Home / Life / Beauty & Style / Beauty & Style Shopping Guides 21 colorful wardrobe updates that will get you through the winter doldrums (and lots of them are on sale!) Maybe it's the fact that winter is just a sea of blah, but I've never been more open to curating a wardrobe dotted with splashy hues. By Sara Goldstein Updated January 30, 2024 Rectangle We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy. As much as I love clothing, it’s historically been hard for me to step outside of the black/gray/camel neutral zone. It’s safe and easy and at this point, everything works together. But this past fall, I stepped outside my comfort zone and impulse purchased a super colorful duster cardigan that my partner lovingly referred to as “art teacher chic.” (He’s not wrong. I mean, it’s not Ms. Frizzle cosplay or anything, just a notable departure from my usual style.) I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never gotten more compliments on a piece of clothing ever. Once, when I was literally mid-sentence about that very fact someone yelled “I love your sweater!” from a moving vehicle. The sweater in action. Maybe it’s getting older, maybe it’s the fact that winter is just a sea of blah, but I’ve never been more open to curating a wardrobe dotted with splashy hues. It’s not only fun, there’s also research that suggests color has the power to affect your mood, behavior and even stress levels. And in my own experiment of one, it’s proven to be a real conversation starter. (You know, with the folks who aren’t drive-by complimenting.) So instead of waiting for the flowers to bloom, why not add a dose of color to your everyday with one of these pieces of colorful clothing I’ve been eyeing for my collection? From the always comfy Rothy’s Driver in a soothing shade of pink to my favorite cashmere sweater that’s just $50 bucks, there are plenty of ways to add a pop to your everyday wardrobe. Even better? There’s a ton of great stuff to snag that’s currently on sale! Colorful Clothing I'm Crushing on Right Now Universal Thread 3/4 Sleeve Midi Shirtdress • $35 It may be hard to believe right now, but warmer days are coming. This bright staple is one you’ll reach for over and over for its comfort and versatility, whether you’re headed to the farmer’s market or throwing it on as a bathing suit cover up. And at less than $40 bucks? A steal! SHOP TARGET Madewell Emmett 2.0 Wide-Leg Pants • $64.99 Like a page out of Delia’s Catalog: The 2020s Edition, this improved version of Madewell’s popular Emmett style are a total slam dunk. The rise hits just right, the legs are wide without going overboard, and the specially-engineered waist keeps them from gapping. The icing on the cake? They’re comfy af. Was $98, now $64.99 SHOP MADEWELL Boden Velvet Flatform Trainer • $51.99 Can a sneaker be called “romantic”? If it’s made of rose-colored velvet, I say absolutely. And not only will these look adorable with everything from jeans to dresses, they’re also more than 50% off! Was $130, now $51.99 SHOP BODEN Free People Intercept Pullover • $78 Free People’s Intercept Pullover is one of those so-good-you-buy-it-twice pieces. The boxy silhouette and slouchy drape looks great over workout clothes but also works just as well with jeans. And since it’s always available in a revolving door of colors, you might even buy it more than twice. SHOP FREE PEOPLE Daily Practice by Anthropologie Long Sleeve Sweater Mini Dress • $79.95 You know the days when you just cannot? Sweater dresses to the rescue! Add in a blush pink hue, a bit of texture and a cut that’s equally comfy for lounging and you’ve got yourself a wardrobe staple. Was $128, now $79.95 SHOP ANTHROPOLOGIE Lilly Pulitzer Amata Ruffle Jumpsuit • $298 Lilly Pulitzer’s entire brand is built on colors that pop (it is born in Palm Beach, after all) and while I don’t always go for the patterns, I do love the designs. This statement-making jumpsuit is a total winner for any spring events you’re penciling in. SHOP LILLY PULITZER Old Navy Crew Neck Sweatshirt • $17.97 I loved this sweatshirt so much I purchased it in two neutrals but the ever-expanding colorful options are calling my name. The cut is just right and it washes impressively well for the fact it costs less than $20 bucks! Was $34.99, now $17.97 SHOP OLD NAVY The Kit Billie Pant • $115 Let’s make a world in which flowy, vacay-ready trousers are capsule wardrobe must-haves. The day-to-night versatility is basically unmatched and I’ve never worn a pair without feeling just a touch goddess-like. I’ve got this option from the less waste, more style brand The Kit on my list for the effortless silhouette and sustainable manufacturing. SHOP THE KIT Passenger Vista Recycled Knitted Cardigan • $84.95 They’ll hate to see you leave, but love to watch the sunset as you walk away in this cozy piece from Passenger. (And they’ll be even warmer and fuzzier knowing Passenger purchases have planted over 693,000 native trees all over the world.) SHOP PASSENGER Yanekop 1/2 Zip Sherpa Pullover • $38.99 Want to add just a pop? I was pleasantly surprised by this Amazon find which comes in a ton of fun color combos and passes for styles that cost three times as much. SHOP AMAZON Nooworks Coveralls • $192 I’ve been low key obsessed with the funky, eye-catching pieces from the women-owned, women-run Nooworks since the second I discovered them. Their limited-edition patterns are ridiculously fun and I can’t help but crush on the fact they make everything from start to finish in their LA studio. They’re definitely an investment but what’s better than investing in other women? SHOP NOOWORKS Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater • $50 I love this sweater so much that I have it in two colors I wear it multiple times per week. (You can read more about why I love it if you need convincing.) While it’s very tempting to go basic black when it comes to something as versatile as a cashmere sweater, this hot pink is hard to resist. SHOP QUINCE Seavees Royal Runner • $95 A retro-inspired sneaker that’s seriously comfortable right out of the box, Seavees Royal Runner comes several fun colorways that go with everything from 70s flares to cotton dresses. SHOP SEAVEES Karl Lagerfeld Paris Belted Wool Blend Patch Pocket Coat • $179.99 In a sea of black coats, be the bright spot. (It also makes it easier for your family to spot you in public, if that’s of interest. If not, I feel you, sister.) This timeless belted style instantly classes up anything you’ve thrown on underneath and will carry you right on through til spring. Was $325, now $179.99 SHOP NORDSTROM The Kit Issa Jumpsuit • $148 One more from The Kit because it’s been on my hit list for ages. The relaxed fit is complemented by a mid-century-esque print that easily dresses up or down. Like the rest of their collection, each piece is made to order so not a drop of water or ink is wasted on a garment that doesn’t already have a home. SHOP THE KIT Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece • $95 Listen, black isn’t the only color of swimwear out there. The gorgeous suits from Summersalt come in a bunch of eye-catching tones and while it’s hard to pick a favorite, this stunner of a one piece might be mine. The wrap front is seriously flattering! SHOP SUMMERSALT Boden Violet Ponte Shift Dress • $48.99 With its 60’s Mod vibe, this Boden style is practically begging you to hop on a Vespa and cruise. The adorable tie waist and gathered puff sleeve? Perfection. Was $98, now $48.99 SHOP BODEN Rothy's The Braid Driver • $199 Sustainable, machine-washable Rothy’s are my go-to for feeling stylish and put together while still rocking that much-appreciated at-home comfort. This particular style, with its classic silhouette, cushiony insole and grippy nubbed outsole, is the perfect shoe for dashing from the office to soccer practice and (if I’m lucky) right into date night. Are they pricey? Quite. Do they always look brand spankin’ new even when you wear them every single day? Sure do. SHOP ROTHY'S Farm Rio Mix Leopard Spot Cardigan • $215 My crazy sweater is OOS now but if you want a head-turner of your own, this is it. The colorful leopard print! The puff sleeves! Every single thing from the Brazilian Farm Rio is hit and while it’s pricey, they do have great sales to keep an eye out for. SHOP NORDSTROM Rainkiss Digi Spring Camo Rain Poncho • $89 Embrace the rainy days (but not the wetness) in a poncho that’s equal parts fashion and function. The meticulously designed Rainkiss ponchos are not only 100% waterproof, they’re also made from recycled polyester with an adjustable brimmed hood to keep you extra dry. Need a rainy day soundtrack? Just scan the QR code on the wrist for Spotify playlists that are more dreamy, less dreary. Take 25% off with code THEWORKS SHOP BANDO Rellery True Rainbow Checker Ring • $145 If a wild sweater is too much to embrace, add a pop to your fingers instead. This best-seller from Rellery is super fun and works solo or in a stack. 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