The Chic List: The colour combo with a spring gleam 

Give me a Scandinavian or French-inspired colour palette of black, greys, creams and browns – or, on a wild day, beige – and I’m a happy bunny. I like things pared back and, after years of experimenting, I have finally found the camp I want to pitch my style tent in – no matter how soggy the weather.

Women with understated looks such as Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Coppola, the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Ukrainian Vogue’s fashion director Julie Pelipas have an assured flair that inspires me on a weekly basis. But, like all of us, I’m complicated. I don’t like being put into a box.

So I do wear colour when the mood takes me and here’s how you can, too – even if, like me, you usually prefer to swim in a sea of neutrals.

SLEEK SILVER 

This shimmering metallic may be the new fashion Marmite – a quick poll on my Instagram showed that while many were willing to try the trousers I’m wearing here, some refused point blank. But the silver colour trend is here to stay and, rather like leopard print, it will become some people’s new neutral. 

As you can see with this outfit, a little shake of silver looks great with neutral pieces, especially creams and, as my blazer proves, mint green. I also like to mix something surprising with a more structured and grown-up piece, be that a silver top or, as here, a pair of silver trousers.

PERFECT PISTACHIO 

This is my favourite spring colour and it is the shade of green to wear with black, cream and camel. Not just beautiful and fresh, it is also an extremely flattering tone.

AND FOR HAPPY FEET… 

Women with understated looks such as Jennifer Aniston, Sofia Coppola, the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Ukrainian Vogue’s fashion director Julie Pelipas (pictured) have an assured flair that inspires me on a weekly basis

Still not feeling confident about spring’s go-to shades? Then just dip your toe into the latest colour trends – literally. A hot toe colour isn’t just a deft style move, but with spring’s more feet-baring footwear, essential. It’s also a must for yoga, as I discovered when I found myself stretched out beside a distinguished lady who was wearing all the coolest gear but whose unloved toes and cracked heels were awful.

What I took away from the class was that even if you are immaculately dressed or wearing the most stylish activewear, it doesn’t matter a jot if you have neglected your trotters. Every time I close my eyes in my yoga class now, the vision of those feet comes back to haunt me. Namaste!

INSTANT STYLE? IT’S IN THE BAG 

Bag, £395, matchesfashion.com

Inspired by the iconic architecture of New York, DeMellier’s crossbody bag is made from tan grained leather and artfully accented with white topstitching. It will elevate everything you have in your wardrobe.

HAUTE NEWS 

It’s all systems go on Planet Fashion with maximalist designer Hayley Menzies not only super busy with her new collections and the interior of her second London store, which opens next month, but, she told The Chic List, a pop-up in Harrods, too. Meanwhile, former Céline designer Phoebe Philo, who stepped away from fashion a few years ago, has just announced her much-anticipated comeback – this September.

BOOTY CALL 

Boots, £359, penelopechilvers.com

Thought cowboy boots couldn’t get any cooler? Then how about these from Penelope Chilvers and India Hicks collab Pink Sands, which is out on 7 March. Cooler still, £5 from each sale goes to the Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women initiative.

@thestylistandthewardrobe @youmagazine