Banish girly connotations of looking pretty in pink. This season, pink's coolest cousin fuchsia is giving fashion followers an attention-grabbing alternative.

Vivid hot pink was undoubtedly one of the must-have colours to emerge from the spring/summer 2008 catwalks. Burberry, Versace, Preen and Matthew Williamson all showcased the super-bright shade.

Unlike some trends such as tie-dye and nautical, which are suited to high-summer, fuchsia can be worked into your wardrobe right now and worn all year round. A pink dress looks just as fabulous with tanned legs as black opaque tights.

Go as bright as you dare... whether it's a look-at-me frock or understated accessories, fuchsia is this season's big colour story.

Pink glamour

If there's one item all the celebs are stocking up on for their designer-crammed wardrobes, it's a fuchsia pink dress. Kate Bosworth, Sarah Jessica Parker and Helena Christensen have all been spotted in hot pink frocks so bright they're almost blinding.

This dramatic shade is the perfect alternative to red for a killer evening dress and will have the same knock-'em-dead effect.

Casual colour

You don't have to do "pretty in pink" for daywear and keep fuchsia for sassy occasions. The colour is great for brightening up casual wear too. From hot pink macs to cute cardigans, just one dazzling item can transform an entire ensemble in one quick fuchsia flash. Like red, this bold and powerful hue has as many variations and has a great mood- boosting effect.

Fuchsia flashes

As with any brave colour or catwalk trend, it's easy to access the look with accessories.

If fuchsia's too bold for your personality to go the whole hog then there are plenty of fabulous accessories you can pick up to get the pink look. A fuchsia angular necklace or set of chunky bangles will work the trend perfectly.

Those more confident with super-brights can invest in one of this season's oversized bags or patent shoes to liven up summer outfits.

Shade to suit?

Think pink's too overpowering? Here's the lowdown on pulling off fuchsia pink with aplomb according to your colouring:

• As a blue-based colour, fuchsia works best on those with cool undertones in their skin. If fuchsia next to your face makes you look drained then use it only on the lower part of your outfit.

• Fuchsia looks most striking against dark hair - think Catherine Zeta - as it needs a strong colour to complement it. If your hair is medium to dark and your eyes are lighter then go down a tone to cyclamen.

• As a rule, fuchsia is too bright and contrasting for blondes to wear as a block colour and they should opt for a softer shade. It can look fabulous against ash-coloured hair but some may have to go for a lighter cassis to complement their look.

• Fuchsia is not the best colour for redheads as they have so much warmth in their colouring, but they can bring it into their ensemble with some accessories - just not close to the face.

• Ensure your make-up works with your fuchsia look. You'll need a strong lipstick but it mustn't clash with your outfit and stick to rose blushers rather than peachy shades.

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