Color Your Winter!

Written by Isabel Alvarez

Summer is full of hot, risky trends and bright attention-grabbing colors. As soon as temperatures start to hit low 70s, winter pushes its way into the picture, and our wardrobe starts to get a bit drab. We get lazy and boring with the predictable black, brown, and gray palette. We put away the fun summer dresses, the strappy sandals, and “fall” into a winter wardrobe—blah.

But I must confess, I am guilty of falling into a cycle of the predictable black outfit, too. Earlier this month, and without even thinking about it, I found myself digging through my closet looking for a black shirt, dress, jeans, or shoes. Even people started to notice my wardrobe pattern (they're co-workers so I won't mention any names, and maybe my sister, my mom, some friends, and...well you get the point). Instead of responding with color, it seemed like the more my ongoing black wearing phase was brought to my attention, the more I would walk out of my house in black. It's just so easy and effortless to pull an outfit together when you have a black garment to work with. But I figure, if I must do the black, I should at least make it fun by jazzing up the winter wardrobe blues with some fun colors. Remember: accessories can be your best friend when it comes to making an outfit pop!

Don't shy away from the bright-colored shoes even if you're donning black. A shoe can really pull an outfit together if you're wearing a LBD (little black dress). Instead of slipping into those black pumps, go for the red, purple, or hot pink heels (or even flats) to sizzle up your outfit and make it stand out! You'd be surprised how many compliments you'll have coming your way.

Fashion tip: Next to chocolate, accessories are a girl's best friend! When I say accessories, I don't just mean earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. I'm talking about the whole box of chocolates. Hats, scarves, gloves, head bands, handbags, sun glasses, and belts. A scarf with texture or color can really highlight any boring or simple winter outfit. A stylish, chunky belt can transform that plain dress in your closet and give it a sleek updated look. Don't be afraid to go bold and big when you're accessorizing a solid-colored shirt or dress.

And although you may not get followed to your grandma's house by a wolf this holiday season, you will definitely get some attention wearing a classy red coat like Miss Red Riding Hood. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you have to be walking around wearing a black, gray, or white coat. Consider turning some heads with a bold green jacket or find a coat in your favorite summer color to warm up those cool days.

Dressing up for winter shouldn't have to be a drag—and it definitely shouldn't be monochromatic (no one color outfits, people). When the weather outside is frightful, liven up your mood and make getting dressed fun with daring colors. Because like the often outrageous Paris Hilton said, “The only rule is don't be boring and dress cute wherever you go. Life is too short to blend in.

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