How to Add Colour to Your Wardrobe
Some of us love to stand out in a crowd, and colour is a beautiful way to make a statement. For many of us though, bringing more of the rainbow into our everyday wardrobe can feel a little daunting. From choosing shades that complement your skin tone to pairing colours and mixing prints, it’s not always obvious where to begin. Add in the cooler months - when we naturally gravitate towards black, navy and grey - and it’s easy to lose confidence in wearing bright, bold pieces altogether.
While there’s always a time and place for classic neutrals, relying on them too heavily can leave your wardrobe (and your mood) feeling a little flat. What we wear on the outside has a powerful impact on how we feel on the inside, which is why adding colour can be such a game-changer. With a few simple, easy-to-follow tips, you can move beyond the safety of an all-neutral palette, embrace a little dopamine dressing, and
and confidently add colour to your wardrobe.
How do I know what colours suit me?
The simplest way to find out which colours suit you is to give them a try… For example, I personally LOVE light pink, however when I pop on a light pink shirt or top, I can notice it change the colour of my skin tone in my face considerably… it makes me look much paler and even grey in complexion and only by trialing, I know it’s not a great colour for me. We suggest heading out and having a bit of fun with your friends and trying on styles with different colours and shades. Hold them up or even try them on to see which ones light you up and put colour into your face or which ones can make you look a little ‘washed out’ . Remember it’s all about finding something that makes you sparkle and feel confident wearing it.
Now, keeping in mind, just because I said light pink pales me out, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a colour that doesn't suit you at all. You just have to be more creative with how you wear it! Here are a few options
- Try a different shade of pink - maybe a brighter magenta or hot pink might throw a completely different look.
- Incorporate the light pink on the lower half of the body or subtly through accessories so it’s not so prominent against the face.
- Look for a piece that could incorporate the light pink with other colours that compliment your skin tone e.g. a print with multiple colours or shades.
Choosing the correct colours for you takes time, don’t expect to have a whole palette sorted the first time you go shopping. Over time you’ll start to notice those colours that compliment your skin, eyes and hair and if you’re not confident in trying new ones all the time, stick with what you know works for you.
How to Introduce Colour to Your Wardrobe Slowly
It can be a bit overwhelming when you’re experimenting with colour for the first time, so don’t feel like you need to overhaul your wardrobe all at once. Why not dip your toes into the colourful world by introducing a small pop of colour at first – start with a statement necklace or earrings. Even a brighter lip colour could be a nice pop of colour. If you're not ready to throw on a loud piece with a busy print you can also start small by choosing a block-coloured accessory that is sure to elevate plenty of looks that already exist in your wardrobe!
A colourful accessory can be grabbed last minute and used to elevate any outfit. You’ll be surprised how something so small can make such a big difference! Although a piece with a colourful print is a great way to add some fun, a bold block colour is definitely an easy and fun way to add some cheer to your winter wardrobe. Try adding a bright scarf and coloured lip!
Take it from Dorothy, there's no kind of magic quite like a nice pair of ruby red shoes. A pop of colour goes a long way! Ditch the white sneakers and try adding some coloured shoes to boost your favourite outfit. This is an easy way to add a touch of difference to your look.
What is Colour Blocking?
Essentially, when we’re talking about colour blocking, we’re referring to large sections of colour being grouped together. For example, this could be a printed dress featuring just two colours, or wearing one colour on your bottom half and a different colour on your top half. These colours can contrast or complement each other, but they need to be different enough to create clear “blocks” of colour.
It’s a great place to start when adding colour to your wardrobe because you’re experimenting and learning how to confidently pair colours together.
Cotton Stretch Pocket Skirt from handpicked by birds
Add Colour to Your Wardrobe through Patterns
Experimenting with patterned clothes is a really easy way to introduce more colour into your wardrobe. Find a pattern that makes you smile – it might be floral, swirls, or geometric. Chances are, it will have lots of colour on it. Opt for a subtle print, one that is classic and timeless and won't go out of fashion. Once you have a few good patterns to work with, adding different colours to wear with it should be super simple (and super fun).
Animal print is a classic print that can be relied on season upon season. With it's neutral base colours, it offers just the right amount of print without going too bright and bold into the world of colour. With more neutral animal prints, have some fun with your accessories or a bold lip to add that little bit of extra fun.
Break up a floral print top with a simple, classic jacket. It allows you to easily add a bold pattern to your look without overwhelming your look and is sure to go with just about everything you have in your wardrobe.
Choosing a pattern that has a really versatile base colour, such as navy, is a simple way to add some colour to your look. Pattern doesn't have to always be big bold colours, and lots of them, opt for a piece that incorporates 1-2 colours.
When it comes to an abstract pattern with lots of colours, its best to opt for an easy to style base colour. This will bring subtle colour into your outfit with ease. If you're really loving the colour happening, choose your favourite accents in the print and match with your accessories for a subtle, extra pop!
Start with a neutral base
You can experiment with having a neutral monochromatic base either all black, white or neutral. Then add a pop of pattern or colour in a classic style like a coat, blazer, over shirt, scarf, bag etc.
If you are feeling a little more daring than the classic neutrals, considering trying the 'new neutrals' like denim, blush, khaki, mustard, tan. These are familiar colours that will add a little bit of character to your outfit without turning (too many) heads.
Burgundy is your bread and butter for adding a splash of colour to your winter wardrobe. The all black underneath will elongate your figure, but you could also freshen up the outfit for those warm sunny days, by adding a white tee underneath.
Blush, the "new neutral" is a soft way to add some colour to your wardrobe. Blush can be paired back with any colour - making it a wardrobe staple that you can rely on season after season.
Add Colour to Your Wardrobe through a Hero piece
Find a hero piece with a colour or pattern you absolutely love, like a maxi dress or statement pant, maybe even a bright knit, and then tone it down with a neutral piece. This will break up the showstopper piece, by allowing it to still peep out from under pieces, offering any outfit a little bit of personality. Finding a hero piece that works when paired back with multiple neutrals is a great way to give the illusion that you have an endless wardrobe, from just one piece!
Find Your Perfect Pop of Colour
All in all, finding colour in your wardrobe can bring you so much joy! Creating different outfits and looks through the use of accessories, colour blocking and matching is a fun process and you’ll feel the satisfaction when your style is brighter and creates interest in your outfit. There are so many coloured accessories and styles that will change each season, it’s perfect to start your colour journey at any stage of the year.
Whether you're wanting to dip your toes into the wonderful world of colour with coloured accessories or ready to dive head first into bold patterns, feel confident adding some colour into your wardrobe with these carefully curated pieces
Love, the birdsnest birds x
Beth
Born and raised on the beaches of Sydney, Beth gave it all up to move to the mountains where she now lives in a tiny house on Lake Jindabyne with her three ducks and partner. When Beth's not busy working on our Social Media channels, you'll find her snowboarding, hiking, swimming or napping.
