Wearing bright colors can instantly liven up an outfit and make a bold fashion statement. However, incorporating vivid hues into your wardrobe can seem daunting if you usually stick to neutrals. With some key tips on combining colors, choosing flattering shades, and accessorizing, you can easily pull off eye-catching brights. Read on to learn how to wear colorful outfits with confidence.
Pick Colors That Flatter Your Skin Tone
The first step in wearing bright colors is choosing shades that enhance your complexion. Determine whether you have warm or cool undertones to your skin. Those with warm golden, peach or yellow hints to their skin can wear warm brights like orange, coral, cherry red and neon yellow. If you have cool undertones with pink, red or blue hints, stick to cool jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue and fuchsia.
You’ll also want to consider the depth of your skin tone. Pale complexions look best in lighter brights like pastel pink, mint green and buttery yellow. Medium skin tones can pull off richer hues like teal, tangerine and magenta. Deeper complexions shine in vivid brights like cobalt blue, crimson red and purple.
Combine Your Brights With Neutrals
The key to keeping your bright color outfits from feeling overpowering is blending them with neutral pieces. Try pairing a vibrant colored top with neutral pants or skirt. Or wear a neutral top with a bright bottom like colored jeans, shorts or a skirt. Layering a neutral cardigan or blazer over a colorful dress also helps tone it down.
Sticking to one brightly colored statement piece and keeping the rest of your outfit neutral creates balance. You can also wear different bright colors together, just make sure they complement each other well. For example, pair a fuchsia top with an orange skirt or a cobalt blue jacket with a lime green dress.
Add Bright Accessories
Accessories are a fun and easy way to incorporate bright colors into your wardrobe without going overboard. Bright shoes like neon heels, cherry red flats or royal blue oxfords make an eye-catching statement. Similarly, a vivid handbag in a shade like canary yellow, teal or violet punches up a neutral outfit.
Colorful scarves and statement jewelry also help liven up neutral basics. Look for enamel bangles, beaded necklaces or fabric wrapped earrings in shades that complement your outfit. Even brightly hued socks or tights under neutral pieces add a subtle pop of color.
Try Wearable Brights
Some bright colors naturally translate better into wearable outfits. Softened brights like pastel pink, peach, pistachio and butter yellow work for many. Vivid but versatile primary shades like red, blue and green are easy to mix and match.
Go for bright colors with yellow, orange or brown undertones rather than neons for a more flattering look. Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire and amethyst also make stunning color choices. Even prints like polka dots, gingham and florals in bright colors keep an outfit fun but refined.
Consider Your Lifestyle & Occasion
Think about your regular activities and where you’ll wear the outfit when choosing bright colors. Vivid hues may not suit conservative workplaces, so save them for weekends and nights out. Pastels or wearing brights as accessories create a more muted effect for professional settings.
Darker brights like jewel tones tend to be more versatile for both day and night. Lighter shades may require more care and attention to spills or stains from food and drinks. The vibrancy of bright colors also fades faster with washing, so save them for occasional wear rather than daily use.
Mix Textures & Patterns
Combining different textures and patterns helps balance out vibrant brights. For example, pair a solid neon top with patterned pants or a bright printed skirt with a neutral textured sweater. Sheer overlays, lace accents and embroidered details can also soften bright solid colors.
Distressed and washed effects on denim, leather and other fabrics muted down bright shades as well. Metallic accessories, shoes or handbags in silver, gold or bronze provide contrast and sheen against matte brights. Overall, varying textures helps keep bright colors from feeling overwhelming.
Conclusion
Wearing bright colors allows you to have fun with fashion and make bold statements. Keep these tips in mind to choose flattering shades, balance them with neutrals and mix textures and accessories. With confidence and practice, vivid hues can become staple additions to your everyday wardrobe. Embrace color and let your style shine through.
