Black aficionados avert your eyes, this season colour is about to win the battle against bland.
No need to hide behind your oversized shades, if you have an aversion to all things bright in your wardrobe - your key to pulling off colour is all about finding the right shades.
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.
"When you wear colour near your face, the light reflects it upwards," Pat explains. "This can either cast flattering tones or dark shadows, depending on the mix of the colour and your skin tone."
Pick out an unflattering shade and you might suddenly be drawn to ageing features, or an uneven complexion.
If the colour is right, your skin will appear smoother, fresher and younger; your eye colour is enhanced, but most of all, according to Pat, "you notice yourself more than the colour you're wearing".
"The colour you wear communicates non-verbal messages," Pat explains. "Soft and light tones, for example, will make you appear approachable and friendly, while a red top will help to give you the confidence you need when facing a stressful situation."
Seasonal shades
True blue - 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.
In the pink - Suggests gentleness and empathy, and brings out femininity.
Top tip: "Pink is a great colour to wear when you're feeling a little off colour, as it gives a flattering lift to any complexion," says Pat.
Love lilac - 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. "If you've never worn it, give it a try in a scarf or pashmina."
Red alert - 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.
Green scene - Conveys a sense of calm and reassurance.
Top tip: "With green it's particularly important to understand the undertone," Pat warns. "Decide whether you look better in warm (yellow-based) green, such as moss or apple, or cool (blue-based) tones of spruce or sea green."
White-wash - 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."
Colour Me Beautiful, published by Hamlyn, priced £14.99
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