CHEER UP AND WEAR THE COLORS. Colors worn and seen can perk your mood. Photography by Shaira Luna

MANILA, Philippines - Everyone's counting down to summer and preparing what they can for the season of sunshine: weight-loss diets, exercise programs, and their wardrobes.

This 2013, black and white and Asian silhouettes dominated spring. Still, I believe that there's nothing like good ol' solid colors in Crayola shades to cheer us up. Even people who are into basics will enjoy looking at them.

Last time, I wrote about florals, how to wear them, how to mix and match them. This time we stick to plains with lotsa color — from head to toe.

The magic of monochrome

A monochromatic palette does wonders for your built: wear it in brights to create the illusion of volume; wear it in dark shades to create the illusion of a smaller size.

PURPLE PREP. Top and shorts from CottonOn. Necklace from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs. Hat, stylist's own.

MISS YELLOW SUNSHINE. Tank top, cardigan, and shorts from CottonOn. Necklace from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs.

ORANGE OVERLOAD. Dress, blazer, and scarf from CottonOn. Bracelets from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs.

GREEN QUEEN. Layered tank tops, jeans, and scarf from CottonOn. Bracelets from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs. Belt, stylist's own.

Color Burst: Sunny summer makeup

Like a rainbow

Now let us mix and match the basic pieces used in our monochromatic looks to create 4 new looks. With the right attitude and pizzaz, this is how you can expand your wardrobe.

WEEKEND WONDER. Tank top, cardigan, jeans, and scarf from CottonOn. Shoes from Crocs.

FINE FROCK. Dress and scarf from CottonOn. Earrings from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs. Hat, stylist's own.

COLOR CHIC. Top and shorts from CottonOn. Layered necklaces from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs. Belt, stylist's own.

OFFICE STANDOUT. Tank top, blazer, and shorts from CottonOn. Necklace and bracelets from Exenadora. Shoes from Crocs.

Stockists:

• CottonOn - Second floor, SM Megamall Building A, 631-0736
• Exenadora - Shayne Estoesta, 0932-4563466 / 0916-2802402
• Crocs - 3rd floor, SM Megamall Building A, 637-6359