It is amazing how one colour can brighten up your life and style. Though each one of us have a hue of our liking, going for that bold or bright colour always tempts us. Yet, you hesitate when it comes to donning that bright red or canary yellow. So, how does one wear their favourite bold-bright colour, without attracting negative ratings?

Designers Nivedita Saboo and Nafisa Poonawalla suggest ways to choose the right shades.

Question is Who?

This is probably the first question that strikes you — who can wear bold and bright colours? The designers say — a striking personality. “How one carries a colour depends on the person. It does not depend on the colour of one’s skin or size. For example, I go for understated garments, but pair it with bold accessories. Generally, fair people do not have a problem, but dark skinned people might find some colours garish and it acts as a contrast.

But if you have the personality, go ahead,” states Nafisa. Nivedita seconds that and adds, “I think any colour will suit you if you wear it right. If you have the personality, it shines out best when you sport bold colours. Your attitude defines the way you carry yourself in a vibrant colour hue. When you wear a bright colour, it is important that you team it right.”

Combined Colours

Now that you have understood who can go bright, the next step requires a little understanding of colours and how to go about wearing them with style.

Go Red

Nafisa explains, “Bold red is a happening colour for parties and you can team it with darker colours like black. A red pump will go well with accessories, while black stilettos go for combo. For day-time, team it with tees or pair it with white or subtle shades. These colours will take away the brightness.” Engine red go well with lipstick which in turn, can be paired with a basic attire.

Pink Paradise

Nafisa says pink is truly a girly colour. You can wear it in a floral dress. A fuchsia pink is perfect for the nights, like combining a corset of that colour with denims. “If the cut is simple, then it might work. But if you cannot carry it, you can include it in accessories, but avoid the colour in shows.” Nivedita reveals, “A fuchsia dress looks stunning when teamed with gold pumps and a clutch.”

Yellow Bird

Light yellow goes well with green and blue shades, states Nafisa. “It is a day colour. But if you have to wear it in the evenings, try burnt or ochre yellow. The colour goes well with Indian garments.” Nivedita puts forth, “If you are going in for a canary yellow top, it works best with white linen trousers. A bold colour at times also compliments another bold colour beautifully.”

Blue’s Perfect

Nafisa prefers pairing more of indigo or electric blue which can be paired with shades of grey or green. “For the day, the colour always works on denims which work well with orange or green.”

Oh, Orange!

Nafisa admits, orange works well on bags especially the international brands which have been using the colour often. “I am into orange. Earlier, I was into fluorescent green. I don’t wear garish colours unless it is bunched with something subtle. You can wear orange in an accessory.” “Go pair a bright orange skirt which goes well with a navy blue fitted top,” Nivedita adds.

Gripping Green

Go green takes on a new meaning when Nafisa confesses to the fact that the colour does make dark-skinned people look darker. “It is a primary colour, but it works well on Indian outfits.”

Take Note

Nafisa has just one advice for those who want to go ‘bold’, “Don’t overdo it with anything and just be yourself. I prefer to accessorise my clothes with bold colours.” Nivedita adds, “Basically bold hues is all about knowing how to do the balancing act.

If you want to wear bold colours, but feel that they will overpower you, go in for colours that border towards the brighter colour palette and not really bold in nature. For such people, colours like crimson, peach and purple work best,” she concludes.