1. Add unexpected flashes of colour by co-ordinating accessories.
Like your scarf to your phone cover or purse.
2. Treat leopard print like it's a neutral.
It makes even the most basic basics look more glamorous and dressed up.
3. Turn basic jeans into eye-catching distressed jeans.
4. Find your own signature style piece.
Something that you always wear — like how Miranda Priestly has her scarf. Yours could be bright belts, a jangly charm bracelet, leopard print accents, statement earrings, or a hat.
5. Add a burst of neon with a bright beanie.
6. If you're going for bold fashion statements, keep your hair simple.
Think a low-key ponytail, slicked back or a straightened, silky curtain. Let the clothes do the talking for you.
7. Cover a dull outfit choice with a DIY no-sew blanket cape.
8. Shop the sales for bright designer items.
Bolder colours are often overlooked in favour of their neutral cousins, so tend to hit the sale rail at the end of each season. Dress all in black, or neutrally, and use these million-pound-but-I-got-for-a-tenner accessories to make your outfit look expensive.
9. Use colour to highlight your best features.
Small waist? Accentuate it with a bright red belt over a contrasting-coloured outfit. Shapely pins? Wear coloured tights. Ability to walk in sky-scraper heels? Make them day-glo! Or switch it up, and wear all brights with black to highlight.
10. Wear neutrals with just a pop of colour.
Add a selection of coloured jackets to your wardrobe, then you've got permission to wear all-black outfits.
11. Update plain coats and outfits by adding a detachable fur-look collar.
Be brave and go for fake fur in a contrasting colour.
12. Wear a pair of white tights underneath a coloured pair.
It'll make the colour bolder and brighter AND keep your legs extra snug!
13. Make your accessories really pop by glueing on embellishments.
14. Make breton tops your wardrobe staple.
Striped tops look amazing teamed with bright primary-coloured pencil skirts or blazers. Or be brave and match with leopard print!
15. Plan outfits using the colour wheel.
Match either…
Complementary colours
These are colours on opposite sides of the colours wheel (eg. teal and red).
Analogous colours
These are colours that are along the same three slices of the colour wheel (eg. burnt orange and red).
Primary colours
Primary colours are the root colours: yellow, red, and blue (the ones that you'd mix in a paint palate to get greens, pinks, oranges, etc.). Mixing these three make a bold, '60s-inspired statement.
16. Or use the colour wheel to plan your makeup.
Orangey-red lipstick and a blue top looks lush.
17. Team a button-down shirt with a statement necklace.
There's a reason why it's called a "statement" necklace, after all.
18. If you're scared of colour, add a bright scarf.
You still get that colour pop, but the fact that it's removable makes it feel a little less terrifying should you lose your nerve.
19. And play with textures as well as colours.
A leather skirt can really change the look of a basic outfit. Here's a tutorial for making your own...if you want a totally unique look.
20. Add contrast to feminine florals with a repurposed camo jacket.
It toughens the look up.
21. Colour block your outfits.
This means wearing solid blocks of colour. Stick to bright primary colours, for a retro '60s pop art feel. But maybe avoid a red, amber, green – unless you want to look like a traffic light.
