Colour smashing or clashing

Black and white has always been a safe traditional classic for matching colour, but the fashion industry are taking it one step further, working with colour to give a striking, unique look, colours such as blue and yellow, mint and coral or even the unheard pink and red can give an amazing, distinctive look. Many shy away, for fear of getting it wrong, so we have put together some tips on how to be smashing not clashing.

• You do not always have to mix bright with bright, why not try and bright blue with a pale blue.
• If you are mixing pale tones with brighter tones, always wear the brighter tones on the part of your body you most want to define.
• Always think about your skin tones, so if you have pale skin, avoid yellow and orange and go for brighter colours like pink or cobalt blue.
• To play it safe, stick with 2 bright colours for formal occasions, more than 2 colours can be risky, and needs careful thought, more colours tends to work better with casual clothing.
• If mixing colours still scares you, why not start gradually, so a navy dress with a perhaps a lime green handbag and earrings.
• If you are really going to town for example a bright pink and bright orange, stick to a nude shoe. We would always match the handbag and fascinator therefore keeping the shoe neutral.

We have put some outfits together for you using some of our favourite colour matches, all dresses are currently available on the high street and accessories from  Love Fascinators currently in stock in our summer house or on our website www.lovefascinator.co.uk

Ted Baker – www.tedbaker.co.uk – LYXA cut-out midi dress, fushia – £199, Love Fascinator Clutch bag £20 and Fascinator £65

Next – www.next.co.uk – Closet panel bodycon dress -£48, Love Fascinators clutch bag £20 and fascinator £12

Coast – www.coast-stores.com – Blue coast levina crepe shift dress – £120, Love Fascinators clutch bag £15 and fascinator £55

ASOS – www.asos.com -Sleeveless textured wiggle dress with split front in orange – £42, Love Fascinators clutch bag £15 and fascinator £35

ASOS –www.asos.com –  Midi dress in ponte with ruffle sleeve £28, Love Fascinators clutch bag £25 and fascinator £25

Phase 8 – www.phase-eight.com – Nicola fit and flare dress in green £150, Love Fascinators clutch bag £20 and fascinator £40

If you are interested in reading more about colour matching theory search The Colour Wheel on Google.