How to wear bright colors for winter

Winter style often leans toward darker hues. But, adding bright colors can inject warmth and personality to chilly days. From vibrant coats to eye-catching accessories, wearing bright colors in winter can be refreshing and stylish. Take a look below at how to incorporate bold colors into your winter wardrobe with confidence and flair. Don’t forget to tell us in the comments if we’ve missed any of your favorite tips on how to wear bright colors for winter.

How to dress bright in winter?

Even if you’re usually a fan of neutrals, you’ll find lots of tips below to add bright hues to your existing looks.

What colors are best for winter outfits?

There really are no rules. In fact, breaking the color ‘rules’ and wearing hues you wouldn’t expect in colder months can work wonderfully. Eileen @eileenternullo above shows how beautifully green and pink go together. She keeps her look winter-appropriate with her tights and boots.

Get her look with this similar coat, leggings, boots, bag, earrings and beret.

What colors are best for winter skin tone?

We’ve included a big range of colors below to sit all skin tones. But, if you do happen to be a winter skin type (or you want to figure out if you are), then also take a look at our article on how to tell if you are a winter palette and the most flattering colors for you.

Let’s move on to how to incorporate statement colors into your winter closet, with our tips for wearing bright colors in cooler months.

1. Start with a statement coat

This is a fantastic way to immediately update all of your winter outfits and get lots of compliments while doing so. So, if you really want to make a statement with bright colors, this is the way to do it. A brightly colored coat is the ultimate statement piece and the perfect way to wear bright colors in winter without overwhelming your outfit. Opt for a striking red, cobalt blue, emerald green, mustard yellow, or any bright color you love to bring a cheerful pop to your look. Wear against winter neutrals like black, gray, beige, or cream. Keep the rest of your outfit simple and let your coat be the star of your outfit.

Boden Chichester Textured Coat – Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Megan Renee Oversize Wool Coat – Karen Millen Italian Manteco Wool Blend Tailored Belted Midi Coat – Boden Hamilton Textured Coat

Karen Millen Italian Manteco Wool Blend Tailored Belted Midi Coat – Nordstrom Mock Neck Midi Dress – Naturalizer Brent Weatherproof Knee High Boots – HOBO Harley Leather Hobo Bag – Boden Iris Snaffle Leather Bag – Zando Plaid Blanket Scarf

2. Brighten your basics

If you’re usually a neutrals lover, swapping out one of your basics for a bright color can make a big difference. Add a pop of color to your everyday essentials. Think bright sweaters over your jeans, bold cardigans with neutral camisoles, or a bright pair of jeans with a neutral sweater. If you aren’t quite ready for primary colors, you can get a bold look with colors like lavender, teal, or burnt orange.

Boden Chunky Pointelle Sweater – Boden Olivia Merino Sweater – Boden Catriona Cotton V-Neck Jumper – Boden Chunky Cashmere Crew Neck Tank

Boden Chichester Textured Coat – Boden Olivia Merino Sweater – PAIGE Laurel Canyon High Waist Flare Jeans – Boden Stretch Ankle Boots – The Sak Sequoia Hobo Bag – Boden Statement Stud Earrings

3. Switch up your accessories

Accessories are an easy way to experiment with color. Just add a vibrant scarf, beanie, or gloves to your usual neutral outfit. Bright bags and shoes also work well with winter neutrals and are a great way to add personality without making a big commitment to color.

The Sak Sequoia Hobo Bag – Mac Duggal Crocodile Leather Buckle Detail Mini Handbag – Longchamp Extra Small Cabas Replay Recycled Canvas Tote – Brahmin Shayna Croc Embossed Leather Crossbody Bag

Wit & Wisdom Single Breasted Stretch Blazer – Nordstrom Mock Neck Midi Dress – Vagabond Shoemakers Wioletta Leather Slingback Flat – Mac Duggal Crocodile Leather Buckle Detail Mini Handbag – Kate Spade New York Uptown Map Oblong Scarf

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks fabulous, and so cheery in her beautiful striped sweater coordinates.

Steal her look with this similar sweater (another option here), skirt, boots, handbag and earrings.

4. Monochromatic brights

Choose a monochromatic outfit in a bright hue for a daring look. Choose your favorite and go head-to-toe in electric blue or bold red for a striking yet sophisticated look. Play around with different textures to add depth to your look. If you want to tone down the look a little, use a neutral coat.

Boden Durham Wool Blend Coat – Boden Textured Stitch Cardigan – Boden Westbourne Ponte Trousers – Boden Mary Jane Ballet Flats – Boden Iris Snaffle Leather Bag – BaubleBar Mia Statement Earrings.

5. Layer bright colors under dark neutrals (or vice versa)

Wearing bright colors under dark neutrals is a subtle yet effective way to bring brightness to your outfit. You could wear a vivid sweater or blouse under a dark coat or blazer, allowing the color to peek through. Or, do it the opposite way and layer your bright coat or blazer over your dark neutrals. Both will work wonderfully.

Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Megan Renee Oversize Wool Coat – BP. Oversize Cozy Mock Neck Sweater – Wit & Wisdom Whitney ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Wide Leg Jeans – Roxy Clementine Boots – HOBO Harley Leather Hobo Bag – BaubleBar Mia Statement Earrings.

6. Mix brights with muted tones

To balance the intensity of bright colors, mix them with muted tones like camel, taupe, or olive. For example, a bright red sweater paired with olive pants or a mustard coat with a gray turtleneck. Mixing these shades can make even the boldest colors more wearable for winter.

Open Edit Herringbone Coat – Open Edit Blousson Sweater – Boden Chiswick Wool Blend Pants – Boden Stretch Ankle Boots – Boden Iris Snaffle Leather Bag – Boden Statement Stud Earrings

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk above tops her neutral outfit with a red coat.

Recreate her outfit with this similar sweater, coat, jeans, boots, handbag and headband.

7. Try bright bottoms

While colorful tops are common, trying bright bottoms can add unexpected color to your winter wardrobe. Pair a bright skirt with a neutral sweater or red pants with a cozy gray cardigan.

Boden Mid Rise Slim Leg Jeans – J.Crew Delaney Kickout Sweater Pants – Boden Kew Cord Pants – Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Harbison Rib Wool & Cashmere Maxi Sweater Skirt

L’AGENCE Antonella V Neck Sweater – Nordstrom x Harlem’s Fashion Row Harbison Rib Wool & Cashmere Maxi Sweater Skirt – Roxy Clementine Boots – The Sak Sequoia Hobo Bag – Boden Statement Stud Earrings

8. Add patterns with bright colors

Patterns that incorporate bright colors, such as plaid, stripes, florals, or abstract prints, are ideal for adding color to your closet. Something as simple as adding a print scarf can add vibrancy in a balanced way, complementing your existing winter basics.

Stine Goya Brushstroke Print Crewneck Knit Top – Boden Wool Check Coat – Boden Wide Leg Pull-on Trousers – BP. Fringe Blanket Scarf 

Sam Edelman Tie Belt Wool Blend Wrap Coat – L’AGENCE Antonella V Neck Sweater – Boden Wide Leg Pull-on Trousers – Bandolino Lindio Loafers – MAISON de SABRÉ Small Leather Soft Tote – Boden Statement Stud Earrings

9. Use textures

When wearing bright colors, remember about texture, too. Velvet, wool, and leather in bold colors give a cozy, polished feel. Try a velvet blazer in a rich jewel tone with your blazer or a bright leather skirt and neutral sweater.

For more tips on texture, take a look at how to mix textures in your outfits.

Rails Matilda Button-Up Cardigan – J.Crew  Velvet Sailor Trousers – Boden Viv Velvet Tiered Maxi Skirt – Hestra Henry Leather Gloves

10. Add a slice of color

Choosing clothes featuring color blocking with just a little bright color are a great way to introduce bolder hues in a subtle way.

For more tips, we also have an article all about color blocking.

Boden Zia Longline Sweater – Boden Cotton Blend Henley Sweater – Boden Kew Side Stripe Trousers – Boden Soft Slipper Flats

Sam Edelman Tie Belt Wool Blend Wrap Coat – Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater – Boden Kew Side Stripe Trousers – Boden Mary Jane Ballet Flats – Boden Iris Snaffle Leather Bag – BaubleBar Mia Statement Earrings.

Stores to look at for bright colors

If you do want to add extra color into your closet, these are some of our favorite stores:

1. Boden
2. J.Crew
3. Nordstrom
4. Farm Rio

Your colorful outfits together in one capsule

Below, you can see some of the outfits from above together in one capsule. You can go as bold as you want by combining different colors or opt for a more subtle approach by wearing your colors with neutrals.

Have we missed any of your favorite tips on wearing bright colors? Let us know below.

Continue reading:

1. Neutral outfits to wear in winter and fall
2. Building the perfect winter capsule wardrobe: all the cold weather essentials you need
3. Choosing colors that go together by using the 3-color ‘rule’

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Feature image by Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk

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