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Steph Hui’s colour-clashing summer style guide
Hong Kong-born, New York-based creator Steph Hui is redefining summer dressing with fearless colour play. Moving beyond minimal neutrals, her vibrant styling embraces bold contrasts. From leather-and-lace combinations to layered preppy twists and cheerful loungewear, here’s how the 25-year-old turns everyday summer outfits into joyful, high-impact looks
Burgundy leather, baby pink and denim
Picture: Instagram @stxph.h
Introducing a dark, rich autumnal tone into your summer styling vocabulary is a brilliant way to stand out in a crowd of predictable whites and linens. This gorgeous ensemble pairs a heavy, structured burgundy-purple leather jacket over an incredibly soft, baby-pink cotton tank top. To maintain that high-contrast colour story across your accessories, sling a classic pink Chanel crossbody bag over your shoulder and cinch a deep brown leather belt through dark indigo-blue jeans. The sharp contrast between the tough, deep wine-red leather and the ultra-feminine baby-pink layers proves that romantic and edgy aesthetics can live together in perfect harmony.
Full-set Miu Miu layering
Picture: Instagram @stxph.h
Channelling a sophisticated, preppy aesthetic with a rebellious twist requires mastering the art of pattern-on-pattern layering. This runway-inspired look utilises a full set of Miu Miu-esque tailoring, featuring a structured yellow-brown mini dress as the main outer canvas. Tucked beneath the dress is a playful collision of colours, combining an olive-green button-down shirt with a contrasting pastel-pink inner collar. With a lightweight neck scarf tied effortlessly around the collar and a pristine white leather mini bag held in hand, this complex, layered silhouette looks incredibly smart, artistic, and modern.
Oversized pink stripes and wrapped baby blue
Picture: Instagram @stxph.h
When the summer heat calls for light, breathable fabrics, using contrasting pastel button-downs is a clever styling hack to create visual interest without adding heavy weight. This laid-back look features an oversized, baby-pink striped cotton shirt worn open over a simple white tank top and light wash blue denim jeans. To add a sporty, effortless dimension to the waistline, tie a crisp, baby-blue shirt loosely around your hips to act as a casual, built-in belt. Finally, carry a blue-striped tote bag adorned with a soft floral pattern to complete a beautifully textured, sky-blue-and-blossom-pink coordinate that feels as refreshing as a coastal breeze.
Translucent yellow, wide denim and red ballet flats
Picture: Instagram @stxph.h
To effectively balance a designer handbag with an energetic youthful edge, mixing contrasting warm and cool tones creates a satisfying visual tension. The foundation of this effortlessly cool outfit relies on a sharp, translucent yellow knit cardigan layered over a clean white tank top. By pairing this bright top with ultra-baggy, wide-leg blue jeans, you ground the vibrant knitwear while maintaining a relaxed, breathable silhouette perfect for the city. Completing the high-fashion contrast is a classic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag held in hand, bookended by a pair of cherry-red ballet flats for a brilliant, French-girl-inspired pop of colour at your feet.
Yellow sweatpants with hidden blue and pink accents
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Picture: Instagram @stxph.h
Comfortable loungewear can easily look uninspired under bright daylight, but injecting a sharp shot of primary contrast immediately turns simple pieces into a statement. This high-octane casual look centres on a vibrant, sunshine-yellow matching sweatpants set that radiates playful summer energy. To break up the monochromatic coordinates, allow a peek of a blue inner layer or waistband to show above the pants line, balancing the bright yellow base. Crowned with a sweet, candy-pink shoulder bag, this outfit thrives when standing directly under the hot afternoon sun, turning simple off-duty fleece into a high-visibility streetwear masterclass.
