I'd Give Up Neutrals in a Heartbeat for These Vibrant Winter Outfits
If you actually count, there are probably more hours of nighttime than there are hours of sunlight at this point. Couple that with the dreary winter, and there are plenty of reasons why it'd feel natural to cover yourself in a sea of soothing neutrals. But even though the weather is lacking, that doesn't mean it's a wrap for color. Actually, I'd argue there's no better time than now to embrace the vibrant side of the spectrum—consider it the sartorial equivalent of a SAD lamp.
Conveniently, strong, saturated color is having a bit of a moment, so it's easier than ever to try your hand at full-scale chromatic dressing. Over the past season, Zara released a collection full of bright, colorful pieces, including a midi dress in a shade of juicy tangerine and a Bottega Veneta–green tailored suit. More brands have joined in on the fun, too, so if you're ready to give neutrals a rest, keep scrolling for nine brilliant outfits to get you there.
Set off a matching set with a plush winter accessory like this hot-pink scarf.
Shop the look:
It may evoke connotations of Sprite, but yellow and green are a tried-and-true color combination. To avoid looking garish, choose more muted tones.
Shop the look:
Who knew magenta-colored corduroy pants would have such an impact, but that's precisely what's happening with Ganni's latest winter staple among the fashion set.
Shop the look:
A more beginner-friendly way to adopt strong colors is to try a winter topper. You can always layer it over a low-key, neutral outfit, like a pair of jeans and a basic knit sweater.
Shop the look:
Matching sets always come in clutch when you don't want to expend brain energy figuring out what goes well with what. I'm particularly tempted by this cool shade of pink.
Shop the look:
If you can't eat your greens, you can always wear them.
Shop the look:
Yellow and red are an unconventional pairing, but they work so well here because of the varying textures and the type of tones chosen. The leather and velvet play so nicely off of each other.
Shop the look:
A good rule of thumb when styling color: stick with one color family throughout the entire outfit.
Shop the look:
It's pretty much a fact that colored leather is a surefire hit.
Shop the look:
Up next: 17 Casual Winter Outfits That Are Elite in Every Way
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.
-
Emma Chamberlain Says Big Pants Are Out and Tight, Tailored Pants Are In—See What Else She's Parting Ways With on eBayIncluding a vintage Versace suit she bought in Italy and her iconic 2022 Coachella outfit.
-
I Have a Thing for Sneakers That Are About to Sell Out—15 Styles on My RosterGet 'em before they're gone.
-
The Ashley Olsen Way to Make Simple Black Coats Look Chic, Not BoringIt's so easy, yet so impactful.
-
If You're Going to Wear This Controversial Legging Color Trend, This Is the Sneaker Color to Wear With ItIf you only wear black leggings, these may stun you.
-
Want to Wear Dark-Wash Jeans the 2025 Way? Style Them Exclusively With This Rich Color TrendThe chicest shade pairing for fall.
-
Looking Stylish This Fall Means Wearing Your Pretty Dresses With This Unexpected ItemHere's how to master the look.
-
Anyone Can Wear a Cardigan, But Only Fashion People Wear Them Like *This*Take note.
-
Sorry, Navy, Black, and Brown—This Coat Color Trend Looks Way Richer Than All of You (Combined)Meet the winter hero item that instantly makes outfits look expensive.
-
"Looks Like Money" Is My Fall Aesthetic—7 Elegant Colors I'm Wearing NonstopThe easiest way to add a luxe touch to your outfit.
-
5 2026 Color Trends I'm Already Stealing From Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta DebutButter yellow! Navy! Pops of green!