Turn to paintbox brights to give your wardrobe a boost with styles from Boden and Mango

Main image SUN MAG

Colours that we all considered a bit “much” before are now the norm, and the highstreet is awash with red, blue, green, and of course, the current hero yellow shades.

Vivid reds and hot fuscia pinks were the designers catwalk favourite this summer, and yellow (whether the citrus, yellow, or lime versions) is proving easier to wear than we thought.

Amal Clooney really put the yellow trend firmly on the fashion map the moment she arrived at the recent royal nuptials. Anyone undecided on yellow was converted then and there.

Her Stella McCartney dress and matching hat stunned us all, and not only was she was arguably the best-dressed guest, she also demonstrated it can work on paler skin tones, especially with a contrasting red lip.

Model wears yellow coat SUN MAG

And it was all yellow

Model wears: Coat, £85, Boden; T-shirt, £35, Bwana Willy at Soboye; earrings, £150, Teah Wilson at Soboye; trousers, £32, Very; bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer; trainers, £90, New Balance at Schuh

This crombie style coat from Boden in zesty yellow is a great piece to throw on over an outfit that needs an uplift. It’s also a great “notice me” shade for a day at the races.

For event dressing, try following Amal’s lead and keep the yellow head to toe, or try with a pretty floral tea dress in a similar tone, which will keep the effect striking, but with a softer edge.

We dressed it down in our urban shoot with baby blue trousers and classic white tee, and added interest with a stripe leather Marks & Spencer clasp bag.

Loose tailored trousers are always a great choice for summer and these from Very are a current hot favourite. With their front pleats and lightweight fabric, they really are as comfy as jeans.

Trainers can be worn with everything now, and these dusky blue pair from New Balance at Schuh blend with the trousers to create an elongated effect.

Model wears bright pink SUN MAG

Pink to make the boys wink

Model wears: Blazer, £39, Simply Be; bra top, £28; belt, £14, both River Island; trousers, £69.99, Mango

If yellow’s not for you, then hot pink is next up as a good outerwear colour to try. This long length blazer from Simply Be would power dress you to that important meeting, or can be casually worn undone and loose to add a bit of fun to your weekend brunch outfit.

Belts have also been on high alert this season, with Gucci setting the trend. This double ring style in rose gold from River Island sets off these sharp tailored trousers from Mango to create that wide leg, cinched in waist silhouette.

Model wears yellow dress SUN MAG

The Amal Clooney-effect

Model wears: Dress, £49.99, Bershka; earrings, £150, Teah Wilson; ring, £130, Adel Dejak, both at Soboye; bag, £28, J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams

We especially love this boho, mustard style from Bershka for the most flattering nipped in waist and billowing sleeve. We also adore the floral print and covered buttons on this vintage style dress that has a subtle oriental feel.

Follow with bold accessories like this tangerine, cross body bag from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. We guarantee it will brighten your day.

Model wears short pink dress SUN MAG

The perfect work-to-evening dress from River Island

Model wears: Dress, £50, River Island; bag, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

Let’s not forget sundae pastels when it comes to visiting colour. This marshmallow pink dress from River Island is the perfect day to night piece.

Team with simple white accessories like this oversized tote from Marks & Spencer, and flatforms from Dune, or simply add metallics for a serious night-time look.

Model wears lime green SUN MAG

Citrus shades will lift any summer outfit.

Model wears: Dress, £169, Ted Baker; bag (strap shown), £12, George at Asda

If you are looking for a dress for an event that will get you noticed, then this lime silk, skater style style from Ted Baker could be what you’re looking for.

The silhouette on this dress is such a stand out style, with retro style bib front scallop detailing, complete with pretty sixties style bow at the neck. It’s fitted at the waist, then flares out to just below the knee and would live up to the most formal occasions.

Such a statement dress calls for simple accessories. Pointed flats in brocade could work with this, or a simple neutral high-heeled court, and if you wear it by day, it looks great with a chunky embellished sandal.

Model wears white shirt SUN MAG

Trainers are acceptable with everything now, including midi skirts.

Model wears: Shirt, £69, Marks & Spencer; skirt, £35.99, Stradivarius; trainers, £75, Adidas at Schuh; earrings, £65, Soboye

A simple white silk shirt is the ultimate must have staple, and this short sleeve version with patch pockets from Marks & Spencer is the most versatile we’ve seen.

The silk fabric will keep you cool whilst covering shoulders and showing you mean business at the same time. For work, a buttoned up collar is a good piece to add to a summer skirt that could otherwise look too beachy, and it can also help balance a pleated style like this from Stradivarius.

It seems trainers can be worn with anything these days, and that includes a pretty midi, matching your skirt to your trainers makes this look nicely coordinated but with a relaxed feel.

Model walking down the street SUN MAG

Keep your cool this summer in nude shades.

Model wears: Jacket, £49.99, Mango; top, £26; skirt, £40, both River Island; sandals, £49, Faith at Debenhams; clutch, £155, Setor Lord-Attivor at Soboye

Button through styles have been a key feature this season, from eighties style blouses to tea dresses and skirts. We’re loving ditching the zip for this white pencil skirt with contrasting buttons from River Island as a skirt that will go with everything from coordinating top, to a chunkier jumper, half tucked of course….

For all these summer colour staples, it’s good to have a little print to throw into the mix, and this stripe top also from River Island will prove useful when a T-shirt just won’t do.

A lightweight summer jacket that will take you from sunshine to showers is essential for British summertime. This preppy cotton style from Mango should do the job just nicely.

Photographer: Chris Bracewell

Stylist: Paula O’Connor

Photographer assistant: Tayo Nelson

Model: Nadia at Premier

Hair and make-up: Carolyn Wren using Suqqu and Kevin Murphy

With thanks to Tony (Shoreditch Junk) for the backdrop

Bershka- 0808 234 0209, bershka.com

Boden- 0330 333 0000, boden.co.uk

Debenhams- 0844 800 8877, debenhams.com

George at Asda- 0800 952 0101, asda.com/george

Mango- 0800 026 0028, mango.com

Marks & Spencer- 0333 014 8000, marksandspencer.com