COLOR THEORY: NOVEL COLOR PAIRINGS FROM THE RUNWAY

Take note from some of Spring 2013's key runway looks and shop color-combinations that feel entirely fresh right now. From slate blue on chocolate brown to turquoise with emerald, these shade pairings break the rules in the best way possible. 

Color is summer's biggest trend. Hands down. From neon pink to cobalt blue there's every shade under the rainbow in everything from jeans to clutches. Wearing brights is ninety per cent confidence - here's three ways to try the look.

COLOR BLOCK: The color-blocking trend began about a year ago and it literally means an outfit made up of 'blocks' of solid color. The secret to pulling it off is sticking to simple shapes - think classic shifts, maxis, pencil skirts - and choosing shades that are the direct opposites on the color wheel. Try clashing pink and yellow, orange and blue, green and black to create the most effective blocking effect.

DO: Choose shades that have the same level of intensity. You can't team fluro yellow with blah purple – make sure that each piece has the same amount of grunt otherwise the look will be unbalanced.

DON'T: Add prints, stripes, florals or patterns of any kind when color blocking an outfit – it's a fast track to circus clown.

COLOR TONE: If you're scared of super bright colors you can try color toning. Similar to blocking, it uses shades within the same family. Michelle Obama does this look really well. Try royal blue and purple or pale green and lemon pastels – it's sophisticated and makes the trend a little more conservative and grown-up.

DO: Opt for neutrals, metallic or black accessories to keep the look simple and allow the color to pop.

DON'T: Accessorize with bags and shoes in the same shade as your outfit – this look belongs to 1985 and it needs to stay there.










COLOR POP: My favorite to way to wear brights is in a single pop. One color, on one item in your look. Try a pink shift dress, a yellow bag or an aqua shoe. This is a way of dipping your toe into the trend and working it back with the basics in your wardrobe like black, white and denim.

DO: Choose seriously bright colors when wearing a single statement piece. Don't be afraid to go a little crazy – think fluorescent, neon, even sequins.

DON'T: Jumble your hues. Be strict. The key to successfully pulling this look off is restraint.

BODY TRICK: Know your shape and use color to work it. If you're pear shaped opt for darker colors on your bottom half. If you have a tummy avoid horizontal blocks across the stomach, minimize a large bust with a darker shade on top, maximize a smaller decolletage with the reverse. Color blocking looks great on an hourglass shape when you cut the look in half - right on the waistline.