Women think black goes with everything but there’s a whole world of colours out there
TURN your back on black this summer and swap it for a splash of colour.
It might be your go-to shade but it is time to step out of your comfort zone.
Pat Henshaw, from Colour Me Beautiful, says: “Women believe black makes them look slimmer and goes with everything.
“But black is often used to outline shape and wearing it can draw unwanted attention — especially to wide hips.”
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Research by Dove also found 79 per cent of women shy away from bright clothing as they lack body confidence.
That’s not a problem for Nicole Scherzinger who yesterday showed off her figure in a stunning red bikini.
Here, we style six models in black then, with image expert Pat’s advice, in the colours that best suit their skin tone and complexion.
‘The brighter the better, especially hot pink’
PAT SAYS: “Wei’s skin tone will be enhanced by bright and bold colours, especially hot pink or royal purple.
“Warm yellow tones will make her skin look sallow so I would avoid yellow, oranges and browns.
“For Wei’s skin type, it’s the brighter the better.
“Although wearing hot pink head-to-toe can be daunting, it’s a daring, yet flattering, choice that suits Wei well.”
- Wei wears: Black pleated dress, £30, River Island; court heels, £59, Topshop
‘Neutral skin is always better in soft colours’
PAT SAYS: “With her neutral-toned skin, Laura will always look best in softer colours instead of strong, vibrant shades which will be over-powering.
“It is definitely best to stick to medium tones as it will compliment the fairness, whites will be too pale.
“I would always suggest blue to bring out the eyes or a pale green if you have green or brown eyes.”
- Laura wears: Black body, £9.99, New Look; trousers, £38, River Island; heels £65, Office
‘Strong, deep and bright really compliment her’
PAT SAYS: “April’s rich, dark skin tone is really complemented by wearing strong, deep and bright shades.
“I would avoid pastel tones as that is likely to make her look pale and sickly.
“This green really brings her to life and is also very striking.
“Look out for other punchy brights and accessorise with warm metallics such as gold.
- April wears: Black body, £12, River Island; culottes, £28, Missyempire.com; heels, £55, Office
‘Fiery tones enhance this striking colouring’
PAT SAYS: “Julia has a striking look with high contrast between her olive skin tone, dark hair and wonderfully bright eyes.
“Strong colours such as bright red will really complement this complexion and will also enhance her colouring. This skin tone can really pull off those fiery hues.
“But shades Julia should avoid are muddy colours, for example beige and dull browns.”
- Julia wears: Dress, £28, River Island; heels, £69, Topshop
‘Blues, pinks and lilac will wash out paler skin’
PAT SAYS: “With her golden skin and the warm, rich tones in her hair, rustic orange will bring out the best in Heather’s colouring.
“I would avoid blue-based tones and pink and lilac.
“These will really wash out the paler skin and make her look tired. Often redheads shy away from tonal clothing but it enhances their natural, warm complexion.”
- Heather wears: Black jumpsuit, £49, Miss Selfridge; pom-pom heels, £32, Next
‘Cool tones look younger and healthier, black ages’
PAT SAYS: “Joanna’s complexion has a rosy tone and with her silvery hair, a cool base blue colour such as turquoise will make her look younger and healthy.
“Definitely avoid black as it can age this type of skin, and also over-powering bright colours such as hot pink.
“Using tones of the same colour is a good idea, or team with tonal shades.”
- Joanna wears: Black pussy bow blouse, £38, Closetlondon.com; skirt, £30, Asos.com; shoes, £65, Office