Your Guide to Wearing Colour in the Winter
Wearing colour may seem easy enough, but in winter? That’s a whole other story. Often you are caught in a sea of black puffer coats and dark grey pants which does not contribute to the already dull mood of cold, wet winter. Dark monotones are usually the easiest way to go when your priority is being warm, but this year we are switching it up. Here is your guide to staying radiant this winter with just a few easy wardrobe additions!
Statement coat
A statement coat is the easiest way to add colour to your outfit. Ditch the plain black and dark browns and opt for coats in different materials and colours, different silhouettes, and different sizes. Try materials like leather, faux-fur or tweed – or even better, a combination of materials! And also, don’t just think monotone colours, think patterns! Try different lengths perhaps, or opt for oversized layers over tightly fitted ones. Buttoned-to-the-top trenches are definitely a trend that challenge the typical A-line silhouette of winter coats which also double as a scarf. Pair a statement coat with a warm pair of jeans or pants and you have yourself a warm but elevated outfit!
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2. Monochrome
Everyone has a favourite colour, so why not show it off? Your wardrobe is probably already filled with clothing and accessories of your favourite colour, so it’s the perfect time to style them. And especially in winter, you’ll be able to play with layering different shades of the same colour. Maybe you prefer to just do a pop of your favourite colour instead of the whole outfit, but either way, monotone is in! Play with different textures – denim, knit, silk – shades, proportions and most importantly accessorize! It doesn’t even have to be abundant. You can scale down and just have one item that is simple, but visible, providing a subtle touch of colour; or you can go all out with a full colourful look. Not only will you be showing off your personal style, but you will stand out from a crowd.
3. Complimentary, Analogous and Triadic colours
COMPLIMENTARY COLORS
ANALOGOUS COLORS
TRIAD COLORS
What’s better than one colour? Two! Or even three! Use complimentary colours, analogous colours and triad-colour theories to visually elevate your outfit. You can introduce new colours in a variety of ways: contrasting outer and inner layers, accessory colours, top and bottom, and much more! Get creative. One of many ways to approach this is the three-colour rule: the idea is to choose a dominant colour – which makes up about 60% of the outfit – a secondary colour that supports this dominant colour – covering 30% of the outfit, colours that are complimentary, analogous, or triadic – and an accent colour, making up the last 10% of the outfit. Of course, this isn’t the only way to make up an outfit, but if you’re struggling to find an outfit, the three-colour rule is always there to help.
4. Funky jumpers
You know that jumper that your grandma knitted for you a few years back? Yeah, pull that out of the closest, you’re going to need it. Jumpers come in all different shapes and sizes but we often pick the ones that are single coloured or all hold the same silhouette. Why not play around with new colours this winter? Try a different pattern, or perhaps a different shape. Try one with a fun collar or a fun graphic. Jumpers will make up the bulk of your outfit, if not, the whole, so make it interesting! You can try layering a jacket or coat over your jumper or even just a scarf, – but regardless of how you style them, jumpers are fantastic for both warmth and for adding visual interest, making any winter outfit chic.
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5. Bold scarves
Scarves are often seen as practical only for keeping your neck warm, but we often forget the impact a scarf can have on making or breaking an outfit. There has been a big shift in silhouettes, textures and proportions that scarves take on with people treating them as an extension of their outfit. Try different shaped scarves: squares, rectangles, triangles – and experiment with different ways to wear them – as a hood, as a knot, off the shoulder, or one shoulder. Try different weights – skinny ribbon scarves, heavy chunky scarves, or even scarves made of different materials like faux fur, merino wool, and nylon. And of course, most obviously different patterns – plaid, multi-coloured, and stripes. If your outfit is feeling a bit plain, throw on a scarf!
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4. Gloves
Alright, in this day and age everyone who owns a phone knows that gloves are not the most convenient, but that doesn’t go to say that they aren’t one of the simplest ways to add colour to your outfit (and to keep your hands warm, of course). Whether it be a full knitted mitten, a leather glove, or even just a wrist glove, they come in all different shapes and sizes, and more importantly, colours! Pair them with a good winter coat or jacket by wearing them under the sleeves, or if you can, over them. Use them to create contrast between your outfit and remember you can always indulge in different styles of gloves. Think gloves with embellishments or fingerless gloves – the possibilities are endless!
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7. Headwear
I am usually not one for headwear in the winter or the summer, but they seem to be on the upward trend – one that I might have to try out. Along with adding an extra layer of warmth to your outfit, they provide an opportunity to create a unique look. Beanies are a staple, but try styling them with intention; pick a fit that matches your face shape – snug, slouchy, or with a pompom – and try styling them in different ways – cuffing it once or twice or leaving it uncuffed. Experiment with shapes and colours – invest in beanies that may contrast the general palette of your closet, or are more uniquely shaped than what you would usually pick up! Balaclavas are definitely a trend you’ve likely been seeing lately. And the best part is that in order to recreate the balaclava look, you don’t even need a proper balaclava. Makeshift your scarves into balaclavas!
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8. tights
When you’re in need of a pair of tights for extra warmth, take the opportunity to make it a statement rather than grabbing the classic black or nude pair! Tights don’t just come in neutral hues, they come in all colours and patterns. Whether you’re feeling a short skirt moment or simply need another layer under jeans, tights are always one way you can add colour to your outfit. Match your tights to your accessories – bags, hats, jewellery, shoes – or choose a colour or pattern that completely challenges the colours of your outfit! Pick tights that suit the weather – some come insulated, or sheer if it’s not cold. There are tights for everyone at occasion, you just have to experiment!
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