Primary colours are back, but styling them takes thought

Primary shades—red, yellow and blue—feel like the simplest colours, yet they are surprisingly tricky to wear. They can come across as shouty or basic, and after a decade dominated by muted navy, grey and denim, these uncomplicated hues need careful styling to read as grown-up.

Runways have embraced them: at Celine a rugby shirt in blue and red and a blue shirt paired with a yellow miniskirt; at Alaïa a red skirt-and-top set and a yellow trench; at Prada boxy jackets in cheerful yellow and green; and at Loewe moulded dresses in pop-art splashes of blue, yellow and red.

Off the catwalk, simple tricks help. Use an in-between colour—work-shirt blue sleeves or denim—to bridge a bright jumper and dark trousers; pair brights with black that has its own drama (leather, high-waisted or extra-wide cuts); put louder tones on the bottom to dial down the volume; favour texture (brushed mohair, rich crepe) and confident proportions; and try accessories with personality as an entry point.

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