It's true. Life is better in color. And plenty of fashion folks—designers, creatives, and tastemakers included—agree. There's usually a shade or two that dominates the runways each fashion cycle, but this year, it's about embracing all the colors.
Last year, Simon Jacquemus debuted his fall/winter 2021 collection of layered separates and saturated colors—with bold pieces in hot pink among them. In another display of color at fashion week, Bottega Veneta's spring/summer 2022 show emphasized pigmented shades of chartreuse and Granny Smith green. Both are just a sampling of how brands eagerly welcomed color this spring. The bottom line? Soft pastels are out, and high-impact shades are in.
If you're one to stay on the neutral end of the spectrum, reaching for color this conspicuous may feel a little intimidating, but trust us. It's easier than it seems. Start by incorporating a colorful top underneath a neutral layer, or throw in a vibrant accessory to add visual interest. Either way, it'll be difficult to resist the temptation of going full-scale Crayola once you've dipped your toe into the pool. The list of bold pieces below will certainly help you get the ball rolling. Keep scrolling to shop the saturated spring staples everyone will be wearing this year.
H&M
Oversized Cotton Shirt
While doing research for this story, we spotted five different orange oversize poplin shirts—this one was the cheapest.
Simon Miller
Stretch Maxi Pluto Skirt
Double layering is a great way to extract dimensional color within one piece. This skirt basically does the styling for you.
H&M
Wide-Leg Twill Pants
Under $20? Yeah, you better add these to your cart sooner than later.
Mango
Bow Collar Sweater
In addition to the cool shade of Bottega green, the neckline on this top is really interesting.
River Island
Faux Leather Long Sleeve Blazer Dress
A dress for your club-hopping enjoyment.
Zara
Heeled Sandals
Style these with baggy jeans and a cropped top for an on-trend look.
COS
Fitted Tank Top
White tanks are classic, but maybe it's time to switch things up and try something new.
& Other Stories
A-Line Midi Skirt
French girls love a satin midi skirt—the styling possibilities are limitless.
H&M
Leopard-Print Swimsuit
Put down the black bikini and opt for some color this summer.
Zara
Tailored Blazer With Buttons
This whole look screams "rich."
Mango
Ribbed Knit Cardigan
Some people actively avoid wearing yellow out of fear, but this softer shade is a little more approachable.
H&M
Zip-Front Dress
From H&M's recent Studio collection, this dress can double as a coat, which makes it a smart buy in our book.
Mango
Seams Miniskirt
This skirt gives big Prada energy, and for only $60, that's practically a steal.
Reformation
Bailey Cargo Pants
Obsessed is the only word we can use to describe these pants.
Ganni
Ribbed Midi Dress
If you're slowly adding more color to your wardrobe, try a practical knit dress like this one. You can wear it underneath a black long-length coat. That way, it's less overwhelming.
Mango
Oversized Denim Jacket
Colorful denim was a major trend last year, and clearly, its reign continues. Buy the matching pants and add a pair of vibrant strappy heels for a powerful look.
& Other Stories
Cropped Knit Top
This would look great with gray high-waisted trousers or jeans if you favor a casual vibe.
Mango
Wideleg Pants With Elastic Waist
Juicy tangerine is such a high-impact color.
COS
Wide Leg Tailored Trousers
Pink pants you can get away with wearing to the office.
Zara
Flowy Blouse With Tie
Chartreuse is a dominating shade this season—here's your chance to get in on it.
Topshop
Bold Shoulder Double Breasted Blazer
Kudos to this use of color-blocking.
Topshop
Occasion Colorblock Cutout Long Sleeve Dress
Summer weddings don't stand a chance.
Dries Van Noten
Chiffon Blouse
Dries Van Noten is a master of color. This sheer top is a great layering piece to add a subtle wash of color to a simple outfit.
Zara
Leather Heels
More turquoise, please.
Jacquemus
Pina Stretch Maxi Skirt
In our dreams, this is the perfect vacation outfit.
Tyler McGillivary
Holly Dress
Not only is the color jaw-droppingly beautiful, but the silhouette is also a standout.
The Attico
Mini Marfa Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
The easiest way to embrace more color.
Loulou Studio
Sula Satin Maxi Dress
Purple looks especially good when styled against other bold shades.
The Attico
Diana Poplin Shirt
Fact: Fashion people love The Attico more than any other brand right now.
Indya Brown is a fashion editor, stylist, and writer living in Los Angeles. After graduating in 2016, she joined The Cut as a fashion assistant, eventually working her way up to fashion editor. While New York has been her home for over 10 years, she moved to Los Angeles in the midst of the pandemic in 2020 for a new chapter where she started working at Who What Wear, focusing on emerging designers, rising trends on and off the internet, interior design, and BIPOC creatives and brands. Aside from her work at Who What Wear, Brown is also a freelance stylist and writer, working on national print and video commercial campaigns for Sephora, The Independent, and Cadillac. Her bylines also include Harper's Bazaar, Vox, and The New York Times.