Clash in on spring’s hot hues
Lilac and lemon, red and blue... it’s time to think outside the paintbox with your spring fashion choices. KATIE WRIGHT sets out the season’s coolest colour combinations
WHAT colour clothing are you wearing right now? If the answer is black, blue or grey, you’re in good company, as 23% of Brits are most likely to wear monochrome on a daily basis. The survey, by Currys PC World to mark its ‘Stay Colourful’ pop-up, also found 16% of us avoid vivid hues because we’re scared of standing out. Well, it’s time to face those fears, because this season is all about brights – and not just one shade either. ‘Conscious clashing’ brings together two unexpected shades that SHOULDN’T really work, but totally do. These are the pigment pairings to shake up your spring wardrobe...
TOMATO RED AND BLUE
SCARLET and nautical navy have made a chic match for centuries, but the modern take on this twosome involves zingy orangey-red and duck egg blue. It’s a combo Victoria Beckham has championed (both on the catwalk and in her own wardrobe), so who are we to argue? Take your cue from VB and let the red dominate, adding a splash of cerulean with accessories, or a long-sleeved top worn under a dress.
PINK AND NAVY
PINK has been declared the colour of SS17, but what to wear it with? Mix things up by styling sporty bubblegum pink separates with more refined pieces in deepest navy – a hoodie with tailored trousers, for instance, or a deconstructed shirt with a slouchy midi skirt.
MUSTARD AND COBALT
SOME shades that sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel – remember that from GCSE art? – should remain apart (red and green, for example), but mustard and cobalt can look amazing together.
This is one of those combinations that works beautifully when it’s split 50/50 – a boxy shirt tucked into high-waisted trousers is grown-up and gorgeous, whichever way you choose
to top and tail it.
PURPLE AND YELLOW
ANOTHER case of opposites attracting in a major way, mixing yellow and purple may seem challenging (to say the least) but give it a go and you might be surprised. The key to finding the right balance is to stick with either sugary shades (think lemon and parma violet), or deeper tones like sunflower and orchid – try this duo for a winning wedding season look.