The power of colour for your confidence and style

Black has ruled many a wardrobe for years but the rainbow is widening as women harness the beauty of colour for self-expression.

Opening our eyes to colour is partly a response to the heaviness of Covid-19, but, according to experts, also a sign of a new confidence women are keen to express.

Australian Style Institute founder Lauren Di Bartolo says traditional “rules” about colour are increasingly being disregarded, beginning from childhood.

“We’re moving away from gender colours for children now with traditional pink and blue being challenged more than ever,” Lauren says.

“And as we mature, we’re seeing a lot more individuality coming through.

“It’s more about how a particular colour makes you feel and the meaning you give to it.”

The new black: Power colours to try

Pink has become a new power colour that couldn’t have been imagined 10 years ago, Lauren says.

“Hot pink and pastel pink can draw the eye but just because one shade is brighter than the other, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more commanding of attention,” she says.

“Some women are fearful a brighter colour will yell ‘look at me’ but it’s not the case.

“It’s how it fits with your overall outfit and how it looks on you.”

Pastel pink, baby blue and even lavender when on trend can be vibrant and confident colours.

Fashion stylist Donny Galella says he avoids black when dressing women for television appearances, preferring colour for engagement.

“Covid has been a heavy, negative time and black just adds to the gloominess,” Donny says.

“There’s been a massive resurgence in power suiting, which is so great to see.

“We are seeing some gorgeous different colours. There’s a lot of white, which is such a great colour for confidence and to pair with other colours.

“A white power suit really makes a commanding statement.”

Lauren suggests playing with different shades of white, whether clear white, off white or cream, to find the perfect version.

“Traditionally, we looked to darker, structured colours for impact but in the past five years, we’ve seen you can have an incredibly powerful aesthetic with a structured garment in a softer colour because it suits you more and gives you more confidence,” she says.

“Colour doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.”

How to incorporate colour in your wardrobe

Each fashion season we’re offered a new colour palette to explore and Lauren recommends going to a store to check if the latest colour trends suit.

“We’re all told to choose colours that make our eyes pop but you should look at the colour that evens your skin tone and complements your whole face,” she says.

“Some colours also age us and some make us look younger.”

Green is a typical rule-breaking colour, Lauren says.

“Recent trends range from neon to mint and sage but as soon as you hold a garment against your face, you will know if it works,” she says.

Written by Catherine Lambert.

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