A few weeks ago we popped into Kowtow’s Newmarket store, where Rebecca and I gravitated towards two dresses that really summed up our individual vibes: me, A-line polka dots and her, a bright yellow “sack” (not an insult, she’d describe it and many of the dresses in her wardrobe that way). 

She loved it so much that she bought it on the spot, wore it out of the store and later packed it for her trip to Hawke’s Bay. It was the perfect pop of sunshine, standing out against the grey streets of Newmarket and against the blue skies of Cape Kidnappers. It also works layered for colder, non-sunny autumnal days; I love how Mandy of Bookety Book Books has styled it with a shirt here.

Since then, I’ve been spotting similar zesty hues everywhere: Wynn Hamlyn’s latest collection features striking apple-green pieces, Dominique Healy has a gown in fresh ‘celery’ shade and Jojo Ross' elegant dress comes in a soft shade of 'limoncello'. Meanwhile, Karen Walker’s ‘Zestful’ tiered dress lives up to its name.

It may be officially autumn, and be getting darker and drizzlier, but these vibrant shades of yellow, orange, lime and red are like bottled sunshine, bringing a much-needed injection of jolly brightness and reminder of summer.

Kowtow dress in 'sun', $289

Karen Walker dress in 'lime', $545‍

Staud dress in 'cayenne', $850

Jojo Ross dress in 'limoncello', $283 (on sale)

Wynn Hamlyn dress in 'acid green', $695

Aje dress in 'lemon', $570

Lost and Led Astray dress in 'acid', $245

Dominique Healy dress in 'celery', $291 (on sale)

Polo Ralph Lauren shirt dress in 'yellow', $389

Harris Tapper dress in 'chartreuse', $529

Maggie Marilyn dress in 'apple red', $850