Spring is being served sunny side up. Generally consigned to cameo roles lining a trench, or in accessories, yellow is making a powerful statement that shouts confidence and success.

A favourite hue of the red carpet, designers' enthusiasm for the hue is contagious. A shot of sunshine after winter is overdue. The trick to looking bright instead of sickly is in choosing the right shade.

Pale complexions should select buttery shades or stick to flashes of yellow rather than the top to-toe approach. Black skin can set off just about any canary colour to its full advantage, but the rest of us have to be more careful.

Heed this advice: If brights scare you and you're worried about looking as grey as a day-old chicken fillet, confine yourself to the shoe and bag option. You can't help but be drawn to yellow patent handbags and canary-yellow shoes. Add a dash of yellow to a navy outfit with a bright scarf or top up your cream trouser suit with an egg-yolk bag.

And look for large colourful lenses if you want to see the world through lemon-tinted glasses.

Kellie Ann Zupet reports on fashion for The Hamilton Spectator. gostyle@thespec.com

Model from Vogue Models & Talent (Hamilton Toronto), 36 Hess St. S., 905-523-5077 Hair and makeup by Rozalynd Hutley of Young Scissors, 1104 Fennell Ave. E.