23 ways to wear colour and print like a pro this summer

If your wardrobe consists of black, white and the occasional flash of grey, the prospect of wearing bold colours and prints can feel kind of intimidating. But, with summer fast approaching and a renewed enthusiasm for clothes that don't fall under the umbrella of 'loungewear', what better time to try something new?

Here to help you out, we've rounded up the top tips for rocking a zesty 'fit with confidence, along with more than a fair share of outfit ideas to try. So, without further ado, this is how the style pros make wearing colour and print look easy peasy…

You know what they say: opposites attract. And they - whoever ‘they’ are - have a point. What’s not to love about Scandi style icon Emili Sindlev’s crayon box-inspired palette?

Give a nostalgic nod to the ‘90s boyband aesthetic by opting for a colour block or printed bucket hat. Bonus points if you can find a cute drawstring bag to match.

Fun details like ruching add a little bit of ‘fashion’ to your single hued staples. Oh, and did we mention they're also an instant confidence booster?

Pairing eye-catching tones, like marigold yellow, with earthy shades might seem counterintuitive but it’s a clever way of giving your bright outfit a more laid-back feel. Just ask Ashley Graham.

If you’re slightly newer to the world of prints, make like Bella Hadid and start out by adding in a single printed piece to your outfit. Not only does it offer a subtler feel, it also prevents your look from veering into ‘OTT’ territory.

Use chunky-soled combat boots to give your pretty floral prints a punk-inspired edge. Aside from looking kind of badass, these curb stompers are also super practical for rainy days errands.

Your go-to black and white add-ons still serve a role in your more colourful get-ups, use them to balance out louder statement pieces.

Add another dimension to your printed favourites by incorporating sheer details. Go all out by wearing a transparent top over a lacy bralette or keep things more low-key with see-through panelling.

One of our favourite street style tricks is pairing fancier items with more affordable finds. And what better way to do this than by sliding on a pair of white trainers with a bright tailored trouser suit or sexy slip dress?

Take your printed midi dress from zero to hero by slipping on a pair of white booties on your way out the door, et voila - you’re a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Give your sleek maxi dresses a playful edge by switching out your subtle heels for a pair of contrasting strappy mules to set the look off.

If you think you have to perfectly match colourful pieces together, think again. Pair close but complementary hues for serious style cred.

Give your pigmented look an effortless, off-duty vibe by adding vintage-inspired denim staples, á la Hailey Bieber. Think tapered Mom jeans and oversized patchwork jackets.

Tip: Levi's and Beyond Retro are great places to start your hunt for plus-size and inclusive denim ranges.

Whether you’re a seasoned style guru or just can’t be bothered finding something to ‘match’ your brightest item, opting for a vibrant co-ord set is a boss-level power move.

We could wax lyrical about how epic it is to see two perfectly clashing prints together. If you’re new to the art, pick patterns at the similar end of the colour wheel and you’re onto a winner.

Inject casual ‘cool’ into your outfit with slouchy-fit items like logo tees and retro framed sunglasses.

Baby pinks, blues and yellows aren’t just for kids. Make softer pastel hues pop by pairing them with bold, vibrant tones.

Give maxis that little extra ‘something something’ by experimenting with different materials and silhouettes. This tiered sunshine yellow mesh dress with a ruffled trim is a case in point.

Sugary toned accents, like a bubble-gum blue handbag or fairy floss pink headband, are delicious finishing touches for bold print and colour looks.

We’re big fans of stylish trainers for day-to-day life, but metallic pumps are a particularly strong style flex if you’re looking to up the ante on a colourful combo.

Iskra Lawrence makes the case for using a saffron-yellow bag to lift an ivory co-ord. Paired with snakeskin-print mules, it takes the look from pared-back to powered up.

Highlighter hues (the kind you used to have in your school pencil case) are an easy way to take your outfit to a whole other level. If you’d prefer to test the water before diving in, start out small with snazzy neon sandals or a beaded necklace.

Give your look a zesty touch by shrugging on a lemon coat, like this beauty. Turn up the dial by teaming with fruity pieces like this tangerine blouse and lime top-handle bag.