LAST week, my paper’s Great Singapore Sale supplement taught readers the art of power dressing. That means addressing how to make use of the sale to buy classic, classy pieces to last through the seasons.

But this week, our special takes you through an altogether-different topic – colour.

It’s the perfect time to stock up on easy, breezy clothes that are great for our tropical weather. And why not add bright, luminous hues to your shopping list?

The trend these days, thanks to the past two years of 1980s-inspired fashion, leans towards day-glo shades.
Various fashion designers, from Peter Som to Tracy Reese, provided a 2009 colour report for the Pantone Color Institute.

Those designers said that hot shades right now include everything from super lemon to salmon rose and lucite green.

“New York’s fashion designers encourage hopeful attitudes with lively colours, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty,” said Ms Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Various fashion designers have even taken dark hues and added bright tinges with sheen like sequins, noted fashion bible Vogue in a recent report on metallics.

Said Urban editor Tee Hun Ching: “A pop of colour brands you, at the very least, as an interesting (if not stylish) dresser.

As chirpy shades are visually stimulating, you not only make an impact but also boost your spirits.”

Ms Tee added that, yes, men can wear colour too. “I always give guys who dare to wear colour a second look,” she said. “It shows a certain playfulness and sense of adventure. The trick is to balance a bright shade with a neutral colour.”

And good news for Singapore shoppers – colour can be found literally everywhere.

From shops like French Connection to Dorothy Perkins and Zara, the town seems to be awash in bright shades.

Happy shopping!

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