It’s time to get vivacious as this season is awash with bold brights and vivid hues. Yes, Loud and proud colour block combinations make for a dynamic, confident look this summer. Colour blocking gives daywear a bold dynamism and adds a graphic element to any look, transforming simple clothes into high fashion and high impact looks.

The spring/summer catwalks were bursting with rainbow and neon brights: Endless colour clashes were spotted at Alexander Wang, Dior, Richard Nicoll, Moschino and Sinha-Stanic. Front Row denizens Diane Kruger, Alexandra Richards and Lindsay Lohan have all been quick to get into the act wearing the same Alexander Wang number.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations – just remember to choose fluid silhouettes. Try mixing fiery oranges and canary yellows with regal purples, or contrast lime greens with fuchsia and candy pinks for show-stopping looks. And whilst you may think that only black is slimming, bright colour blocking can also be a fabulous figure fixer: Look for colourful body-hugging frocks with dark panels running down either side – they act as an instant optical illusion slimming trick. Colour blocking adds definition to all outfits so keep the rest of your look simple. We suggest sticking to a maximum of three colours to avoid looking like a Fruit Pastille ice lolly.

Don’t panic if you’re too colour shy to dabble in daring brights: If you don’t want to colour clash your look try working in different hues of the same shade to hit the nail on the head. You can easily brighten up your act with block colour accessories. Go back to black with your outfit and let your accessories do the work with a clutch, bangles or shoes that tick the block colour trend. Try flipping the trend around and wear bright tights with a pared down dress. Why not dare to wear colour clashing clothing this summer?

Words: Megan McCluskie

One Shoulder Colour Block Dress, £38, Topshop
Colour Block Dress, £12 / Colour Block Clutch, £18, Dorothy Perkins
Colour Block Hard Clutch, £19.75, ASOS, www.asos.com
One Shoulder Colour Block Top, £24.50, Topshop
Colour Block Vest Dress, £20, Miss Selfridge
Free People Rainbow Stripe Top, £40, Urban Outfitters