How to wear bold colours without overdoing it

There are days when I want to channel my inner Pinterest-y, aesthetic girl who’s all about the neutrals. From home decor to lacy undies, it’s all beige, white, or cream for me. Then there are other days when I want to dive into bold colours and look glamorous... but end up looking like Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

The only colours in my wardrobe are pastels, whites, and blacks. I don’t experiment much with bold colours because, honestly, who wants to end up looking like a clown? But after some serious research and a binge-watch of 300 colour theory videos, I think I’ve cracked the code (well, sort of). Turns out, it’s not as hard as it seems—just a little trial, error, and a lot of Pinterest inspiration.

One bold colour only

Listen, you're not a crayon box. There’s nothing wrong with standing out, but let’s not go overboard. Pick one bold colour to showcase. Don’t be that person who wears every neon/bold shade at the same time. If you’re wearing a bright orange top, let it have its moment. Your pants? Maybe just chill with black or white. Don't go looking like a sunset by pairing it with a yellow or an upside-down tangerine if you want to pair it with a green. Start slow; figure it out.

Neutrals are your best friend

When in doubt, throw on a neutral with any bold piece. They’re like the cool friend who never steals the spotlight but always has your back. Black, white, beige, and grey should definitely be a part of your wardrobe at all times, as they can pair well with bold colours. Pair a brown or a maroon skirt with a neutral top to make it look like you know your fashion a little too well.

Colour blocking

Colour blocking can be fun, but we’re not trying to look like a kid’s art project. The key is mixing bold colours that actually complement each other. Baby pink and red have to be two of the chicest colour combinations. What isn't so chic is pairing neon pink and lime green. We don't want to look like a bad product of two slimes that have been mixed together.

Match your skin tone

Some bold colours will make you shine, while others not so much. If you have warm undertones, go for fiery oranges, reds, and yellows—they’ll highlight your natural glow. Cool undertones? Jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, and deep purples are your best friends. If you have neutral undertones, you’re lucky—you can rock both warm and cool colours, so experiment with reds, pinks, and purples. For those with olive undertones, bold oranges, mustard yellows, and earthy shades like terracotta work wonders. And if you have deep or dark undertones, bright colours like fuchsia and royal blue will pop beautifully, while rich tones like burgundy and plum create a gorgeous contrast.

Accessories

Not ready for a full-on bold outfit? No worries. Start small with accessories. A statement bag, funky earrings, or a bright scarf are great ways to dip your toes into bold colours without going all in.

Play with textures and patterns

Textures and patterns are the secret weapon when it comes to wearing bold colours. A bold red leather jacket? Perfect. A shiny satin skirt in deep blue? Yes, please. But when you mix textures, make sure the pattern or texture complements the bold colour. Too many patterns or textures together can get overwhelming. Think of it like a fine balance—don’t drown your bold colours in a sea of competing designs.

Lead image: Getty 

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