The runways are full of primary colors. Here’s how to wear them.

Brands like Celine, Alaïa, and Bally have made a strong case for wearing red, yellow, and blue.

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From pistachio green to ballet pink and mocha mousse, colour trends seem to come and go as quickly as a viral TikTok. It can feel dizzying to keep up. The latest runway shows, though, made a strong case for returning to the basics: primary colours.

Michael Rider’s debut at Celine for spring 2026 showcased a myriad of primary-colour-infused looks, including a striking red foulard draped over a blue blazer and capped off with blue boots. Gabriela Hearst showed a denim-on-denim stoplight-yellow outfit, and Stella McCartney and Bally included fire-engine-red shirting and knits in their lineups.

While wearing head-to-toe red, blue, or yellow might feel difficult to pull off every day, the takeaway is more about injecting shots of red, yellow, and blue in ways that feel unexpected and energetic.

Ahead, seven ways to work primary colours into your outfits for the office, the weekend, and beyond.

Balance a graphic red skirt with a white T-shirt

When styling a dominant colour like red, think about the item as your hero piece and build around it. This Jil Sander skirt features an abstract red print that is easily balanced out by a basic wardrobe staple like a white tee. But you can still have a little fun with red-hot accessories like a pair of mules and a suede bag.

Swap your white button-up for a yellow one

If you’re stumped for office outfits that don’t require a complete wardrobe revamp, consider swapping your usual white button-up for a sunny yellow version, like this one from Brit label With Nothing Underneath, and style it with your favourite black trousers. A laptop bag in the same shade can also feel fresher than your usual black tote. Keep the rest of the accessories otherwise simple, like a gold metal belt from Madewell and light-brown suede loafers.

Try a red skirt instead of a safe little black dress

For dressier occasions, a bright-red pleated skirt can be a good alternative to a classic LBD. Style it with a white asymmetrical top and sapphire earrings. And if you’re not a heels person, try wearing a pair of crochet flats in crimson red to give a dressed-up vibe without sacrificing comfort.

Pair an oversized blue button-up with casual white poplin pants

For a casual vacation or weekend look, an oversized blue shirt with a pair of poplin pants is an easy go-to uniform. You won’t feel sticky during hot, humid weather, and the breezy silhouette will keep you comfortable all day long. Dries Van Noten’s scarf combines two primary colours, and it can be worn around your neck or your waist, for a simple styling trick that all the fashion girls are into this year.

Match a classic red cardigan with red low-profile sneakers

The red cardigan has been a key piece for a few seasons now. Trying styling it for fall with black pants, red sneakers, and a grey long-line coat for an outfit that feels effortlessly pulled together.

Choose a blue plaid dress that can go anywhere

Primary colours come on less strongly in prints and plaids. This Proenza Schouler dress is one you can wear to the office, while travelling, or out to dinner. Style it with a suede jacket and shoulder bag for when fall officially rolls around.

Offset a flowy yellow skirt with a tailored cutaway vest

Similar to the Jil Sander skirt, this Banana Republic yellow skirt can be the hero in your outfit. Add a pair of matching mules, but otherwise balance out the colour with neutrals like a cream vest and slouchy bag. A cord necklace, like this one from Hunting Season, is an accessory you can swap out and wear with nearly any outfit.

Lead image: Getty Images

This article originally appeared on harpersbazaar.com

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