Dazzling daffodil yellow, luscious lime green, cobalt blue and orange as bright as a Satsuma all feature in the mix.  But how can you be sure that these new season’s colours suit you?  I’m sure that you’d rather someone say “Wow!  You look great in that!” rather than “Are you alright?  You look really poorly today!”  Yes, unfortunately, quite a few of these wonderful hip and happening shades can have quite the opposite effect than the one we’re trying to achieve!

Colour is a funny thing…  On the one hand it can make us feel happy, vibrant and alive, on the other, it can make us feel off-beat and dowdy – or even make us look ill!  Imagine how wonderful it would be to wear colours that make your hair appear healthy and ‘natural’, your skin glow and eyes sparkle.  Wouldn’t that feel amazing? 

Wearing colours that give you the ‘WOW factor’ is easy when you know how but as I’ve said, colour is a funny thing!   How do you know if you can get away with wearing canary-yellow without looking like you have a spot of jaundice?  Or hot-pink without looking like you’re permanently embarrassed?  By far the best way is to have a professional ‘do your colours’ for you.  They can show you if you have warm or cool skin; whether dark or light shades suit you best; if you can wear clear or muted colours and which colours look best when worn together – either subtly co-ordinated or colour clashed!

If you’re not sure if a certain colour or shade will suit you then the safest way is to not wear said colour right next to your face so that it doesn’t cast unkind hues.  And if you’re not as skilled as Picasso (or not as confident) in mixing clashing blocks of colour, stick to simple colour combinations which are more flattering and easier on the eye. One way is to mix one or two shades of neutrals with just one eye-popping bright.  For example, wear eye-popping purple jeans with a plain white t-shirt or tame a neon orange print skirt with some shots of black or navy.  Alternatively, why not wear some eye-catching bright accessories with your spring denim or navy?  This way you can pay homage to this season’s hottest trend without looking like you’ve gone colour blind! 

Who said colour is funny?  Worn in small doses, you can embrace colour and enjoy a sunny outlook even if the sun doesn’t shine!

Exclusive Style of Wight Reader Offer: Dee is offering a Seasonal Colour Session for just £25 to Style of Wight readers, on mention of this article*.  Contact Dee through her website: deebecker.co.uk

*This offer is available for sessions taken up to April 28^th 2011.  Sessions are of approximately 30-45 minutes duration and take place in the privacy of your own home.