Read on to learn more about building outfits using bold and striking shades, injecting color into the perfect winter wardrobe.
For many people, color can be an intimidating part of fashion to embrace. The ease and comfort of neutrals make it easier to fade into the crowd, while bright colors and bold patterns ensure you are front and center. The good news is that there is a balance between the two that makes experimenting fun and delivers impactful results.
Whether you are looking for practical and stylish ways to bring your favorite boho dresses into your winter wardrobe or simply want an excuse to introduce bold pops of color to brighten up the dreary and dull weather outside, the cold weather does not mean you have to kiss color goodbye.
Mustard
Mustard may not sound like an on-trend color, but the reality is this unassuming shade is incredibly stylish and a must-have addition to any wardrobe. The rich golden tone adds fantastic depth and dimension to an outfit, with just the right amount of color to bring your look to life.
The muted and dusty undertones match well with gold or rose gold jewelry and any statement piece with a tortoiseshell design, like shoes, belts, or handbags. To make the most of this luxury color, ditch black and instead opt for softer shades like white, ivory, tan, or light brown.
Green
Hunter green is a fall and winter color that never seems to go out of style, and for good reason. It is a shade that looks incredible on everyone. The dark richness gives it an opulent appearance, while the familiar green undertones bring an earthy and relaxed vibe to your style. Popular in bohemian style, it looks best paired with simple neutrals like black, white, and dark chocolate brown in materials like leather and suede.
In contrast, emerald green is brighter and bolder, perfect for making a showstopping statement. To make the most of this stunning shade, allow it to stand out against a simple background, either as an evening dress or a flirty silk blouse paired with simple tailored black pants and heeled boots.
Mauve
Mauve is a stylish and super chic color that makes a statement in the best possible way. This dark, dusty shade of pink provides the perfect amount of femininity and ladylike class without feeling overwhelming or stereotypical.
Mauve pairs best with ivory, white, off-white, and cream shades, but it is also the perfect complement to nearly any shade of gray.
A mauve knitted sweater paired with fitted jeans and your favorite winter boots will be the ideal outfit for everything from brunch with friends and a morning spent at the farmers market to holiday parties and a weekend in the country.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a rich and dramatic dark shade of red. One of the most popular variations of burgundy is ‘oxblood red,’ a dark, ruby shade with subtle purple undertones. These beautiful autumnal shades are easy to wear and extremely flattering for a wide range of skin tones, making them a must-have for the fall and winter.
Because it occurs organically in nature, it works well with a wide range of different colors and shades, including neutrals, white, ivory, brown, gold, and burnt orange, which all contrast with red and bring it to life. Burgundy florals are the ideal way to introduce color and a beautiful boho-inspired pattern into your wardrobe without feeling overpowering or busy.
Sapphire
Sapphire is a rich and decadent shade of blue that is dark enough to wear on any occasion but light enough to bring energy and beauty to any look. Its sophisticated appeal is best complimented by luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or heavy knits, and its beautiful undertones match well with your favorite silver jewelry.
Although it can look breathtaking paired with neutral tones like black, dark gray, silver, and white, it works best as a stand-alone piece. Stunning evening dresses, pantsuits, or jumpsuits paired with simple jewelry pieces, classic black leather boots, and a black winter overcoat will make you impossible to ignore at your next formal event or holiday party.
Styling Tips
When heading out the door, the last thing you grab to complete your winter look is a warm coat. As the outer layer of your outfit, it is the first thing people see, and while cold weather calls for function and practicality, that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. A coat is an easy but effective way to introduce unexpected colors to your outfit, perfectly elevating a chic and simple monochromatic ensemble.
The key to making color pop in an outfit is choosing one statement piece to bring bold and eye-catching shades to your overall look. Whether you choose a sweater, skirt, dress, or shoes, the key is to pick one piece that will set the tone for your look, using neutral pieces to bring it to life.
Not only will this maximize the bright and bold hues, but it will also eliminate the hassle of finding shades that complement one another without overwhelming the rest of the outfit.
Alternatively, if you feel confident wearing color and want to rock more than one shade, color blocking is the trend for you. Combining entirely different colors that perfectly complement but contrast each other is guaranteed to deliver a showstopping final product.
