Bright ideas to add a pop of colour to a smart look.

Halloween might be over, but in this week’s Style Questions column we’re answering a query from a reader who has found himself frightened by one of the male wardrobe’s biggest boggarts: bright colours. And, honestly, we can relate. From striking heliotropes to traffic-cone oranges, attention-demanding shades might appear charming on a hanger, but can quickly make a man feel a little too visible when he actually puts them on. Still, a life spent avoiding clothes with a little variegation is no life at all, and so we’re dispensing some advice on how best to incorporate some colour into your wardrobe while still looking snappy.

**I’m scared to wear bright colours – any pointers?

@giles.q via Instagram stories**

First of all, we understand your plight, Giles. Much of our job on MR PORTER’s editorial team involves staring at clothes, and although the brightest pieces may command the most attention, that’s not always something we can bring into our day-to-day outfits. There is nothing wrong with a man who chooses navy, grey or black as his uniform, and often this is the easiest way to look smart and stylish. But, occasionally, a little colour doesn’t go amiss. We are not suggesting you start dressing like Mr Motivator, but an erudite addition of colour to your sartorial repertoire is a way to elevate your outfits (and stop them from becoming drab). See our three pointers below.

To start things off gently, consider your knitwear. A wintry sweater will look great in a bright colour because the texture will temper a wilder shade. Opt for a characteristically colourful Missoni number, or this vibrant Fair Isle knit from Acne Studios, which will look great with smart trousers. Or try this sunny-coloured cashmere-blend sweater from Polo Ralph Lauren. These are good if you’d like to wear something with a little festive spirit to the office without looking like your uncle after one too many sherries.

Bright accessories work particularly well for colour-phobes because they involve less commitment than clothes (usually because they’re the kind of things that can be taken on and off on a whim). Try a pillarbox-red scarf from Altea, for instance, to give a wintry outfit a lift. Or, if streetwear is more your bag, an orange or red belt bag from Flagstuff, Heron Preston or Balenciaga will do the trick.

If the above has terrified you into submission and made you only want to swaddle yourself in various shades of grey, our final appeal is this: consider something blue. Blue is the easiest bright colour to wear well because it goes nicely with autumnal shades like brown as well as it does with black and white. This Valstar suede bomber jacket is a reassuringly stylish choice.

We’re wary of applying too many “rules” to getting dressed – it takes the fun out of things. If we were to offer one when wearing bright colours, though, it would be that they should not compete with one another. So, pick one bright thing to wear rather than several at once, and you’ll be just fine.