If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’d like to wear more colour.

You probably already know which colours you like. You might even have a wardrobe full of colourful things that you admire every time you see them hanging there.

And yet, when it comes to actually getting dressed, you reach for black. Again.

I don't think most women are scared of colour because they don't know what they like. Quite often, the problem is that wearing colour can make us feel more visible.

Black feels easy. It feels familiar. It can feel like you can disappear into it a little bit.

Colour asks you to be seen.

And if you’ve spent years playing it safe with your wardrobe, suddenly wearing a bright jumper can feel like a surprisingly big deal.

So if you’re someone who would love to introduce more colour but doesn’t quite know where to start, I’ve put together six simple steps to help you build your confidence gradually.

You don't have to do all six.

In fact, I’d encourage you not to.

Start at the point that feels comfortable for you and see what happens.

Step One: Add Some Contrast

The easiest place to start might be by simply changing the balance of light and dark in your outfit.

If you tend to wear a lot of black, try swapping one dark item for something lighter.

It could be a pair of soft white trainers with black trousers. A cream jumper instead of a black one. A lighter jacket over an otherwise dark outfit.

You’re not introducing lots of colour yet. You’re simply creating a little more visual interest and getting used to seeing something different next to your usual black.

It’s a small change, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Step Two: Add Neutrals

Once you’re comfortable with a little more contrast, start experimenting with neutral colours.

Neutrals are brilliant for anyone who finds colour a little daunting because they can soften the transition away from an all-black wardrobe without making you feel like you’ve suddenly become a completely different person.

Think about the neutrals that work with your colouring. Perhaps that's ivory, camel, taupe, chocolate, navy, grey or soft white.

Try replacing one black piece with one of these shades.

You might be surprised by how much difference it makes.

And if you already know your seasonal palette, this is a really useful place to start using it. Your best neutrals can become the foundation for introducing more of your colours later.

Step Three: Add Small Pops of Colour

Now we can start having a little more fun.

You don't need to buy a colourful dress or commit to a bright suit.

Start small.

A colourful handbag. A pair of shoes. A scarf. Earrings. A belt. Even your nail colour or lipstick.

Small pops of colour are a brilliant way to get used to seeing yourself in something more vibrant without feeling like the colour is wearing you.

And this is where knowing your colours can be incredibly helpful.

Rather than randomly choosing a colour because you’ve been told you should wear it, you can choose one from your own palette that you genuinely love.

Step Four: Try a Pattern

If wearing one block of colour still feels like a bit much, try a pattern.

Patterns are brilliant because they introduce colour in a much softer way. You're not looking at one solid expanse of bright colour, so the overall effect can feel much less overwhelming.

Look for a pattern that includes colours you already feel comfortable wearing.

You could start with something small, such as a patterned blouse or scarf, or choose a print where your favourite neutral makes up most of the background.

The colour is there, but it doesn't have to be the first thing you notice.

Step Five: Colour With Colour

This is where things start to get interesting.

Instead of pairing your colour with black or another neutral, try wearing colour with colour.

And before you panic, I’m not suggesting you throw every colour you own together and hope for the best.

Choose a couple of colours that work well together and start experimenting.

If you're nervous, keeping the colours similar in depth or tone can make the outfit feel much easier to wear.

For example, you might pair two softer shades together rather than going straight for maximum contrast.

And if you’ve had your colours analysed, this is one of the brilliant things about having a palette to refer back to. You already have a starting point for finding combinations that are harmonious.

Step Six: Embrace Your Colour

And finally, you might get to the point where you realise you actually like wearing colour.

This is your permission to lean into it.

Use your palette more confidently. Add those finishing touches that bring an outfit to life. Try a bigger piece of colour. Wear your favourite shade somewhere that people will actually see it.

You might discover that the thing you thought you were nervous about is actually the thing that makes you feel most like yourself.

And if you don't get to Step Six, that's completely fine too.

There is no prize for wearing the most colour.

Find Your Level of Colour Confidence

This is something I think is really important when it comes to colour analysis.

Your colour palette can tell you which colours harmonise beautifully with your natural colouring, but how much colour you want to wear is still completely personal to you.

Some women feel incredible in bright, colourful outfits.

Others feel happiest wearing a neutral outfit with one beautiful pop of colour.

And some people need a bit of time to get there.

There isn't a right answer.

My approach to colour analysis is about helping you find the level of colour that feels good for you. I want you to leave with clarity, but also with the confidence to make your own decisions.

Because knowing your colours shouldn't give you another list of rules to follow.

It should make getting dressed easier.

It should help you understand why certain colours make you feel amazing.

And it should give you the confidence to experiment a little, if that's what you want to do.

So, where are you on the scale?

Are you at Step One, tentatively swapping out a little black?

Are you ready for Step Three, with a colourful bag or pair of shoes?

Or are you firmly at Step Six, wondering why everyone else is still hiding in black?

Wherever you are, start there.

You don't need to change your whole wardrobe.

You just need to take one small step towards wearing clothes that feel a little more like you.