Colour Trends

The runways were awash in fresh hues at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, bringing welcome respite from the khaki/black/Bordeaux/navy of the A/W palette we've become so accustomed to. The Spring/Summer season traditionally signals the return to colour, but this season a definitive palette emerged from the catwalk. Bold, almost paintbox-bright tones of cobalt, marigold and fuchsia replaced last season's ubiquitous neon brights and pastels were back, albeit in powdered-back incarnations of sky blue, peppermint and the palest of pinks.

Of course there was black and white, but that (as we detailed in our mega-trend round-up) was worn almost exclusively together, and as part of a broader mod-inspired trend. A new set of go-to neutrals emerged with a modern, almost sci-fi edge; white (often worn head to toe), navy blue and high-shine silver provided crisp contrast to the vibrant brights or pretty watercolour hues. True, the temperature might be in decline but advance notice is always a handy thing! Get acquainted with the colours that are set to define the new season. 

Black and white is one of the freshest (and biggest!) Spring 2013 trends, and celebs and street-style fixtures alike have already embraced the cool colour combo. The standouts so far? Leigh Lezark in her sophisticated white blouse and black pencil skirt, Ashley Madekwe in a white peplum top and printed pants, Jessica Lowndes in tough black leather pants and a white vest, Naya Rivera in an edgy black-and-white pairing, and Zooey Deschanel in a striped Kate Spade dress and geometric coat. Inside you'll find more in the way of black-and-white-clad celebs, the kind that are sure to supply a styling lesson of the very chicest kind. Click through now.

Aside from hot pink and non-boring black, we noticed another recurring theme popping up on the SAGs red carpet; navy blue. The sophisticated shade has been showing its understated head in many a S/S and A/W '13 collection, so it's no wonder that it's made its way onto the backs of Hollywood's leading ladies. From Nicole Kidman's embellished Vivienne Westwood sheath to Amanda Seyfried's dramatic Zac Posen gown, see the way these starlets wore the trend inside. . . 

We have a little bit of news for you: navy is the new black. Yep, it's true. The lighter, softer hue is coming back, and has so far been seen on the likes of Diane Kruger, Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung (she's a huge fan!) and Rose Byrne, just to name a few so-stylish-it-hurts fans. You see, it's still a dark colour, so everything you love about black — versatile, easy, flattering — remains true, except it's not quite as harsh. It suits all skin/hair/eye combos and it never met a clothing colour it didn't complement. So, what are we getting at? You need to inject some navy into your life, stat. We've done the hard yards for you and have found five of the best buys out there. Jump in and check them out!

How's 2013 treating you? Feeling a bit flat, already? Being back at work can have that effect! We want you to stay inspired about the new year, specifically about the way you'll be dressing. The no-fail, fastest way to hit the wardrobe refresh button is to take to a new shade for a spin. Colour is an instant mood-changer, and by wearing a not-worn-before hue you'll feel instantly all new and zingy and fresh. Sound appealing? Step this way to see the colours our editorial team will be trying out in twenty thirteen.

The mood on the People's Choice Awards red carpet? Outlook: bright. Chloë Moretz chose a retro-inspired daisy-printed Simone Rocha Spring '13 number that was pretty much perfect for the playful style-setter; Lea Michele kept her leg-baring ways intact with a sexy pink Elie Saab mini; and Brittany Snow donned cut-outs via one yellow Maria Lucia Hohan dress. The rainbow antics didn't stop there, though. Inside, you'll find even more colourful celebrity looks. Just keep clicking.

If you're stumped on all the different ways to wear emerald in 2013, get your inspiration from the real deal, the Sephora + Pantone makeup collection. Last year's Colour of the Year collaboration was all tangerine, but this year's collection proves you really can wear green with plenty of options from nail polish and shadow to lashes and brushes. For those of you visiting the US after March — can we put an order in?