Colourful outfits are easier to pull off than they look, and the right women’s accessories make an outfit pop. A pair of sunnies or a bright cap does most of the work.

We have been dressing Australian women since 1948, so we know colour that feels considered, not costume. Below, we cover how to wear bold colour and lift it with sunnies, caps and other pieces.

Start with one bold piece and keep everything else calm. That hero piece carries the colour, so the rest can stay simple.

Let a statement piece lead. A maxi dress, a printed midi dress or a mini dress pulls its weight, and so does a bold maxi skirt with a plain top. Floral dresses bring colour and print together, while jumpsuits and playsuits give a one-and-done hit.

If colour feels new, anchor it with black dresses, a bright blazer or neutral denim. Keep bright outfits to one focal point.

Shape matters as much as shade, so let the cut work, too:

• Sleeveless cuts: A sleeveless dress keeps a bold colour clean and easy to wear.
• High-waisted skirts: A high-waisted skirt in a strong shade lengthens the line.
• One-shoulder styles: A one-shoulder or halter-neck top adds shape to a bright colour.

Colours that sit opposite on the colour wheel work together, and so does one colour worn in different shades. Both make the pairing easy.

Colour blocking puts two strong colours together on purpose. Try blue with orange, or yellow with purple.

Monochrome dressing is softer. Layer shades of one colour, so a pink dress with blush accessories reads as an easy monochrome outfit.

A red dress works the same way. Style it with deeper reds, then lift it with a touch of coral or fuchsia.

The quickest way to make an outfit pop is through accessories you can throw on and off. Coloured sunnies and a bright cap lift a plain look in seconds.

They are the easiest place to start. A pop-of-colour outfit begins with one small piece, and colourful accessories let you test a shade first.

Coloured sunglasses in our range lean soft, in blush, rose and cloudy blue, so coloured sunnies tint a look without shouting. Wear a pair over neutrals, or match them to a colour you already have on.

Caps do the same up top, in washed pink, lilac and mid blue. Pair a coloured cap with a denim jacket and denim shorts on the weekend, or to soften a bright look.

Our scarves round out the group, in lemon, emerald check and bright stripes.

Keep the quick version close:

• Sunnies: Slip a soft-tinted pair over neutrals for the fastest lift.
• Caps: Add a coloured cap to denim when a look needs a quick hit of colour.
• Scarves: Knot a bright scarf at the neck, on a bag or through your hair.

With over 150 Sportsgirl stores nationally, you can try the colour on before you buy.

Knowing how to accessorise comes down to one rule. Add pieces that tie your colours together, not compete with them.

Once your sunnies and cap are sorted, statement accessories finish the look. A bold gold-tone hoop or beaded necklace picks up the colour you are wearing.

Our colourful jewellery runs to multi-coloured beads and enamel florals, all designed in-house in Australia. Reach for statement earrings such as chunky hoops, then let bright hair clips and a coloured-stone belt carry that shade through the look.

Yes, you can wear bright colours to work. Keep the shape sharp and let one colour lead, so the look reads polished rather than loud.

The trick is containment. A cobalt jumper under a neutral blazer keeps the brightness in check, and bright outfits sit well in an office when the tailoring holds up.

Our knitwear layers colour without fuss, so a bold jumper works under a jacket. When your top is the bright piece, keep trousers and shoes calm.

Colour is easiest when your pieces come from one place, because they sit together. Start with a few colourful accessories.

Browse the accessories range, or go straight to sunnies, caps and jewellery.

Afterpay splits any order into four, and orders over $100 come with free shipping. A gift card takes the guesswork out of gifting. The FAQs cover anything else.

Your next colourful outfit is a couple of accessories away. Find the pieces that feel like you.