Colour your world
How to choose the perfect shades for your complexion and wear hues with confidence
WITH a rainbow of hues hitting the shelves it’s no time to be shy. Fashion stylist Elizabeth McMahon says while it’s easy to blend into the crowd with neutrals, blacks and whites, you won’t regret splashing out on spring’s freshest shades.
“Knowing the right colours to wear and how to mix and match colours can be intimidating, which is why a lot of people avoid colour all together,” Eizabeth says.
“Wearing colour doesn’t always have to be a bright statement that screams ‘look at me’ – it can be splashes of colour with accessories.
“My favourite colours this season include all shades of green, from emerald to teal, as well as reds.
“Other key pairings include emerald greens with navy, neutrals with pastels, and accessorising with bags that are tan, nude or bold in colour.”
Colour blocking continues to be popular.
“I suggest using black or white as the base and then choosing two primary colours like red or yellow,” Elizabeth says.
When it comes to finding what suits you, Elizabeth says the best guide is your eye colour, skin tone and hair colour.
“When you go shopping, try on outfits you wouldn’t usually go for and remember to keep an open mind,” she says.
The rainbow is the limit and it’s up to you how far you go. “It really depends on how you feel, the type of occasion and your level of confidence,” Elizabeth says.
“If you are going to a wedding or work event, I think toning it down with neutrals is great.
“However, if you are attending a fashion event or going for lunch with your girlfriends, I say be creative and add another contrasting colour.
“Keep in mind that more than three colours is too much.”
LOOK ONE: Frill off-shoulder top from Seed, $39.95; decorative trim skirt from Seed, $129.95; Mystique Twill sandals from Janine Edwards Boutique, $211; Sancia Babylon Bar bag from Janine Edwards Boutique, $399; and Wing It timepiece from Mimco, $199. LOOK TWO: Intropia dress from Christensen Copenhagen, $420; panama hat from Seed, $49.95; pompom tassel pouch from Seed, $39.95; shoes model’s own.
LOOK THREE: Flare sleeve wrap top from Seed, $99.95; frill hem shorts from Seed, $59.95; chambray wide brim hat from Seed, $49.95; Clair espadrilles from Seed, $79.95; pompom tassel pouch from Seed, $39.95; and sunglasses from Seed, $49.95. LOOK FOUR: Thurley Flower Bomb mini dress from Janine Edwards Boutique, $1000; Sancia Sistele cross-body bag from Janine Edwards Boutique, $349; Insomnia HG bangle from Mimco, $89.95; Myth Sunglasses from Mimco, $199; shoes model’s own. LOOK FIVE: Decimo top from Max & Co, $310; Cammeo skirt from Max & Co, $355; Acroabata headpiece from Max & Co, $185; Enamour medium pouch from Mimco, $149; Insomnia HG bangle from Mimco, $89.95; and shoes model’s own.