Bright. Bold. Ballsy. These are all words to describe one who chooses to wear super saturated hues [0] - and more power to you! I thought it would be helpful to share some tips about how to wear brights, whether you are already a BBB bright wearing babe or especially if you are on the fence and not quite ready, yet.
These are tips from Polly Allen Mellen and me. Mellen is a fashion legend of sorts, who has been a stylist and fashion editor for more than 60 years at Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and she was also the creative director at Allure from 1991-1999. So yeah, she's knows a thing or two about styling. And me, well you know me!
- Get it right. If you want to wear a bright, find the right hue for you and your skin tone. Know your colors! If you seek the perfect red clutch, establish which red, crimson? cherry? tomato?, looks best tucked under your arm and seek it out. Also, if you want the look of a pretty pastel, go for a glamorous classic - nothing too girly or saccharine.
- No frills. Attention to fit is important when wearing brights; color doesn't hide flaws. Make sure armholes and necklines are flattering for your bod. Mellen avoids ruffles claiming that "extra details like that are unnecessary and overhwelming when you have on a sumptuous color." Hmmm, I wonder how she felt about Giambattista Valli's Fall RTW collection [0]...
- Neutral territory. A bold color looks best when it pops next to a neutral. Black is a favorite, as is white in warm weather. But think outside of the fashion box; navy is fabulously preppy with pink, ditto for khaki and orange or lettuce green. If you are going monochrome one day - all black for example - make sure to carry a handbag that pops!
- Feel it. You have to be comfortable when wearing a bright; you will draw attention to yourself. Do not attempt to don a bright when you're having a bad hair day [1], don't feel like wearing makeup, or (my addition) when hungover - you have to look tip top to pull it off!
Source [2]