Bright colors are no longer exclusive to spring and summer. Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Donatella Versace and Jeremy Scott have sent models sashaying down international catwalks dressed in vibrant neon colors, including bright pink, peacock blue, emerald green and sunflower yellow, for their looming autumn/winter season ranges.

Given the state of the economy, it seems to be a natural choice for designers to use bright tones because they cheer people up.

Moreover, many designers have turned back to the 1980s fashion heydays for inspiration, a period when power women's staple wardrobes were defined by shoulder pads, leggings and intensive colors.

"I was thinking about the good old days in New York, when getting dressed up was such a joy," Marc Jacobs said after his autumn/winter 2009 show which was said to be dedicated to the oh-so-cool Manhattan club scene.

For Louis Vuitton, the designer went even further down the 1980s nostalgia road. He has come up with a collection paying a playful tribute to Christian Lacroix, the designer who put his mark on the decade with creations notable for their extravagance, luxuriance and use of bright colors.

US designer Jeremy Scott has brought a breath of fresh air to the serious Paris Fashion Week with his latest collection featuring lots of colors. Bright orange and fuchsia mini dresses were worn with patent, bowed heels while multicolored buttons in different sizes were cleverly added to a black jersey dress.

It's not so difficult to find brightly colored pieces from big brands' second lines, high street fashion brands or even local fashion stores. However, how to put them together can sometimes be a challenge.

Wearing bright colors makes you spotted easier in a crowd, which also can be a risk. If you're confident about your mix-and-match skills, try to clash two colors, such as green and pink or yellow and blue, like Jacobs' girls on the runway.

However, keep in mind that in this case it's not "the more the better." Mixing two bright tones is more than enough but adding a third can lead to a disaster.

The safer way is to wear one bright tone with other basic colors such as black, brown or beige. For example, match an all-black dress with a yellow coat, or match a neutral-colored dress with colorful stockings or leggings.

If you only want to invest in one item, make sure it's bright pink, the hottest color of the moment. A pink mini dress and black stockings make a killing combo for the night. Yellow coats are also very popular. Max & Co has a model wearing a yellow wool trench coat on the cover of its autumn/winter 2009 catalogue.

For those who don't have the courage to put on all colors, try the accessories. An eye-catching bag, a belt, a pair of red boots, or even a scarf in striking color will effortlessly add a chic edge to your winter outfits.

(Shanghai Daily September 8, 2009)