Are the same old sweaters making your winter wardrobe a snooze? Use these unique shades to liven up your look!
Getting a stylish look in winter can be difficult, especially with the overpowering neutrals and dark colors pervading the stores. But you don’t have to get bogged down in drab colors and heavy winter fabrics. Use these tips for choosing shades that stand out this season!
There are certain colors that seem to get recycled every season, and get away with it by being labeled “classics”. This winter, the top designers are throwing out tradition and replacing these staple colors with lesser-used shades. Here are four colors you should try and avoid this winter, and another four you need to try for a bold new look that will keep you looking classic with a twist.
Gray is the New Black
Black is a classic, but it’s time for this tried and true wardrobe staple to sit the bench for the remainder of the season. Michael Kors and Stella McCartney agree: no one can have enough stormy gray garments in their closet this winter. To bring it from the runway to your everyday style, wear head-to-toe shades of gray or opt for a trendy staple piece like a chunky, oversized gray sweater.
Splurge: Michael Kors Cowl-Neck Poncho
Budget Friendly: H&M Pattern-Knit Sweater
Not Quite White
White is another classic that is getting worn out, so avoid blending into the snow-covered background by instead opting for cream or camel colors. This is a perfect opportunity to try out this neutral by investing in a new winter coat, particularly the drape-front coats that have appeared in abundance on runways and shop fronts.
Splurge: Ralph Lauren Draped Wool-Blend Coat
Budget Friendly: ModCloth Preferred Pairing Coat
Navy is Out, Amethyst is In
It’s no longer a prerequisite to be born in February to rock amethyst jewelry, as the color has replaced navy as a winter wardrobe staple. Add it to your wardrobe subtly by pairing an amethyst Moonglow Jewelry stone necklace with a neutral garment, like the chunky gray sweater mentioned above, or make a statement with an amethyst party dress.
Splurge: LuLu’s Amethyst Purple Sequin Dress
Budget Friendly: Tahari Jacquard Bead-Trim Sheath Dress
Farewell Red, Hello Berry
Red has long been the go-to color during winter months if you want to stand out against all the white, black and navy, but this year it joins those colors in retirement. Instead, Red’s calmer cousin, berry, takes center stage. Whether as a lip shade or a garment color, berry is muted enough that it can be worn to both the office and a night out. Try it out with a multi-occasion dress.
Splurge: TopShop Lace-Up Side Skater Dress
Budget Friendly: Merona’s Women’s Wrap Dress
Bye Bye Blue, Go Right with Royals
While you’re old blue sweater might be a staple, it’s probably getting old, and not as much bright attention it needs in the dark lighting of winter. Don’t be afraid to try a bit brighter hue with your blues. Cobalt and Royal blue are coming in more and more for a pop of color in a sea on neutrals this year. Start small with a smart scarf, or go all out with a gorgeous long-sleeved dress and pair with neutral tights in gray or black.
Splurge: Jay Godfrey Sequined Laurel Long Sleeve V-Back Shift Dress
Budget Friendly: Pashmina Fashion Scarf
Pay Attention to Plaid
This pattern is a staple for most winter wardrobes and can add a bit of spice to an otherwise neutral pallet. The trick is staying current and not looking like you stepped out of 1991. For a winter weather look stay away from lighter shades like baby blue and light purples. Stick with something darker that can become the boldest piece in an outfit.
Blacks and grays are always a good way to go, but don’t forget to make use of dark blues, reds, and greens. There has been a lot of plaid pattern walking down the runway this year too, so look at designers lines to get a good idea of where trends are heading.
Splurge: Topshop’s Tartan Plaid Shirt
Budget Friendly: Forever 21’s Abstract Print Plaid Shirt
If you’re not yet ready to say goodbye to the classics, start slow and try out these new trendy shades as nail polish or lip colors first, before moving on to making them closet staples.
Your new look will get you noticed, and keep you away from a dull or tired winter look. With the right colors and shades, you can completely change the way you dress and feel this winter. Try a few new bold shades and see how much it spices up your wardrobe.
