There was no denying the ubiquitous presence of nude and blush tones on Spring runways, but on the opposite end of the spectrum, brights and neons also made a big splash. High wattage hues in every shade of the rainbow made appearances on many a recent catwalk and red carpet. In a sea of black and beige, a bold candy-coloured number is guaranteed to have all eyes on you. So go ahead and invest in a bright cocktail dress or blouse and think of it as your little secret weapon (lsw) that’s guaranteed to knock ‘em dead. Just make sure to give the said item its due credit and avoid overkill by keeping other parts of your ensemble and accessories in more neutral tones. Any true fashionista will also know to use her newfound power for good, and that means saving your lsw for parties and social functions, not an 8am boardroom meeting. Any of our picks will definitely give a shock to the system, in the best of ways.

Shopping info, left to right: BCBG ($248USD) available in stores and online. Forever 21 ($35) available in stores or online. Mason Silk Dress ($365) available in Vancouver at Holly (215-332 Water St., 604-681-8883, www.shopholly.ca).  Ella Moss ($177) available online. Mason Silk Tunic ($300) available in Vancouver at Holly. Twinkle by Wenlan ($410) available in Vancouver at Lynn Steven (225 Carral St., 604-889-0808, www.lynnesteven.com) and Mela Boutique in South Surrey (#112 2940 King George Hwy, 778-394-1887), Rachel Leigh Ring ($68) available at www.shopbop.com and in Toronto at Dew (1553 Bayview Ave., 647-436-1232), Heartstrings and Simple Chic. Plenty Frock by Tracy Reese ($395) available in Vancouver at Jules and Eve (2009 West 41st Ave., 604-569-0844, www.julesandeve.com), and in Toronto at Canopy Blue (2582 Yonge St., 416-483-2583, www.canopyblue.ca) Leigh and Harlow (634 Queen St. West, 647-430-7774, www.leighandharlow.com) and Trapeeze.

By: Chloe Berge, Vancouver