Colour me coral

Pantone’s colour of the year has been announced as “Living Coral,” a peachy pink shade that is as strident as it is scintillating, at least, it can be when it’s worn right.

Saturating the spring/summer 2019 runways, the buoyant hue came in hot via souped-up suits at Peter Pilotto and pouf-tastic gowns at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi.

Coral is set to take the sartorial scene by storm, but as all fashion fiends will know, when it comes to embracing trends with aplomb, timing is everything.

Early adopters of the colour-du-jour will reign supreme while late bloomers will trail behind in, quite literally, a dismal fashion.

So get ahead of the game by priming your wardrobe with our pick of the best coral pieces available.

The jumper

The candyfloss shade of these corduroy trousers from Gucci are enlivened by Other Stories coral sweatshirt. Proving that colour clashing is far from the faux pas it’s made out to be, these two hues come together in blissful aesthetic harmony — though you’d have to try pretty hard to make Gucci flares look anything less than beguiling.

The jacket

We suggest adding a pair of thick black tights to this look, unless you have a penchant for traipsing through winter temperatures with bare legs. A Mango quilted coat might bring sunny optimism thanks to its coral colour, but it will only keep you so warm.

The dress

A Stine Goya gown is a rather glam twist on a dusky shade that is usually reserved for casual clothing. It can work a treat though, particularly when the opulence of the garment is matched with the extravagance of gold-soaked jewels and accessories. But don’t get carried away and start donning your highest heels — stumbling and fumbling in silk is not a good look.

The lipstick

Sometimes all you need for your daily dose of coral is a swish of lippy. A daffodil yellow and snug-fitting leopard print do the talking, but NARS’ Catherine lipstick adds a stroke of much-needed sass.

The boot

A strong boot can elevate a simple workwear look from basic to bombastic, but in a good way. In satin coral, a Tibi option demands attention like a precocious teenager walking into their 16th birthday party on a horse-drawn carriage. When offset with paler pastels or monochrome, as we’ve demonstrated above, it will ensure that whatever is happening from the toes up is a sartorial success.

The Independent