My Tips to Add Colour Into Your Wardrobe

With the constantly changing fast fashion of the 21^st century, it’s hard to pick a defined style that you like, when what’s trendy changes each week. As much as I like to feel comfortable in my clothes, I also like to consider myself as an experimental person, when it comes to fashion. Thanks to the likes of social media and high street fashion, there are hundreds of styles for me to choose from. Some of the most popular this year being the “vsco” style - where pastel colours come to play - and “insta baddie” style, where bold, neon colours take centre stage. This was tricky for me as my previous wardrobe consisted purely of neutral colours with a few different washes of denim to accompany them in my casual college outfits. It wasn’t that I was scared of colour, just that white was my favourite, and I love a versatile outfit so I strayed away from any bold patterns or colours. But I have been more open to the idea of adding colour and have produced this simple structure to help ease you into the world of colour.

So, what even are the perks of adding colour? Why bother? Well, if you’re anything like me, you probably like to switch things up from time to time and you are unsure of what “style” or “category” you like. Curiosity is the beginning of growth in my eyes and - believe it or not - as I noticed my outfits changed, so did I. Wearing colour can be about making a statement, being bolder and gives you a sense of empowerment. When I feel comfortable and confident in my outfit, my attitude follows, which is why whatever the occasion I try my best to get ready. Now, I’m not saying jump headfirst and pull off a head to toe neon outfit, but push yourself and try something new and see what changes you notice. Worst-case scenario? Summer is just around the corner, so anything goes!

One of the first things I would suggest if your wardrobe sounds anything like my old one is to try colour blocking. This is where you simply take a neutral colour or a colour you feel comfortable in and add on to that. I would recommend beginning with starting to add coloured accessories or something you can easily take off. A statement earring or a pastel coat can change an outfit completely. However, if at any stage you don’t feel comfortable, you can easily remove them and forget it happened. You also get a feel for what colours you like, and what looks good, before you invest in that neon outfit you saw on Instagram.

Another tip is to work up to a bolder colour by starting with different shades. For instance, if you would’ve told me a year ago I would own 10 bright red tops, I would’ve laughed. But 10 burgundy tops seem like a possible situation. Start by adding a different shade of that colour and build up to the bright red top. Something I have learned through doing this too is that certain colours just don’t match or look right with my skin tone. This doesn’t mean I will never wear them, but I’m glad I learnt that I didn’t enjoy wearing green when wearing a very dark shade, rather than an eyecatching bold green.

Look on the likes of Pinterest to find outfits you like the look of and would want to own. Now I know this is a very cliche tip, however, I use my mood board to assess why I like those outfits. It’s usually the combinations they use, so matching the colour of your shoes with your top, or hiding a bold long sleeve top with a simple white tee. Really look at what it is you like and decide what you want to try from there.

Highstreets and shopping centres are a blessing in disguise. I am a shopaholic and I am constantly trying on clothes that I know I probably won't buy, however, recently I have been trying to push myself to try on something I wouldn’t usually pick out. The worst thing that could happen is that I try it on and I look ridiculous, but I can take it off and never see it again. No one has to know and I haven’t committed to buying it as it isn’t online shopping. See how it goes next time you shop - you might just find the statement piece you’ve always wanted.

Then finally: try a bold print or pattern. I personally would find this much scarier, however, you may find comfort in the mixture of colour. This could be a simple stripe shirt or a bold giraffe print, but the one thing to take from this article is if you don’t try you won't know.

So that’s it for my tips to introduce colour to your wardrobe. Take what you want from it but go and be your bold and beautiful selves with your new outfit to accompany it!

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