Black aficionados avert your eyes. This season, colour is about to win the battle against bland.

From the sea of pretty pastel shades at Burberry through to dazzling bold prints at Giorgio Armani, colour set the spring/summer catwalks alight.

No need to hide behind your oversized shades, if you have an aversion to all things bright in your wardrobe – your key to pulling off colour is all about finding the right shades.

Pat Henshaw, co-author of new book Colour Me Beautiful (Hamlyn, £14.99), maintains being selective with the tones in your closet can complement your colouring, flatter your silhouette, and show off your personality to the max.

“Of the many ways in which we choose to express ourselves, the colour and style of our clothes probably make the most immediate and powerful impact,” she says.

So what are you waiting for? Banish those winter blues and brighten up your outlook with this summer’s hottest shades.

PUT IT TO THE TEST

Just because you’ve fallen in love with a dress you’ve spotted in a fashion mag, doesn’t mean the frock is going to love you back. Even if it fits like a second skin, the colour might leave you looking washed out.

No need to waste valuable hours wriggling in and out of a pile of clothes in poky changing rooms – the easiest way to test whether a colour will work for you is to hold the garment under your chin and observe its effects.

“When you wear colour near your face, the light reflects it upwards,” Pat explains. “This can either cast flattering tones or dark shadows, depending on the mix of the colour and your skin tone.”

Pick out an unflattering shade and you might suddenly be drawn to ageing features on your face like dark shadows around your chin and neck, or an uneven complexion.

If the colour is right, your skin will appear smoother, fresher and younger; your eye colour is enhanced, but most of all, according to Pat, “you notice yourself more than the colour you’re wearing”.

MAKE A STATEMENT

Whether you’re going on a first date or prepping for a job interview, the colour you flaunt can create a storm before you’ve so much as uttered a word.

“The colour you wear communicates non-verbal messages,” Pat explains.

“Soft and light tones, for example, will make you appear approachable and friendly, while a red top in the right shade will help to give you the confidence you need when facing a stressful situation.”

But if you want to make a statement with colour, know when to press the stop button. So work a hot pink dress and matching lips combo with confidence but lose the fuchsia handbag and shoes to avoid committing colour overdose.

Just one statement piece will do all the eye-catching work.

If you’re a complete novice to brights, experiment with inexpensive additions like scarves, belts or tees before you shell out on bold look-at-me shades you’ll never wear.

WHAT'S THE COLOUR FOR YOU?

RED: The colour of energy, wear red to feel confident and in control.

TOP TIP: “Red will bring excitement into your day. It’s a great colour to wear at the end of the week when your energy levels may be flagging,” Pat advises.

TRY: F&F at Tesco red studded sandals, right, £20.

WHITE: Denotes purity and freshness.

TOP TIP: “Wearing white in a textured fabric will often soften its appearance,” Pat suggests. “Linen and silk, for example, are rarely a pure white, although cotton can be”

TRY: White blazer with black trim, left, £65, from Wallis.

PINK: Suggests gentleness and empathy, and brings out femininity.

TOP TIP: “Pink is a great colour to wear when you’re feeling a little off colour, as it gives a flattering lift to any complexion,” says Pat.

TRY: White Stuff The North Coat pink mac, right, £59.95.

GREEN: Conveys a sense of calm and reassurance.

TOP TIP: “With green it’s particularly important to understand the undertone,” Pat warns. “Decide whether you look better in warm (yellow-based) green, or cool (blue-based) tones.”

TRY: Green bow front mini pencil dress by Holly Willoughby, left, £49, from Very.co.uk.

BLUE: The colour of logic, blue activates the mind.

TOP TIP: “Lighter shades such as powder blue, bluebell and sky blue are ideal for special occasions when a feminine look may be required,” Pat advises.

TRY: Limited Collection Blue Dress with Black Patent Belt, right, £45, from Marks & Spencer.