It isn’t a new trend – Vogue’s been hyping it for several years now – but color blocking seems to be the big thing through this fall. Walk through the mall, and many store windows are bright with contrasting primary colors. The fantastic thing about color blocking is that it can be done on a budget and you can still get in on a fun trend without having to invest too much money. It’ll leave you free to enjoy the season.

Step One: What Do You Own?

Before you pick up your purse, or log into your online Bloomingdale’s account, stop and check out what you already own. Chances are you could go all in with the trend already. Look through your closets for slick silhouettes in vibrant colors. Check out your pencil skirts, boyfriend cardigans and tees and tanks. Lay them out and see what colors you already own. Do you gravitate towards jewel tones? Are you someone who wears a lot of bright colors?

Step Two: Go Tonal

I love blazers, especially for the fall, because they add a warm layering piece that looks put together and professional. Blazers work well in the office, or over a sweater at the farmer’s market. I own too many to count, but most people own a navy blazer. I paired mine with a silk blouse I found at a thrift store many years ago. It’s a soft shade of blue, and reminds me of the sky on a clear day. When going tonal in color blocking, you want to pick shades of the same color – light, medium and dark. I like the blue pencil skirt from NY and Company. It costs $42.95, which is pricey (but couponing wisely and taking advantage of a BOGO, you can get it for less). You can get much cheaper at Forever 21. They normally have a variety of colors in similar styles under $10.

Step Three: Go Contrasting!

When color blocking with contrasting colors, it’s important to follow the rules you learned in grade school about the color wheel. Contrasting colors are the ones opposite each other on the color wheel. Taking advantage of that BOGO, I paired the burgundy skirt with a mint v-neck tee and a rose colored cardigan I already had. I tend towards jewel tones because they are flattering on nearly everyone. The mint tee is great because it adds contrast without seeming like going to a Christmas party.

To further push the envelope, you can add mint accessories, or even the occasional piece of turquoise.The most important thing is to keep it modern and classic, and to avoid looking like you are a guest on In Living Color.

Step Four: Play with Primary Colors

Stripes are still very much in style, and to avoid going nautical, a splash of yellow to navy and red can take a look a long way. Primary colors, red, yellow and blue, can add an unexpected twist. The past seasons have been full of fun nautical striping, so chances are you’ve already invested in this fun summer trend.

Step Five: Know When to Splurge

As any savvy shopper knows, you nearly always get what you pay for. Cheap jeans may not fit stellar. Knits on inexpensive skirts might be thin and wear easily. Jeans in colored denim is a great way to stay warm in the winter but just because they are a trendy piece doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality and fit. The Express Zelda jean legging comes in a variety of colors; fits well, and at under $100 will not break the bank. Express has consistently had a reputation of great fitting pants. Express also makes their studio stretch editor pant in red. It might be too much for the office, but paired with a fuchsia silk blouse, it might make a great date night outfit.

Step Six: It’s Okay to be Lazy

Last but not least, many designers will simply do it for you. Many stores offer dresses that incorporate great fit and the color blocking trend. Throw some fun accessories, and you are good to go and enjoy the fall in style. I like this dress from Zara. It’s a cozy sweater – perfect for cooler nights – in a classic fit and a great length. All you need is tights or boots and you are ready for anything.

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