How do I start wearing Spring palette colours?

Whether you've done our colour quiz, had an in-person colour analysis, or simply realised that this palette is 'you', you're ready for your colour adventure with the Spring palette. You might be brand new to wearing colour, or simply need a refresh on this lightest and brightest of seasons; either way, this guide covers everything you need to wear your colours with confidence!

The Spring palette

Spring colours are warm, bright, light, fresh and playful, and often worn in contrast (light with dark, bright with neutral). Each colour has a warm, pale yellow undertone; pinks are peach or coral tinted, greens are leaf and lime, and blues have an aqua hue. Even your darkest neutrals, like bright navy and soft camel, have a degree of brightness to them.

Don't panic if your palette feels a little bright when you first start out, especially if you're stepping away from grey and black for the first time in years. Yes, the Spring palette does contain a lot of vibrant, light and bright colours, but it also contains exactly the right neutrals you need to anchor those brights. And don't forget that every single colour within this palette, from softest Camel to boldest Canary yellow, is carefully selected to make you feel as amazing as you look.

The Spring personality

Assigning a personality to colours might seem a little strange, but after 18 years of working with colour we see it all the time, and we love exploring how colours reflect our personalities. Spring characters are warm, friendly and outgoing, with buckets of enthusiasm and energy, especially for new ideas and concepts. Your colours enhance your personality, injecting vibrancy, light and warmth into every outfit, and every day!

Fresh Lime Studio Sweatshirt  | Multi Wave Sia Silk Scarf |  Violet Classic Suede Belt

Start with a scarf

So you know what your palette looks like, but how do you actually start wearing it? We are big believers in the magic of a splash of colour, and we know that the easiest way is to add a scarf. A fun print infinity or indulgent Cashmere Gauze Stole is the ideal starting point for injecting a little of your Spring palette into your outfits. If you're feeling a little unsure, a print is an easy starting point, both because it isn't quite such a 'block' of colour, and because you'll be able to pick colours out from that print as you begin to add more colour to your outfit. Many of our prints also contain a neutral, to help guide (but not dictate! We love experimenting) your entire outfit.

Leaf Diamond Print Infinity Scarf | Antique White Essential V Neck

Outfit building

You're gaining confidence with a colour splash, but now you're trying to put together colour combinations for an entire outfit. Luckily, we're here to help!

To start with, keep it simple. Keep in mind the mantra 'dark neutral, light neutral, colour pop' for every outfit, and before you know it you'll be wearing colours like a pro. Whether you opt for warmer tones from your palette like Rich Chocolate and cream, or cooler Bright Navy and Soft White, adding a colour pop will make the magic happen and instantly bring your Spring personality to life. Don't worry if you're compromising a little on your neutrals at first, just make sure that your colour pop is in the form of a top, jacket or scarf, reflecting your best colours up onto your face, and you'll be well on your way to sporting your Spring palette from top to toe.

Adding more colour

Of course, you don't need to stick to this 'neutrals and a colour pop' rule forever. As you gain confidence with your colours you'll find yourself wanting to wear brights with brights, with even more brights, and we are very much here for that. Wearing colour has the power to boost your mood, as well as brightening the day of everyone around you. Just don't layer up too many of your boldest colours in one outfit - we find three is a magic number when it comes to bright colours, guaranteed you look both bright and stylish.

If you're not sure where to start with wearing more than one colour in an outfit, our colour combination pages are the ultimate resource - packed full of colour combination inspiration and put together by our in-house artist, Hannah. All you need to do is pick an image and go!

raw-spring_combos_b.jpg

Expressing your own style

Your style is completely unique to you, and one of the biggest worries when beginning your colour journey can be how you'll express your style and personality within the 'limits' of your newfound palette.

The answer is simple: your palette is a world of possibilities, not a limit. As well as containing a huge range of colours, your colour palette is designed to work with, not against, your personal style. Whether you prefer a minimal, pared back look, full on glamour, something outdoorsy and adventurous, or a look that is entirely unique, your palette contains a full balance of lights, darks, neutrals and brights to enable you to achieve it.

Just take it slowly, and begin to explore replacing old favourites with similar styles in your new favourite colours as you go!

Still not sure? Five top tips to get you started right now

If you're still lacking in confidence, here are the five tips you need to get you started with your season right now:

  1. Add a splash - a scarf, t-shirt or jacket in one of your new brights will instantly lift any outfit.
  2. Note your neutrals - elegant warm tones like Camel and Rich Chocolate, vibrant Bright Navy, and airy Soft White and Cream. Begin to base your outfits around these.
  3. Dark neutral, light neutral, colour pop - keep this mantra in mind every time you get dressed, and don't panic if your colours aren't perfect straight away - developing your wardrobe is a process (and an adventure!), not an overnight fix. 
  4. Fall in love with prints - if you're feeling nervous, add colour in the form of prints rather than solid shades.
  5. Don't lose your style - use colour to enhance, rather than diminish your personality.

To see the other seasons, use the links below: