. 

What made this outfit unique, was the layering of the pants underneath the dress. Specifically, because a layered look doesn’t require you to purchase new garments. It allows you to maximize your closet and wear items from your summer, winter, and fall wardrobe. During this transitional period between summer and fall, layering is your best friend. In this case, I wore my maxi ribbed dress as a top but this look can be achieved with a simple t-shirt dress.

Now onto my favorite part of the outfit. The shoes. These cow skin mules were thrifted from Crossroads Trading in downtown Washington, D.C. My foot area has its own type of color blocking party happening. The red pant, against the cow skin mule. Oooh, chile! I thought to myself, while I’m here let me just go for it. I love love love print and adding it as an accessory to a complete a bomb look.