Tips for wearing colour

We can probably all agree that I’ve been talking about adding colour to my wardrobe for years. And I mean years. But no matter how hard I’ve tried to like colour in the past, I always find myself tip-toeing back to a wardrobe filled with key neutral pieces. But, as I’ve continued to build up my core classic wardrobe, it’s felt more and more as if something was missing. And I’m sure you know where I’m going with this…

Wearing Storm sweater, Storm pleated skirt (affordable option here), Everlane suede pumps, Zodiac bags, Anthropologie earrings, Linjer watch

2018 has been about abundant change, so it is only fitting that my style preferences have also shifted – even if only slightly. So today I thought it would be a bit of fun to share some more colourful looks, plus a few tricks that I’ve picked up that have helped me to incorporate colour into my wardrobe.

Just go for it…!

My first tip for wearing colour is to just dive head first. Pick a colour palette that works with your skin tone, and sport it with your favourite pair of jeans. Throw on a white linen skirt with a tomato red mini skirt and some tan leather sandals. Grab an oversized green sweater and pair it with some black wool dress trousers and a low block heel. Push yourself out of your comfort zone, and you might just end up surprising yourself.

Wearing Lune Resort linen dress (also love this style), Maryam Nassir Zadeh sandals (these are a great dupe and also love these from MNZ), Cult Gaia ark bag (also here), Anthropologie earrings, Nadri diamante bracelet

Start with an accent colour or statement accessory

If you haven’t quite worked up the confidence to step out in head-to-toe colour – yet – then try incorporating a bold accessory or accent colour into your look. Personally, I love a fun statement earring paired with a fairly neutral outfit, or how an eye-catching shoe can really finish off your overall look. While I think it’s best to keep the rest of the outfit fairly neutral, I find that this trick works best when wearing shades which sit on the lighter end of the colour spectrum. Think greys, creams and earthier tones.

Wearing SABA red tie waist dress (on sale and also available here), Sportscraft felted coat (also here), Vaneli two tone pumps (similar here), Chanel chevron boy bag (also here or affordable option here), Reliquia earrings

Try colour blocking

I first tried my hand at colour blocking about 10 years ago, and I still think it’s one of the most impactful ways to pull together an outfit. Opt for complimentary tones, and start with soft muted shades if you’re intimidated by bolder hues. I love this ruby red dress from SABA as it really packs a punch, but to tone it down a notch I’ve paired it with a baby pink felted coat. Both items are statement makers on their own, but worn together the two pieces play off each other, and add a bit of balance to the outfit.

Wearing Boden navy silk top (also here), Boden navy broderie skirt, Stella McCartney coat (also available here), Isabel Marant pumps (also here), Cuyana tote bag, Nadri diamante bracelet

Switch up black for another neutral

Karen Walker is known to say that navy is the new black, and I’m often inclined to agree. It tends to be much more flattering on fair skin tones, while still having similar properties as an all black look when wearing navy from head-to-toe. My other favourite monochromatic looks tend to be an all ivory or beige hued outfit, or a palette of different-toned greys. Monochrome also happens to be one of my biggest go-to tricks when I don’t know what to wear, but I want to look pulled together and smart.

Wearing SABA red sweater (also here), SABA chiffon pleated skirt (also here), Linea Paolo nude pumps (I also like these), Linjer watch, Reliquia earrings, Nadri diamante bracelet

Most importantly… have fun!

I might tend to opt for more classic styles that don’t date, but when it comes to wearing colour, I don’t like to take things too seriously. Have fun and experiment with combinations and bold hues that you’re drawn too. Personally, I’ve been making my own journey all about r-e-d. It’s a strong choice and not exactly what I would call a ‘subtle’ way to introduce colour to your outfits, but there’s something particularly special about this vibrant red on red combo.

How do you like to wear colour? x