10 Easy Ways to Incorporate Color into Your Wardrobe

By InStyle.com
Mar 14, 2011 @ 5:24 pm
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG, Time Inc Digital StudioAn InStyle affiliate receives commissions from these sales.
10 Easy Ways to Incorporate Color into Your Wardrobe
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1. Grab a Bright Bag

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Neutral wardrobe staples get an effortless spring update thanks to bright arm candy, as shown on the runway at Burberry. Look for a structured bag with refined hardware, which projects polish and panache.

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2. Sport a Pair of Striking Shades

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Make a chic statement with sunglasses in jewel-tone shades, like purple, blueberry, or orange (inspired by the punchy options seen on Prada's spring runway). Avoid looking clownish by choosing classic frames that are in proportion to your face-not oversize.

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3. Let a Bold Bra Peak Out

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This season, you'll want your bra to show through. Layer it under a flowy, sheer top, like the ladylike-with-a-twist looks at Proenza Schouler's spring show. Try a full-coverage style in a cheerful (read: not overtly sexy) color, like neon lemon or royal blue.

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4. Be Seen in Candy-Colored Sandals

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The perfect companion to wide-leg pants, ankle-length skinnies or flowing skirts, pop-bright sandals complement this season's minimalist and white-on-white trends (as seen at the Dries Van Noten show). Tip: These shoes will draw attention downward, so make sure toes are neatly polished with a pretty neutral shade.

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5. Throw on a Vibrant Watch

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Crayon-colored tickers, like the chunky styles shown at Balenciaga's spring collection, add a burst of energy to standard workday ensembles and perk up your weekend jeans-and-tee uniform. And it can work for day or night: Dress it up with a stack of bangles (just make sure the bracelets' metal matches the tone of the hardware on your timepiece) for evening.

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6. Add Drama With Oversized Earrings

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Gem-encrusted earrings aren’t just for formal occasions-pair sparkly danglers with casual favorites like a V-neck T, denim shorts, and ballet flats. And don’t hide the gems behind your locks: Sweep hair off your face and into a sleek ponytail, a la Oscar de la Renta.

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7. Try a new LBD, Little Blue Dress

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This spring's hottest look is the gorgeous little blue dress (shown all over the runways, including this look from Jil Sander). Sapphire and cobalt shades work best with fair complexions; softer tones, like pool or cornflower, play nicely with peachy skin. Sky, denim, navy, and teal look great on everyone.

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8. Try Bold Pants to Wake Up White

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Color isn't just for off-duty looks. Punch up your office arsenal by way of well-tailored separates, like the slim-cut, slightly cropped coral trousers at MaxMara's spring show. For evening, introduce a hint of sparkle (e.g., a clutch, cuff or statement necklace) for an easy after-dark look.

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9. Add Multiple Pops of Color

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Now that you've mastered the art of incorporating bold hues into your look, choose your favorite and add multiple accents. Cherry red was popular on the runways-from Prada and Loewe to Marc Jacobs and Chloé. Take inspiration from Loewe's layered styling and brighten up a neutral shift with head-to-toe highlights.

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10. Perk Up Your Polish

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If you've been wanting to stray away from your safe shell-pink mani, this is the season to do it. Think of nail polish as your most versatile (and affordable!) accessory. Experiment with the rainbow of choices, from tangerine to cerulean blue.

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