Wardrobes in bloom: Brits turn to bright and bold colours when choosing their outfits after lockdown

Wardrobes in bloom: Brits turn to bright and bold colours when choosing their outfits in a reflection of the nation’s optimistic mood after lockdown

  • British shoppers are turning to bright and bold colours when choosing outfits
  • They are replacing their greys, browns and blacks bought during pandemic
  • Daring colours are in the top 10 best-selling clothes by retailer Freemans


British shoppers are turning to bright and bold colours when choosing their outfits as the nation gradually steps out of lockdown.

Greys, browns and blacks bought last year are being replaced with greens, yellows, sky blues, pinks, reds, rainbows and floral prints, MailOnline can reveal.

These shades are in the top 10 best-selling clothes by retailer Freemans, with demand for stand-out outfits up over 100 per cent on last year.

Celebrities have helped to set the trend, such as singer Dua Lipa gold mini dress and black stockings and suspenders at the Brit Awards

Dua Lipa poses in the media room with the Mastercard Album award for Future Nostalgia and the Female Solo Artist award during The BRIT Awards 2021 at The O2 Arena on May 11, 2021

Teen pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo recently appeared in a neon yellow dress while singer-songwriter Raye wore a daring pink gown. 

At the Oscars, Amanda Seyfried stunned in radiant red, Colman Domingo in a shocking pink tuxedo and Zendaya in ‘glow in the dark’ yellow.

The shift in buying patterns shows a sign of summer celebration hitting the country as restrictions on going out and meeting friends are slowly eased.

‘It’s evident that the country is desperate to get out its of slippers and grey sweatpants and customers are wanting to express themselves through their fashion and home choices with really bold and bright expressions,’ said Amy Hackett at Freemans.com.

Raye poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2021 in London on May 11, 2021

Raye poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2021 in London on May 11, 2021

‘They want some glamour back in their lives and to feel more empowered and elegant. Wearing colour is making a statement that it’s time to move on.’

An Instagram campaign #instarainbowchallenge which urged people to wear vibrant outfits to cheer themselves up racked up millions of hits.

The fresh and new appreciation of colour is being replicated at home with demand for new paint shades and matching home accessories soaring.

Olivia Rodrigo poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2021 in London on May 11, 2021

Olivia Rodrigo poses on the red carpet on arrival for the BRIT Awards 2021 in London on May 11, 2021

Card payment processor Dojo revealed sales of homeware and soft furnishing up 500 per cent with bright colours the top choice.

TV shows such as the BBC’s Interior Design Challenge have added to the trend with contestants celebrating bold colours and prints in their challenges

Style coach and TV pundit Loulou Storey added: I’mseeing that my clients are craving colour too – desperate to be seen again, to celebrate life and embrace a bolder version of themselves after being locked away for a year.

‘Just like nature in the spring we are ready to bloom.’