TODAY'S WOMAN: The Colours of money
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.
If you have an aversion to all things bright, then take heart. You can pull off virtually any colour if you find the shades that are right for you.
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."
Take the test
You've fallen in love with a dress you've spotted in a fashion mag, but that doesn't mean the frock is going to love you back. Even if it fits like a second skin, the colour might leave you looking washed out.
No need to waste valuable hours wriggling in and out of a pile of clothes in poky changing rooms though. The easiest way to test whether a colour will work for you is to hold the garment under your chin an 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 ageing features like dark shadows around your chin and neck, or an uneven complexion might suddenly seem all the more apparent.
But if the colour is right, your skin will appear smoother, fresher and younger and your eye colour enhanced, but most of all, according to Pat: "you will notice yourself more than the colour you're wearing".
Shade statement
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.
"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 in the right shade will help to give you confidence when facing a stressful situation."
But if you want to make a statement with colour, know when to press the stop button. So work a hot pink dress and matching lips combo with confidence but lose the fuchsia handbag and shoes to avoid committing colour overdose.
If you're a complete novice to brights, experiment with inexpensive additions like scarves, belts or tees before you shell out on bold look-at-me shades you'll never wear.
Check out this season's must-have shades, how to wear them, and what they say about you.
TRUE BLUE
AS 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/www.next.co.uk).
IN THE PINK
AS SEEN AT: Gucci. The colour 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.
TRY: White Stuff The North Coat pink mac, 59.95 (020 7735 8133/www.whitestuff.com).
LOVE LILAC
AS SEEN AT: Burberry. It shows creativity as well as indicating sensitivity.
TOP TIP: "In its lighter forms, 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."
TRY: Rio Moda Anthea lilac wrap, 20 (www.riomoda.com).
RED ALERT
AS 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 505555/www.tesco.com/clothing).
GREEN SCENE
AS SEEN AT: Lanvin. 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."
TRY: Kaliko green origami shift dress, 80 (01582 399848/www.kaliko.co.uk).
WHITE-WASH
AS 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 61 61 61/www.debenhams.com).
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Friday 10 February 2012
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