Colour is one of those things that can completely change your energy. Slip into a zesty orange dress or throw on a lime-green bag, and suddenly you feel alive, like you could walk into any room and own it. Yet most of us default to black-on-black because it feels “safe.”
Here’s the thing—colour doesn’t have to be intimidating. You don’t need to be a stylist or have the confidence of Rihanna at the Met Gala. The trick is to introduce it in ways that feel authentic to you, and once you figure out the formula, you’ll never go back to hiding in neutrals.
Stop thinking “head-to-toe”
The biggest mistake is assuming you need to go all out to make a statement. You don’t. Colour can be as small as swapping your neutral handbag for a candy-pink mini or adding lemon-yellow mules to your jeans-and-T-shirt uniform. Little pops create impact.
It’s the reason Temi Otedola can step out in an otherwise minimalist outfit and still turn heads—she’ll throw on an electric blue blazer or a cherry-red lip that ties everything together without feeling overdone.
Pick your spotlight
Here’s a secret: colour works best when you direct it. Love your shoulders? Make them the star in a striking off-shoulder top. Want to brighten your face? Choose a scarf, bold earrings or lipstick that pulls focus upward. The goal isn’t to wear all the colour; it’s to use it like a spotlight.
Matching sets are your cheat code.
If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet wondering what goes with what, matching sets are about to become your best friend. A co-ord in one bold shade does all the work for you and instantly looks like you’ve thought about your outfit (when really, you didn’t).
A mint-green trouser suit with sleek heels? Effortless. A burgundy two-piece set for dinner? People will think you had it styled. Matching sets remove the guesswork and make you look intentional without even trying.
Prints make it easy, too.
Solid colours can feel…loud. That’s why prints are a smart way to test the waters. Start with one patterned piece—floral skirt, ankara blouse, tie-dye kimono—and ground it with something neutral. This way, you’re not juggling multiple colours. Plus, prints carry personality and distract from any tiny styling “mistakes.”
Add texture and let accessories do the talking.
Colour doesn’t always need to scream. Some of the chicest moments come from textured fabrics in softer tones—olive suede, powder-blue silk, mustard corduroy. And if you’re really shy? Accessories will rescue you. A bright bag, chunky bracelet, or vibrant shoes can completely re-energise a basic outfit.
Think about how a simple white shirt and jeans can be transformed with an emerald-green handbag and matching slingbacks. Suddenly, you look like you had a plan.
