It’s the beginning of February! We’ve got through the doom and gloom of January and now it’s time to look ahead to Spring! Granted, it’s not quite here yet. There’s still several weeks of grey skies and chilly, wet days to go, but the best way to lift the spirits on dreary days is to wear colour. And for SS18, colour is forecast in abundance!
The new season colour trends fall into two distinct categories; rainbow brights or candy hues. And with this wide-ranging kaleidoscope of colour, there should be something for everyone.
The new pastels
Lavender, pistachio, rose pink, cornflour blue and buttermilk are the new take on pastels. Reminiscent of the mouthwatering but sickly-sweet box of French Fancies that were a treat only worthy of a Birthday party (in my house, at least!!)
Personally I am not a fan of traditional pastels. I think for us over 40s, there’s a risk of us looking twee in this colour palette. But the new season colours are richer than the baby pinks, lilacs and blues of old. I love pistachio green and I have been wearing much more (millennial) pink of late. Add caramel to this palette and I am certainly open to exploring this reinvented colour wheel.
Going head-to-toe in lilac or mint green trouser suits may be a bit too saccharine for us over 40s. But a dress or separates can look fresh, especially if the item itself is fashion-forward and accessories are sharp. For example you can get away with a twinset in a pastel shade (and not look like the Queen) if worn with cool cropped jeans and white ankle boots.
As always, it’s worth experimenting. Try combining blush pink and caramel (like a Neapolitan ice-cream) or contrast a pastel with one of the bold brights further down. Lilac and emerald green for example… it works – believe me!Turtleneck – & Other StoriesMidi dress – Top Shop
Belted jumpsuit – Mango
Cropped button pants – Mango
Bardot cable sweater – Next
Clockwise from top left: Blouse – Zara, Bag – River Island, Trousers – Zara, Shoes – Top Shop
For more style inspiration embracing the new season pastel colours, check out my Pinterest page here.
Primary colours
At the other end of the spectrum, SS18 offers a more dramatic range of colour. We’ve already subscribed to red and gotten used to more of this bold colour in our wardrobe. Now prepare to embrace ALL the colours under the rainbow – literally. From my favourite emerald green to canary yellow, orange, purple and cobalt blue.
These colours are bright, bold and not for the faint-hearted. But us over 40s should not shy away! Be daring and give these riotous colours a go…
If colour blocking feels a bit too much, then there’s plenty of rainbow stripes around that you can easily incorporate into your daily outfits. A rainbow-striped jumper paired with your favourite jeans will be sure to brighten your day.
Green blazer – River Island
Pleated skirt – H&M
Paper bag waist trousers – River Island
Bow collar sweater – Zara
Dress – H&M
Clockwise from top left: Jumper – Mango, Bag – Free People, Shoes – Dune, Trousers – H&M
Check out my Pinterest page SS18 Rainbow Brights for more inspiration on how to wear bold colours this season.
Whether you prefer pastel shades, primary colours or a combination of both; what you can be sure of is that SS18 is the season to go mad with colour and dress happy!
Thanks for reading and as always please share your thoughts below.
Main feature image: River Island SS18
Please note: there are affiliate links on this post – if you click through and purchase an item, I will earn a small commission.