We get it; really, we do. You’ve spent the past several seasons quietly amassing a wardrobe of black and white basics that are chic, versatile and, well, safe, and getting dressed has never been simpler. Now fashion’s recent monochrome moment is making way for vivid colours, and a closet full of Pantone brights can seem far more challenging.
But while black may be safe, it certainly doesn’t have the mood-boosting qualities of a more vibrant hue.
The easiest way to lean in to bold colour is to take your wardrobe’s signature item - that one piece that makes you feel most like you - and inject it with something decidedly more vivid. Here’s how to start…
If you live in stripes
Where would we be without le breton? Pablo Picasso made it his uniform, Brigitte Bardot added her own French-girl insouciance and no matter how well-worn the stripe trend has become, it’s still managed to hold on to that elusive cool factor. If stripes are your go-to for work and play, upgrade your standard navy-and-white version for something more vibrant. Take a leaf out of Proenza Schouler’s book and try a ribbed knit in wide bands of red, white and black (Sienna Miller approves: the actress has been spotted wearing the look in New York).
Or, if that’s too reminiscent of the great colour-blocking moment of 2011, look to Fendi’s take for men and try a simple horizontal stripe in white and green. Teamed with basic khakis, it looks fresh and new, but not a million miles from your Breton comfort zone.
If you feel strong in a suit
Favoured by officers and gentlemen (not to mention corporate warriors of all genders) the suit can sometimes double as a suit of armour. But who's to say you wouldn't feel equally protected in a slim-cut sunshine-yellow version, as proposed by Paul Smith? And surely MaxMara’s tangerine pencil skirt and matching blazer would cheerfully ward off any bad business juju?
Electric citrus shades - and yellow in particular - are having a moment, thanks to Emma Stone’s preference for the shade, both on the screen in La La Land and on the red carpet.
Oranges and golden yellows, along with bright red and more muted mossy or khaki greens, are especially flattering on those with warmer skin tones. How to know? Those with warmer tones will have an olive complexion, or a yellowish undertone to their skin. If you don't tick these boxes but still have a penchant for saturated citrus shades, try wearing them as an accessory or on the bottom half of your body - just keep them away from your face for a more flattering result. Men might consider a pair of butterscotch trousers by Ann Demeulemeester for a bold bottom half.
If you can’t resist a boho blouse
If artisanal creations are more your style, try taking a tactile approach to colour. Valentino has made a very strong case for swapping black lace for more vivid colours – think cherry red, flamingo pink, icy blue and chartreuse. Even in small doses, such as a lace blouse or a pair of trousers, it makes a big impact for evening. The ruby and cerise shades favoured by Valentino designer Pierpaolo Piccioli are especially flattering against cooler skin tones, or on those who have pink or bluish undertones to their complexion. It’s no coincidence that Cate Blanchett and Nicole Kidman – who both sport cool skin tones – are regularly seen in Valentino.
And if you still can’t shake that desire to reach for a failsafe black or white blouse, colourful Ukrainian embroidery by Vita Kin is an easy way to liven it up.
If you always bag the bag of the season
Your J.W. Anderson 'Pierce' is on high rotation and you were the first in your circle to nab a Chloe 'Drew'. When the status handbag is your signature, it makes sense to make it your choice for adding an injection of bright into your wardrobe.
So next time you're contemplating adding that LOEWE 'Puzzle' to your collection, press pause before you add to cart and consider this: wouldn't that Puzzle be even more fun (and no less practical) if it was rendered in red?
Likewise for men, Givenchy favours traffic-stopping shades of red and orange fashioned into backpacks, cross-body bags and pouches.
If you’re not ready to turn your back on black
Let’ s face it: vivid colour may spark joy but some days, you just want to retreat into the comfort of monochrome. In these situations, it’s the details that will help you nod to the future and stand out from the crowd. By all means, wear the season’s block heel - but make it a pink suede version from Jimmy Choo. Alternatively, upgrade your classic sneakers for a pair with an electric blue trim.
Because if there’s one final thing you should know about wearing vibrant colour, it’s that sometimes, it looks even better when teamed with your carefully amassed wardrobe of basic black and white.