It is the end of January, which means in most parts of the country it has been cloudy and cold .When the weather is dreary people tend to dress that way only in grays and blacks. However, just because it is dreary outside doesn’t mean that your clothing has to be. Many studies have shown that bright colors help to brighten moods and give energy. With that being said why not liven up your wardrobe and add some cheer to your day! I will show ways to tweak your winter wardrobe and make it a little brighter.

 

Day

Although we are adding color to our drab winter wardrobe we still have to be mindful of the cold, icy and snowy conditions in Minnesota and other parts of the country. When running errands, even fashionistas wear somewhat practical shoes.There are stylish alternatives to the usual chunky black boot. A way to incorporate a rugged sole with style into your winter wardrobe is a heeled hiking boot or a rugged sole bootie. Both options are more glamorous than your everyday winter boot,however they give you the rugged sole to make you less susceptible to slips and falls than a regular dress boot.  Pair with a bright cardigan, striped tee, boyfriend cut chinos, and chunky socks that match your boots!

Women’s Perfect Cardigan $24.94 Old Navy.com

Rugby stripe clean-stitch T $22.95 Gap.com

1969 sexy boyfriend denim chinos $69.95 Gap.com

Graanie $99.98 Steve Madden.com

Small Stripes Ankle Sock by Falke $16.99 Piperlime.com

Night

When hitting the town on a winter night the weather goes from cold to frigid! Heat up your evening in  a bright tangerine dress(color of the year) paired with a striped nautical inspired blazer. No matter the conditions outside when dressing up I always put my best foot forward in a pair of chic pumps. Make sure your purse and pumps are neutral in color because the orange adds enough color to your outfit.

Calvin Klein Cross Back Maxi Dress $78.00 Nordstrom.com

Splendid ‘Palm Desert’ Stripe Blazer $198.00 Nordstrom.com

Flicker $80.00 Aldo.com

Celuch $35.00 Aldo.com

 

 

If you are having a Casual Night out you can opt to wear a leather jacket(real or faux) with a bright dressy top and straight leg jeans( if you have a curvy figure) or skinny jeans if you have a boyish/skinny frame. Finish your look with a pump and large clutch.

Alternate Top: You can also do a bright blazer(Spring Trend) and muted color top and jeans!

Note: If you go with a faux jacket make sure it is high quality so that it doesn’t have that plastic sheen.

Lucky Brand ‘Kira’ Leather Jacket $399.00 Nordstrom.com

Becky Silk Jacket by Rebecca Minkoff $348.00 Piperlime.com

Women’s Charmeuse 3/4-Tab Sleeve Tops $29.94 Old Navy.com

Top in Raspberry Punch or Black Jack

VS Siren Legging Jean $59.50 Victoria’s Secret.com

1969 Real Straight Jeans $69.95 Gap.com

Muze Oversized Stripe Clutch $148.00 Nordstrom.com

Dimensions: 15 3/4"W x 11 3/4"H x 3/4"D.

 

Accessories

You don’t have to wear color on your clothes to brighten your wardrobe. You can also add splashes of color with accessories such as: purses,scarves,bracelets, and shoes. For example I have pair of rain boots with a bold design that I pair with a neutral colored tunic and black leggings.

 

Beautey $129.95 Steve Madden.com

Dooney & Bourke ‘Florentine’ Vachetta Leather Satchel $378.00 Nordstrom.com

Tates $12.98 Aldo.com

In conclusion bringing color into your winter wardrobe doesn’t mean dress like a clown, it means carefully adding splashes of color to a neutral backdrop.

Hang in there we only have a couple months left of winter!

 

By Latrenda of Ruby Madison LLC

Copyright 2012. All information is the creative property of Ruby Madison LLC, it is not to be used or duplicated without permission from the owner.