3 Ways to Wear Bright Colors in Winter (2024)

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Co-authored byCassandra Sethiand Amber Crain

Last Updated: April 15, 2022References

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   Go neon. If you love bright colors, consider a coat or jacket in a neon color, such as bright pink or electric blue. Make sure the rest of your outfit consists of mostly dark neutral pieces, which will balance out the loudness of the neon and keep the overall effect winter-appropriate.

   • For instance, you could pair a neon pink coat with black skinny jeans and a simple black and white striped top.^[1]
   • Wear a neon green pea coat with basic blue jeans, a black sweater and statement heels.
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   Stand out in a red jacket. Choose a crimson coat in your favorite style and wear it with solid neutrals for a polished look that still pops. For instance, you could wear a cherry red pea coat with an outfit centered around navy blue.^[2] The navy helps to temper the brightness of the red, while the red gives the blue tones warmth and life.^[3]

   • For a more retro flair, consider wearing a dress or top with black and white polka dots with a cherry red jacket.^[4]
   • You could also try wearing a red leather jacket with all black pieces.^[5] The red leather looks edgy, and the black keeps everything polished.
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   Opt for shades of yellow. A yellow winter coat can look great if paired with the right outfit. The shade of yellow is up to you – bright yellow works well, but a more muted mustard hue can also look sharp. The key to wearing yellow in winter is making sure the rest of your outfit is neutral.

   • For example, wear a long trench coat in a middle-range yellow color with sleek black garments and shoes.^[6]
   • Black is the easiest neutral to pull off with yellow, but you could try charcoal gray or forest green, too.^[7]
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   Mix it up. You don't have to wear a statement coat that is one solid bright color. You can still make just as much of a splash if you go with a coat that is mostly neutral in color, but features bright detailing. For instance, you could wear a deep blue felt biker jacket with a faux fur color in an eye catching color like bright orange. Against the dark blue, the orange really pops.^[8]

   • Consider coats that play with color-blocking, as well. This style makes it easy to work a few bright colors into a sophisticated geometric pattern that is mostly neutral.

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   See Also

   True Autumn: The Ultimate Guide - Gabrielle ArrudaShop Women's Clothing By ColorSpring 2022 Runway Color Trends - Design PoolBright Winter: A Comprehensive Guide | the concept wardrobe

   Add a bright sweater or cardigan.^[9] Try wearing black pants and a charcoal gray long-sleeved tee, then adding a bright blue or red cardigan on top. Layering a dark neutral coat over the bright sweater adds another dimension and emphasizes the vivid color even more.

   • For example, you could wear an emerald green cardigan with dark-wash denim skinny jeans. Add a dark navy blue pea coat on top to add another dimension and emphasize the jewel green of the sweater.^[10]
   • Instead of a sweater, try layering a bright green hoodie with a black tee, black yoga pants and black tennis shoes for a winter workout.^[11]
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   Work red into your outfit. Red can easily be pulled off in winter by layering charcoal gray and black around it.^[12] For example, you could wear a pair of wine red corduroys with a deep gray t-shirt featuring a graphic or logo in that same red shade. Layer a black jacket over that and add a pair of sleek black boots to finish the look.^[13]

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   Layer orange and black pieces. Even bright orange can be pulled off in winter if you style it with sleek black counterparts. For example, wear black tights under an orange dress, then top it off with a black cardigan. Add a pair of black booties and cat eye sunglasses to complete the look.^[14]

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   Try a monochrome approach. A monochrome approach allows you to wear one color in a range of shades, which means you get to include both the darker neutral shades and their lighter, brighter counterparts. Try shades of violet, for instance. A deep royal purple is very taste tasteful and neutral, so center an outfit around that. Layer a royal purple skirt with splashes of lighter purple, such as a bright purple top and a lavender cardigan.^[15]

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   Choose a bright purse or bag. Accenting a neutral outfit with a vibrant purse or bag is another easy way to spice things up a bit. Since the accent will immediately draw eyes to it, choose a purse or bag that has interesting or unusual details. For example, you could pair an electric blue purse with quilted details and silver accents with a neutral outfit.^[16]

   • You could also show off a bright pink or green backpack by wearing it with dark black and charcoal pieces.
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   Wear a statement scarf for a pop of color.^[17] Toss a fuzzy red scarf over your outfit to instantly liven things up. You could even look for one with unusual detailing, such as red faux fur trim, to make even more of a statement. Don't be afraid to try bright stripes or other patterns, as well.

   • For example, you could wear a neon striped scarf with a black coat and dark neutral solids to emphasize the bright pattern even more.
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   Wear statement shoes in an eye-catching hue. Try pairing a pair of red leather booties with black skinny jeans and a black leather biker jacket for an edgy look. Combat boots come in a rainbow of colors, as well. Go for an electric blue pair and wear them with black or dark gray pants to emphasize them.

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   Wear bright nail polish. If you're feeling uninspired by your winter wardrobe and need a quick fix, try experimenting with a range of bright nail polish looks. Go for a bright blue, a glittery violet, or a metallic shade to accent an otherwise neutral outfit. Cherry red polish is a classic – pair it with a black outfit and matching red lip to create a glamourous retro vibe.^[18]

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