The catwalks of London, Paris and New York are all showing collections of bright and clashing colour combinations, perhaps in response to the economic climate; an attempt to brighten up our lives. Wearing bright colours is not for everybody and whilst teenagers can probably get away with anything, women in their twenties, thirties forties and beyond probably need to be a little more discerning.

Depending on your natural colouring, you will get away with bright colours to a different degree of success. This doesn't mean that this fashion is only available to those with the 'right' colouring for it; there are a few little tricks that will make wearing clashing bright colours available for all.

For women with 'Deep' or 'Clear' colouring, this trend was made for you. 'Deeps' who look fantastic in black can add splashes of deep and bright reds, pinks, oranges or greens depending on skin tone. As long as you choose either a cool or a warm undertone that suits your skin tone, any bright colour will be striking. 'Clears' can wear contrasting bright clear colours; for example pink with orange. If your undertone is cool wear a fuchsia pink near your face and orange on your legs and the reverse for a warm undertone.

'Light' and 'Soft' women will be overpowered by wearing bright colours head to foot. For 'Light' women I would suggest sticking to light coloured clothing and enhancing it with bright accessories; shoes and bag for instance. Similarly 'Soft' women are restricted with their pallet.

A 'Soft' looks her best in muted, tonal colours but again use shoes and bags in Turquoise or Blush Pink to add an element of the 'Bright' trend. It is probably better to keep the bright items away from your face, so if just wearing bright coloured shoes is not enough for you, try coloured jeans or a skirt, then team it with a top that is softer and one or two tones lighter in the same colour.

'Warms' can wear bright yellow orange and lime greens, 'Cools' can wear fuchsia pink, bright periwinkle and magenta.

Don't worry if 'Bright' is not for you! There are plenty of other fashion trends to be seen in the shops this year but you can always add a token gesture with a splash of colour on a belt or brooch without compromising your usual style.

Author: Joanna Steele-Perkins

About the author:
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior Image Consultant with Colour Me Beautiful. Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on all aspects of personal image and her services include Image for Men, Colour Analysis, style consultations, Make-up Lessons, bridal advice and personal shopping.

Article source: Free Fashion Articles.