Style tips: Regal aid for a case of winter

With winter well and truly on the way, last week we went into detail of the intricate art of wearing and buying denim. Grey skies, heavy rain and blustery winds often dampen our spirits and sometimes, unintentionally we reflect this in our winter wardrobe's darker colour palette. This year, however, the Simply You team has decided one of the best ways to beat those bothersome winter blues is to pack your wardrobe full of bright and bold sumptuous colours.

Get brightly coated

Summer allows us to express ourselves through the colour of the garments we wear - and winter shouldn't be any different.
Forget drab coats and woollen knits designed solely to keep the cold at bay - this season, function meets fashion as the traditional winter coat takes on a new life. An abundance of coats in deep purple, vibrant fuchsia and even lime green are starting to hit the stores now.
And don't let the colour end with your top layer. Team rich-coloured coats with vibrant dresses in eye-catching prints and striking colours. For an even more playful look, top the look off with shoes and accessories in a similarly energetic colour palette.
Punchy plum shades
Before we get overly excited about our new found love of winter colour, there are a few tips and tricks to consider.
To start with, throw the concept that black is slimming right out the window. When we are talking colour, we're not just restricted to the somewhat retro and daunting bursts of yellow and orange seen on the runways. Royal shades of navy, purple and plum are making a big statement in the world of fashion. If you are weary of colour in relation to your body shape, these darker, regal shades look sophisticated and will also slim curves. For those with fuller figures, always invest in good cuts that suit your body and avoid bulky layers that will weigh your frame down.
Dark colours will make slim, boyish figures look even slimmer. Instead, choose intense, punchy shades. Wear colour loud and proud, and again, use colour to create the illusion of curves. Colour blocking will work well on slim figures and well-tailored garments are the only way to go.
Block party
Sophisticated colourful garments with clean lines suit petite and smaller frames.
Look for well-cut dresses in block colours that sit just on the knee.
Get creative by pairing them with a simple cardigan in a clashing colour or a bold, block-coloured coat cut in a similar length. Be weary of too much fabric and fussy detailing. When colour and exaggerated garments collide, your petite frame will get lost. Sticking to simple yet elegant cuts will ensure your best assets shine.
For those with wider hips and a smaller upper-half, effectively employ colour to emphasise your womanly curves.
A burst of bold colour on your top-half will draw attention away from your lower body, and anything in an A-line cut will have a similar balancing effect.
No matter what your body shape is, it's time to unleash a rainbow of colour into your wardrobe and wait for the compliments to start rolling in.
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