AUTUMN colours can be dull, but this season, let's celebrate the arrival of cobalt blue. This exciting colour has been brightening up all the catwalks for autumn/winter 2012 and the great news is, it suits most skin tones.
Whether you go for a pair of skinny jeans, a statement necklace or head to toe, Cobalt blue is for everyone.
Carolina HerreraIf you have a warm undertone to your skin, step out of your comfort zone and team cobalt blue with orange. If you have a cool undertone, try it with black for a chic look, as seen on Carolina Herrera's autumn/winter 2012 catwalk models.
Some say our very own Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, kicked off this trend when she wore a cobalt blue Issa dress for her engagement pictures.
Whether you go for a pair of skinny jeans, a statement necklace or head to toe, Cobalt blue is for everyone. Here’s how to pull it off...
In your 20s
Keep it fun and funky. This cute little squirrel print collared dress ticks all the boxes as animal prints are also big news this season. And what's even better is that it’s reduced to £20. Team it with black opaques and a pair of ankle boots to keep the look fresh. You could layer it up by adding a long sleeved t-shirt underneath in chillier weather. Don't go overboard with jewellery. All you need is a bit of arm candy and you're done.
Squirrel print collar dress £20 Topshop
Leather biker ankle boots £74.99 Mango
Black crew neck t shirt £10 ASOS
Heart coin purse £41 Aspinal of London
In your 30s
Why not try a pair of cobalt blue skinny jeans? Colour pop jeans have been around for a few seasons but the trend is still going. One easy purchase and you have added a zing to your look. These River Island skinny jeans are perfect for everyone as they come in short, medium and long length. As this is such a strong colour, I suggest teaming it with neutrals. These taupe ankle boots from Baukjen will become your new wardrobe staple. Add a few animal print accessories to keep it current.
Bright blue super skinny jeans £30 River Island
Mink leather jacket £140 Warehouse
Stone long sleeve tee £12 Jane Norman
Leopard print tote £129 John Lewis
Serenity small stone drops £29 Stella & Dot
Bryant Park scarf in tan £45 Stella & Dot
In your 40s
Nail two of this season's trends in one item by keeping your look feminine with this beautiful asymmetric peplum skirt. The lines on this skirt are flattering; they will drape over curves beautifully. An added bonus is that it is currently on sale from £48 to £35. Teaming it with nude patent pumps keeps this look perfectly polished. These New Look pumps are a steal at £24.99. Add some nude fishnets and your legs will appear immediately toned and longer. Treat yourself to a designer handbag this season to complete the look. This quilted Moschino Cheap & Chic is a classic design that will last you for years. Think price per wear. A simple cobalt blue cocktail ring will set it all off.
Aysmmetric peplum skirt £35 House of Fraser
Savannah printed silk shirt £55.00 Monsoon
Nude patent platform courts £25 New Look
Moschino Cheap & Chic quilted bow tote £359.68 Farfetch.com
Cobalt blue cocktail ring £15 Olivia Divine
In your 50s
Indulge in some Parisian chic by adding a pop of colour to neutral black with a cobalt blue coat a la Carolina Herrera. This beautiful coat from Coast is also a bargain at the moment - reduced from £195 to £145. It contains ten per cent cashmere for that luxurious touch and the shape is very fashion forward for this season. The self tie belt will define your waist perfectly. These LK Bennett patent knee boots will see you right through ‘til next year and are also on sale at the moment, reduced from £325 to £243.
Alissa Cobalt blue coat £145 Coast
Arla Patent leather knee high riding boot £243.75 L K Bennett
Black & white leopard print tote £99 Karen Millen
Animal print scarf £29.99 Mango
Black nappa leather fur trimmed gloves £105 Aspinal of London
Susan Baxter is a Personal Stylist trained in Colour Analysis based in Manchester www.susanstylesyou.com
Follow Susan on Twitter @SusanStylesYou
