Rainbow connection: Adorn yourself in the season's most magical trend
How to wear the full spectrum and still look like a grown up
Adulting is hard. Throw in a rainbow-inspired runway trend and everyone who's past puberty is left scratching their heads. Most often splashed across kids' clothing and inflatable pool toys, the ROYGBIV spectrum isn't exactly the norm when shopping for a spring update. But Mary Katrantzou, Dolce & Gabbana and Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini are all making the case for an injection of Crayola colour. From silk-laced corsets to one-shouldered dresses, bright bands floated down the runway in an optimistic celebration of the sunny season ahead.
Start simply, say, by adding a smaller accessory like face-framing earrings or a ribbon-trimmed tote and work your way up to electric eye shadow or a boldly striped swimsuit. Look to the 11 pieces below for the best ways to incorporate rainbow brights into your closet, pot of gold not included.
Decorated with a cheerful swipe of colour, the simple white tee goes from classic to totally of-the-moment. Wear it with denim on the weekend or slip it under a blazer if your office has a more relaxed dress code.
ASOS Daisy Street T-Shirt With Rainbow Stripe, $18, asos.com
Instead of making a beeline for a pair of all-black sandals this summer, consider a pair with a whole lot more colour. These sturdy block-heeled sandals are business in the front and party in the back.
Charlotte Olympia Emma Suede And Leather Sandals, $695, net-a-porter.com
This glamourous doorknob-sized sparkler is all the dazzle you need for a special evening out, or as a mood booster on desk-only days. Fair warning, you might just find yourself mesmerized by a finger full of clear and colourful crystals.
Swarovski Luminous Fairy Ring, Multi-Colored, Rhodium Plating, $399, swarovski.com
Zig-zaggy rainbow ricrac is practically impossible to resist. As the summer antidote to your run-of-the-mill leather bag, this cute canvas tote from Loeffler Randall even includes a detachable inner pouch for quick access to all the essentials.
Loeffler Randall Ribbon Shopper, $450, loefflerrandall.com
The open hoops on these earrings lend a lightness to a shimmery statement earring. Let them steal the spotlight by keeping your hair and makeup simple, and pairing them with an off-the-shoulder dress.
Joanna Laura Constantine Gold-Plated Grommet Rainbow Earrings, $510, modaoperandi.com
Wallflowers need not apply when it comes to sporting this vibrant maillot. Aside from the pop of colour, the scooped neck and ultra-low back mean there will be no hiding poolside.
Caroline Constas Aristi Striped Swimsuit, $285, net-a-porter.com
Channel your inner mermaid with an iridescent clamshell palette that hinges open to reveal fourteen matte and metallic shades. From turquoise to lavender, show your true colours with a wash of shadow across your lids.
Tarte Be A Mermaid & Make Waves Eyeshadow Palette, $50, tartecosmetics.com
Investing in a phone case is a great way to embrace the trend if you're reticent to wear the rainbow. Plus, there's no way your phone will get lost at the bottom of your bag with this colourful case.
Stella McCartney Rainbow iPhone 7 Case, $115, stellamccartney.com
You'll want to live in this lightweight skirt come summertime. The midi length, high waist and flowy skirt cut a sophisticated silhouette and provide a perfect foil for all your cropped tops and body-conscious bodysuits.
Reformation Bea Skirt, $148, thereformation.com
Nearly impossible to track down, Gucci's sold-out-everywhere sneakers will have you walking on sunshine. This splurge-worthy pair is anything but subtle with its mix of metallic leathers and signature grosgrain ribbon detail.
Gucci New Ace Leather Sneakers, $715, matchesfashion.com
It doesn't matter what this brush is designed to do (apply shimmery highlighter) because it's so pretty we can't imagine our vanities without one. The ultra-soft vegan bristles make it a pleasure to use.
Too Faced Magic Rainbow Strobing Brush, $40, sephora.com
Caitlan Moneta (@caitlanmoneta) is a Toronto-based fashion editor, writer and stylist. She's a firm believer that there's nothing a little retail therapy can't fix.