Black aficionados avert your eyes: this season colour is about to win the battle against bland.
From the sea of pretty pastel shades at Burberry through to dazzling bold prints at Giorgio Armani, colour set the spring/summer catwalks alight.
Pat Henshaw, co-author of new book Colour Me Beautiful, maintains being selective with the tones in your closet can complement your colouring, flatter your silhouette and show off your personality to the max.
“Of the many ways in which we choose to express ourselves, the colour and style of our clothes probably make the most immediate and powerful impact,” she says.
“For many years, neutral colours held sway in fashion but now that colour – in all hues – is back, the time is right to learn how to make colours work for you.” The easiest way to test whether a colour will work for you is to hold the garment under your chin and observe its effects.
Pick out an unflattering shade and you might suddenly be drawn to ageing features on your face such as the dark shadows around your chin and neck. If the colour is right, your skin will appear smoother, fresher and younger
Whether you’re going on a first date or prepping for a job interview, the colour you flaunt can create a storm before you’ve so much as uttered a word. “Soft and light tones make you appear approachable and friendly, while a red top in the right shade will help to give you the confidence you need when facing a stressful situation,” explains Pat.
SEASONAL SHADES: Check out this season’s must-have shades and find out how to wear them and what they say about you.
TRUE BLUE: Seen at Giorgio Armani. The colour of logic, blue activates the mind.
TOP TIP: “Lighter shades such as powder blue, bluebell and sky blue are ideal for special occasions when a feminine look may be required,” Pat advises.
TRY: Next blue print tunic, £30 (0844 844 8333).
IN THE PINK: Seen at Gucci. Suggests gentleness and empathy.
TOP TIP: “Pink is a great colour to wear when you’re feeling a little off-colour,” says Pat.
TRY: White Stuff, The North Coat, pink mac, £59.95 (020 7735 8133).
LOVE LILAC: Seen at Burberry. Shows creativity as well as indicating sensitivity.
TOP TIP: “In its lighter forms, the lilacs and soft violets promote a general sense of relaxation,” Pat explains.
TRY: Rio Moda Anthea lilac wrap, £20 (www.riomoda.com).
RED ALERT: Seen at Tommy Hilfiger. The colour of energy, wear red to feel confident and in control.
TOP TIP: “Red will bring excitement into your day. It’s a great colour to wear at the end of the week when your energy levels may be flagging,” Pat advises.
TRY: F&F at Tesco, red-studded sandals, £20 (0800 505 555).
GREEN SCENE: Seen at Lanvin. Conveys a sense of calm and reassurance.
TOP TIP: “With green it’s particularly important to understand the undertone,” Pat warns.
TRY: Kaliko green origami shift dress, £80 (01582 399 848).
WHITE-WASH: Seen at Jasper Conran. Denotes purity and freshness.
TOP TIP: “Wearing white in a textured fabric will often soften its appearance,” Pat suggests. “Linen and silk, for example, are rarely a pure white, although cotton can be.”
TRY: Red Herring white blazer, £30 at Debenhams (08445 616 161).
- Colour Me Beautiful by Veronique Henderson and Pat Henshaw (Hamlyn, £14.99)
- Catwalk label Dsquared2 has teamed up with MAC to produce a limited edition gift set containing She Wood 50ml EDP and MAC Dsquared2 Lipglass in pink shade. Available for £50 Tel: 01273 408 800.
