Colour—my favourite thing to wear! Sorry black uniform devotees, I'm a firm believer in the power of dopamine dressing, and from sunshine shades to highlighter brights, this season, anything goes! Yes, quite literally (and I would challenge anyone to find a spring colour trend that wasn’t seen on the runways for S/S 24). But with so much choice (have you been to Mango lately?), I’m always asked how to actually wear them.
Traditional suiting has been updated in pink, green and blue and styled with tonal shirting and accessories to create a head-to-toe look. And if you’re a colour novice, try the combo of a base neutral like camel and a pop of orange seen at key designer brands such as Bottega Veneta and on the high-street at Zara (but more on that later). For those unsure about brights, don't panic—a softer pastel palette is perfect for spring, and layering ice cream shades with a camel coat or white accessories always looks polished (just look to influencers Bettina Looney and Janka Polliani for a masterclass in making seasonal shades look cool).
So, ready to take a dip into the rainbow? All of the best high-street stores from Zara to & Other Stories have a great selection of ready-to-wear and accessories to add a colourful lift to your closet, so if you're still not convinced, I hit the shops for you to try on the runway colours that have already arrived in store to show you how easy they are to wear.
1. BRIGHT ORANGE
On the Runway:
Style Notes: I get it, orange is a strong colour, so instead of taking the Fendi approach, I paired Zara's cute orange mini with some equally good shoes in the same shade. You'll get more wear out of such a summery colour by breaking it up with neutrals (in this case, camel), but you could also get away with wearing such a statement shoe with a monochrome outfit to add a point of interest.
The Final Look:
Shop Orange:
Wear to work, to dinner, on holiday, in the park...
It looks like the exact pair I tried on in-store are sold out online, but these mules are just as cool.
The perfect pop of colour.
2. BUTTERMILK YELLOW
On the Runway:
Style Notes: On your daily Instagram scroll last summer, you will have invariably noticed buttermilk yellow gaining popularity thanks to the likes of Alaïa, Bally and Burberry. And, after pale yellow became the standout trend of the coronation (believe it or not), we realised just how versatile this pretty pastel could be. Wear it with grey, denim blue, black, white, pink, you name it, or simply wear head-to-toe in one key piece like & Other Stories designer-looking dress.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
There's nothing I don't love about this easy-to-wear, easy-to-style jersey dress.
Throw on over a white summer dress.
A luxe alternative to white.
3. BABY PINK
On the Runway:
Style Notes: Its hasn't been long since we were caught up in Barbie mania and hot fuchsia was all over the runway, but it's now the turn of frou-frou baby pinks to have their time in the sun (quite literally). Whether it's the rise of the coquette and always things romantic, feminine and topped with a bow, I find it easiest to nod to such a sweet trend with structured tailoring like waistcoats, blazers and wide-leg trousers that you'll get the most wear out of.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
There's a reason that this is selling fast.
Wear on repeat this wedding season.
I'd wear this full suit with nothing underneath and a platform heel.
4. KHAKI GREEN
On the Runway:
Style Notes: Wardrobe staples like the throw-on-and-go maxi dress are available in an array of colours this season, and far from the high street's usual safari take on summer dressing, I'm pleased to say that khaki has undergone a well deserved upgrade. Expect fashion forward dresses, designer bags and even shoes cropping up in khaki everywhere this spring, and all without a belted utility jacket in sight.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
The kind of comfortable and flattering ruching every dress should have.
For those who find camel too "samey".
You had me at "Bottega".
5. HOT RED
On the Runway:
Style Notes: Trading in your classic blue jeans in for a brighter option this spring is one of the easiest ways to switch up your daily uniform. Just when you thought bold red was a flash-in-the-pan micro-trend for winter, it's stuck around for spring too, making its way into our denim offering quicker than you can say "straight leg". Should you find an all red look a little too spicy, add a white tee for instant polish, or take notes from Bally and introduce chilli reds through a subtle print.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
Coming to think of it, I'm pretty inspired by this aubergine + chilli combo.
Just add indigo wash jeans.
With dress will suit everyone.
6. STATEMENT SILVER
On the Runway:
Style Notes: Florals for spring? Not so groundbreaking. If you really want to be ahead of the curve buy into statement metallics with a '90s feel (and yes, we I mean outside of Christmas party season). Silver separates might feel like a throwback from 1995, but dress them down with casual jersey and simple neutrals and you've got an "off duty model" look that looks especially good when the sun hits.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
Not just for evening wear.
Half price, and still in stock!
I may just be convinced to swap my usual gold hoops for silver...
7. BISCUIT BEIGE
On the Runway:
Style Notes: Rainbow queens might be thrown by this minimalist inclusion, but a timeless shade of tan is perfect to mix and match with every other colour on this list. It might not be a direct dose of dopamine, but beige is undoubtedly luxe, and while some colour trends are good for a season, I can confidently say that camel never goes out of style. Looking for a chic base better suited to summer than all-black? You just found it.
The Final Look:
Shop the Look:
This co-ord is so clever.
Don't forget to grab the skirt too!
Just add jeans and wear on repeat.
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