How to wear colours that aren't in your palette

 Jo wears Lime Cotton Rib Shirt | Cream Karina Ponte Top | Cream Short Ponte Skirt

Do you have colours in your wardrobe that you know don’t work for you? Whether you’ve discovered your palette of colours through our colour quiz or an in person colour analysis, or you simply know that black really doesn’t work for you any more, there are probably pieces hanging round in your wardrobe that you know aren’t your best colours, but can’t quite bring yourself to part with.

Whether those are investment pieces or simply tops and tees, it can be frustrating owning clothes that you don’t wear, so let’s explore how to solve that! After all, we are passionate about sustainable wardrobes, and all the sustainable production in the world is still a waste if you aren’t wearing the clothes once you own them.

Here’s our favourite ways to right those wrongs! And remember, I’ve used specific colours as example here - black, beige, and some brights - but the tips can be interpreted for any colour in your wardrobe that doesn’t feel amazing to wear.

Black Classic Camisole | Black Ruched Skirt | Kingfisher Short Tie Wrap | Gold Dazzle Hoops | Gold Dazzle Necklace

Can’t wear black?

Black is perhaps one of the most polarising colours out there. Such a mainstay of so many wardrobes, it actually suits a relatively small percentage of people, and even those who can wear it often find it feels hard and out of keeping with their natural colouring as they age.

If you’ve got an abundance of black in your wardrobe, the good news is that there are ways to make it feel more forgiving.

1. Move it away from your face - even a high neck top can be improved with a scarf or statement necklace.

2. Add a splash of colour to a base outfit of black - this can be really effective if you have lots of black in your wardrobe and struggle to get dressed without it. A simple tee or a jacket in one of your favourite colours can do a lot to counteract black’s draining powers.

3. Pair it with classic neutrals - perhaps you look better in Camel, or Dove Grey, or Chalk White? Add a more flattering neutral to black for an outfit that feels every bit as timeless and elegant as all black, but which doesn’t make you feel drained and drab.

4. Use black to add formality to more fun colours - a black blazer or pair of trousers can anchor bold colours, especially if you’re still finding your feet with wearing brighter shades. Again, keep those brights near to your face if you possibly can, to boost your mood and your confidence.

And most importantly of all - as that black wears out, don’t be tempted to replace it with more of the same! Explore your best neutrals, from French Navy to Chocolate, and discover your very own ‘better than black’ dark neutral.

Camel Rachel Jacket | Cream Gillie Ponte Skirt | Tulipwood Darcey V | Pink Clover Cashmere Gauze Stole

Drab in browns and beiges?

Chocolate, Camel, Tan, Coffee, Honey and Cream are all beautiful, natural feeling shades that sit comfortably in many wardrobes, but if they aren’t having the right impact in yours, it might be worth exploring ways of working with them before you completely abandon them. Here are our favourites.

1. Colours you love that tone with brown - are there any colours that you love that look good with these warm neutrals? Blues can be tricky with brown, but oranges, reds, greens and yellows can all work well, and even a splash of vibrant pink with the lighter shades.

2. Black and Camel is a classic combination - if you have variations on the theme of this timeless shade in your wardrobe, and you know black works better for me, pair these two neutrals together for an elegant, minimalist look which will feel appropriate in almost any environment.

3. A simple splash - opt for a single dash of one of your best colours, near to your face, to liven up your look and brighten those browns. Even if it isn’t a great match for the brown tones, a single splash won’t fight too hard with the neutral background.

4. If you’ve got a print which ties together browns with other colours that do work for you, use this as an anchor piece, then add your favourite colours from that print elsewhere in your outfit, to create an effortlessly harmonious look which also includes your best colours!

Lemon Yellow Soft Square Vest | Very Berry Short Ponte Skirt | Greystone Roxy Shirt Jacket

Bad brights?

Bright colours that you don’t love can feel far harder to work with than a simple neutral, but there are plenty of solutions to help you fall in love with a ‘wrong’ colour for as long as it remains in your wardrobe

1. Colour block like a fashionista - have you ever admired the bold colour combinations of the truly effortlessly stylish? This is your moment to emulate. Opt for no more than two brights (a tee and jacket, or top and bottom, for instance), and keep any other parts of your outfit neutral for a simple but stylish look which makes that ‘bad’ bright suddenly feel intentional and coolly clashing, rather than simply badly chosen.

2. Light neutrals are your friend - there is no better pair for a bold bright than your version of the simple white tee. Whether it’s Silver, Cream, White or Ice Pink, a crisp tee can tone down even the boldest bright, as well as get one of your best neutrals near your face.

3. But don’t forget the dark colours! Darker tones, whether neutral or slightly bolder, can give the eye a place to rest and, if chosen from your favourite colours, make that bold colour pop feel like an intentional choice in a flattering outfit, rather than a colour accident!

Bright Navy Jersey Maxi Skirt | Cream Lace Camisole | Citronella Elle Cardigan

Finally, whatever your problem colour, don’t forget our favourite tip of all, the ultimate formula for instant easy, stylish, balanced feeling outfits:

Light neutral. Dark neutral. Colour pop.

That’s it! Whichever colours you choose, this combination makes for a guaranteed successful outfit. Simply replace the relevant colour with your badly behaved shade, and add the remaining two components from your favourite shades.

Bonus tip: when it just isn’t working

Of course, there will be times when however hard you try, you simply can’t make yourself fall back in love with an item in your wardrobe. Here are our favourite steps to ensure that it reaches a good home:

1. If you’re not yet convinced about whether to keep it or not, why not make it the focus of one of our 10x10 challenges? Click here to more about these challenges and how they can solve almost any wardrobe dilemma.

2. Can you pass the piece on to a loved one who will be thrilled with it? This always feels like a lovely way to recycle clothes if you have any sort of attachment to them (perhaps because they cost a lot, or maybe you wore them for something memorable or they were a favourite of a loved one). Just remember not to press it on to someone who isn’t super-excited about owning it, or you’re just passing on the problem!

3. Can you sell it? With a huge range of selling options from dress agencies to Vinted to good old eBay, it’s usually possible to claw back a portion of the original price, especially for known brands.

4. Charity shop - when in doubt, your local charity shop is usually a good bet! Make sure they’re accepting donations before you drive over with three bin liners full of clothes though, as some have maximum capacities they can accept, which need to go to their sorting centres before they can take more.

And finally, remember that the best way to know for sure if an item of clothing works for you is to discover the colour palette that belongs to you - the one that makes you feel confident, in harmony, and authentic. Why not pop over to our Colour Quiz to discover yours?