There's a time and a place for wearing a beige outfit or wearing all black, and if you're someone who errs on the side of neutral, embracing colour in your wardrobe can feel like a bold step. But this season, fashion is making a compelling case for embracing brighter, sunnier hues in a way that feels easier and chicer - and entirely more wearable - than ever.
From soft pastels to rich, saturated tones, colour has the power to instantly lift an outfit and your mood without compromising your own personal style. Rather than embracing the rainbow immediately, there's subtle and less scary ways to incorporate colour. Think of it as a confidence boosting refresh, rather than a reinvention.
And to bring that new energy to your everyday style, I spoke to style expert Nicky Hambleton-Jones, of Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger, and Drop A Decade on ITV’s This Morning. Nicky's book Bolder Not Older centres on just that. "Simply wearing colour is instantly more youthful - it brightens your complexion, lifts your mood and boosts confidence," she told HELLO!. "Any colour that makes you feel good will automatically make you look younger. I’m often asked what the magic ingredient is when it comes to looking younger, and my answer is always the same: confidence. Confident people naturally have a more youthful energy."
- The spring knit: Zara Striped Knit Polo, £35 / $59.90
- A colourful pair of jeans: H&M Pink Jeans, £29.99 / $39.99
- A bright jacket: Boden Double Breasted Printed Trench, £269 / $420
- A printed dress: NRBY Ashlyn Floral Dress, £299
- A pastel skirt: Mint Velvet Linen Midi Skirt, £99 / $175
- Something red: Phase Eight Linen Dress, £129 / $230
© InstagramThe failsafe anti-ageing colour
It's been proven that you instantly look more youthful if you sport a drop of colour. "Any colour that makes you feel good will automatically make you look younger. I’m often asked what the magic ingredient is when it comes to looking younger, and my answer is always the same: confidence. Confident people naturally have a more youthful energy.
"That said, red is a truly universal colour. Yes, everyone can wear red, and it’s wonderfully anti-ageing. I’ve yet to meet anyone in red who didn’t look vibrant, youthful and alive. People often think you need confidence to wear red, when in fact wearing red creates confidence."
Nicky shares her tips to make wearing a colour an outfit priority this year.
1. Opt for colourful accessories
It's the easiest - and least scary - place to start. "If you feel daunted by the idea of wearing lots of colour, accessories are the perfect place to start. Push yourself to choose your next handbag, trainers or heels in a colour. It doesn’t have to be bright, just something that isn’t black, grey, white or cream. If your wardrobe already leans towards neutral, coloured accessories will add the perfect accent without feeling overwhelming."
2. Don't overthink it
"Wearing colour doesn’t need to be complicated. I see so many people worry about getting it 'wrong' or choosing a shade that doesn’t suit them, and as a result they end up wearing very little colour at all. The best way to embrace colour is simply to go for it. Wear it and see what happens. I guarantee you’ll hear, “Ooh, you look nice today.” It really is that simple."
3. Colour doesn't have to mean bright
"When I talk about colour, people often assume I mean bold colours like bright reds, pinks and greens for instance. In reality, colour includes everything from pastels to deep, muted tones. A soft pastel can be just as striking as a vibrant hue. If a bright feels too much, start with something gentler and build up the intensity as your colour confidence grows."
4. It's not about the colour, but the outfit
Rethink how you assume you'd wear colour. Nicky explains: "If you wear a red blouse with denim jeans, the focus is entirely on the top. But if you wear colour with colour, the outfit becomes the statement rather than the shade itself. For example, a red blouse styled with purple trousers feels intentional, modern and confident."
5. Tonal dressing is striking
"If mixing contrasting colours feels intimidating, try wearing different tones of the same colour together," Nicky suggests. "For instance, if you love blue, combine turquoise with teal. They’re part of the same colour family but vary in intensity, making them easier to wear while still delivering impact.
© Instagram6. Rethink using black as your anchor
"Black is often used as the default neutral, but it can make colour look harsher. Navy, grey, camel or white often soften the look and feel far more modern."
7. It can never be too much
"I always say you’ll never have a bad day in a bright outfit. And by bright, I mean colourful. There are lots of rules about limiting colours, but those rules just limit your style evolution. If you can carry off three colours in one outfit, go for it. Confidence is the key! If you like what you see in the mirror, you’ll carry it off, and it will look fantastic."
Nicky's key colour spring pieces
1. A bright spring knit
Fun, frivolous and bringing the joy, a bright spring knit is the most affordable way to add a little rainbow to your wardrobe.
2. Lightly coloured jeans
Spring has brought with it the trend for coloured jeans. Opt for lighter shades of pink, green or yellow for a more considered alternative to white, stonewash or cream denim.
3. A bright jacket
Even if the rest of your outfit is neutral, a bright jacket will elevate and lift the look while adding interest too.
4. A printed dress
Swap black and white or neutral prints for brighter, bolder patterns.
5. A pastel skirt
Think unexpected shades like lilac, pale pink or cornflower blue. They look great with summer accessories, and add a little light to your look.
6. Something red
"Everyone can wear red, and it’s wonderfully anti-ageing," says Nicky. Whether it's a red dress, blouse or skirt, it's the most flattering colour to try.
7. A non-black swimsuit
Some shades are actually more flattering, and slimming, than black in swimsuit form. If you're not a fan of prints, go for a sweet cornflower blue (my go-to), a raspberry pink or a khaki green.
8. Bright accessories
If in doubt, reach for a colourful accessory - it's a non-scary way to find your favourite colour to wear.
