Rainbow shades: It's all bright on the night
This season’s clashing kaleidoscope of colours is not for faint-hearted
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Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Forget bright-but-a-bit-boring block colours; don’t even think about sugary sherbet shades – this summer, the rulebook is torn up again and a brash, clashing kaleidoscope of colours looks fresh and fun. Forget Coco Chanel’s little black dress and focus instead on Coco the Clown’s colourful and capacious clothing.
Channelling a rainbow sounds like a migraine-inducing minefield, but even the most shy and retiring types should be able to find something to suit. Street‑smart brand Aries’ marriage of laid-back denim and fiesty embroidery, or a pair of snazzy shoes from the likes of Malone Souliers or Sophia Webster, are perfect ways to dip a toe in the trend.
You can’t help but feel optimistic when you’re dressed in bright, vibrant shades – which makes the trend perfect for holidays and summer excursions. But don’t limit yourself to off-duty days; injecting a bit of cheer before you battle through your commute can’t hurt, and there are sleek, workplace-ready versions of the look alongside the more jovial takes – not least Roksanda’s version of modern power dressing.
Even if you’ve always had a penchant for parading, some restraint should be shown. Avoid dressing head-to-toe in the look, unless, that is, you want to channel a children’s TV presenter or a colourful patchwork elephant.
The alternative:
Black and white: Mad about monochrome
Maybe it’s those pop-culture connotations, but brights are usually seen as the preserve of the youthful. However,, it often takes the sort of confidence that only comes with age to be able to pull them off with the necessary aplomb. You’d do well to look to Iris Apfel for inspiration – that’s sage advice whatever the quandary, but in this case refers to the nonagenarian New Yorker’s bright and beautiful life and style, which is documented in a soon-to-be-released documentary by the late filmmaker Albert Maysles.
The future’s bright, the future’s orange... and red, and yellow, and green and blue.
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