How to work a zing of bright tones into your everyday wardrobe and elevate an ordinary outfit.

To be honest, the idea of “pop colour” is not so much a trend, as a generally good piece of advice for how to deal with bright shades in clothing. That is, to employ them judiciously, for a deliberate effect. But, of course, given that this seems to be a technique of the moment, there are many different ways to take it for a spin this season. Scroll down for three of our current favourites.

This one’s simple, and pretty much fool-proof – add a bit of fun to a tailored smart-casual outfit by layering a black blazer (such as this example from Barena) over a brightly coloured merino wool sweater (such as this one from John Smedley). Doesn’t it pop? Just make sure you focus the colour in one place, by continuing the black theme in your trousers and shoes.

This pop is a little more subtle – rather than sticking to the comfortable (but rather predictable) realm of black, white and pop, you can contrast a pop-coloured sporty piece with something that has more of a heritage feel, creating a pleasing, and impactful juxtaposition of both hue and style. We like the idea, for example, of wearing this two-tone Sacai hoodie with a pair of wool, Prince of Wales check Stella McCartney trousers. The latter’s minor concession to sportiness – a drawstring waistband – gives it just enough contemporaneity to make the whole thing work.

This is probably the easiest kind of pop colour to carry off – the flash of pink on this pair of Givenchy sneakers is focused to a small area (your feet) and also nods wryly at the history of athletic shoe design, beset as it is with wild, go-faster colours. Keep it a safe distance from toytown by wearing these shoes with sporty pieces in low-contrast hues – this neoprene hoodie has the nice touch of a purple lining, if you should feel the need for that extra little bit of colour.