Colour Trends SS2013: Poppy Red, Monaco Blue & Lemon Zest

Energy colours

This group of colours are deep and saturated. The first two are eminently wearable, the third one should be approached with caution.
Poppy Red. Although the name of this colour corresponds to a slightly yellow red, that of poppies, I think it is best to approach it as a true red in my palettes.

Colour trends SS2013: Poppy Red by Caroline Grant. I own a dress very similar to this one from Hobbs in gray from two seasons ago and it is my absolute favourite dress. You slip it on and you are perfectly dressed, you can make it more or less formal with shoes, accessories and handbag. Talking about handbags, I love the Aspinal's Hepburn style, they make it every season in different colours and patterns and it's always the perfect classic handbag. [Style: Modern Classic and Ladylike with a Twist].

Hobbs Zoe Dress / Weekend by MaxMara Elodia Floral Print Mac Trench Coat / Aspinal of London Hepburn Handbag / Geox Egizia Shoes / Carolee Lux Red Sea Bracelet / Amrita Singh Remsey Earrings / NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in Heat Wave / NARS Nail Lacquer in Dovima.

Monaco Blue. Strong, electric shades of blue have been all the rage for a couple of seasons now. The best equivalent in my palettes is cobalt blue.

Colour trends SS2013: Monaco Blue by Caroline Grant. I tried to play with different shades of blue, from the strongest cobalt to pale blue gray. I like the look of Geox Egizia sandals, but when I put them on in the shop I found them a bit tight for me (I'm a 7.5 M/37/4.5) but it's hard to tell with sandals in winter when you are used to comfortable winter shoes. [Style: Modern Classic and Ladylike with a Twist].

Ted Baker Aude Dress / M Missoni Patterned Cardigan / Kate Spade New York Parker Place Tamera Handbag / Geox Egizia Shoes / Dannijo Roe Necklace / NARS Lipstick Funny Face / MAC Nail Lacquer in Steamy.

Lemon Zest. This colours is the representative of all the neon colours we have been seeing for quite a while but that I think won't be here for the long run (difficult to wear, not elegant, plus, very few people look good in them). As a strong, vivid yellow with a hint of green inside, I think we can consider it either a cold lemon yellow (all Winter palettes, with a softer variation for Clear Winters and Soft Summers) or a warm, mustard shade in my palettes (suitable for Deep and Warm Autumns).

Colour trends SS2013: Lemon Zest as Mustard by Caroline Grant. I love Orla Kiely dresses, although I think they are a bit too retro for me. Her dresses look better on the person that they do on the hanger, which initially can be a drawback for a brand, but these are so worth it. These are Hispanistas AW2012/13 boots and handbag, one of their classic styles, always comfortable, well-made, and in exceptionally good quality leather. [Style: Urban Tweed].

Hidden Hedgehog Print Silk Crepe Placket Dress / Burberry Prorsum Wool Tweed Trench Coat / Hispanitas Handbag anbd Boots / Oscar de la Renta Knot and Tassel Earrings / Trina Turk Hammered Dome Ring / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid/ Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.
 

Colour trends SS2013: Lemon Zest as Lemon Yellow by Caroline Grant. Jumpsuits are still around, fortunately (one of the most comfortable things to wear on a bike, let me tell you). Obviously, you don't need to buy an Alexander McQueen one, I make do with a NewLook viscose plain one, easy to accessorize up and down. I love the combination of black and lemon yellow, it instantly cheers up any all-black ensemble you may be wearing. [Style: Modern Classic, Urban Woman].

Romwe Shoulderpads Yellow Blazer / Alexander McQueen Jumpsuit / Diane von Furstenberg Gracie Clutch Handbag / Reiss Paula Suede Platform Shoes / Oscar de la Renta Gold-plated Cuff Bracelet / Enya Jewelry Bubble Necklace / Zara Wide Sash Belt / Borsalsino Wide-brimmed Hat / Tom Ford Lipstick in Black Orchid/ Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Black Orchid.

MORE?

• Colour Trends SS2013, Pantone dixit.
• Aquas and Whites, represented by Dusky Blue and Grayed Jade, and Linen, respectively.
• Pastels, represented by Tender Shoots, African Violet, Emerald (which is not emerald but a green turquoise) and Nectarine.