10 Ways to Wear Bold Colours in Winter Without Overdoing It

Winter can feel grey and dull, particularly when the sparkle and shine of the festive period have passed. Once the decorations have been removed, all that’s left are dreary skies and bad weather, so it’s up to you to bring some colour back to the world.

If there is ever a time to introduce brighter, bolder colours to your wardrobe, this is it. Not only will wearing some colour help to lift your mood and pull you out of the winter doldrums, but they’ll also appear more vibrant against the drab backdrop of bleak winter days.

So, how can you do it in a way that won’t leave you looking like Iris Apfel on acid? We believe it’s simply a case of choosing the right pieces and knowing when to exercise a bit of restraint. We can’t help you with the last part, but here are some key pieces you might want to consider to set you off on the right path.

Colour-Pop Beanie

Starting at the top, quite literally, one of the quickest, easiest and cheapest ways to add colour to any outfit is to cap it off with a colour-pop beanie. Think Bill Murray in The Life Aquatic or Marvin Gaye with his trademark red beanie.

Like those two examples, our weapon of choice in this department is also a ribbed fisherman beanie in bright red or bold orange. There are few colours it won’t work with and few outfits that will struggle to accommodate it. Don’t believe us? Just try it out for yourself.

Patterned Coat

SIRPLUS

Colour doesn’t have to be migraine-inducing to make an impact. Take a simple check pattern, for example. It might have some bold threads running through it, but they don’t steal the show. This is a good way to incorporate colour into your winter outfits without completely diving off the deep end.

There are many options out there, but one of the most classic is a traditional balmacaan coat in a nice Prince of Wales check. Colourful, yes, but not so much so that it will make you the butt of any jokes at the pub.

Block-Colour Knitted Sweater

Wax London

Thanks to its heavy texture, knitwear holds dye extremely well, which means colours look nice and rich. One time-honoured way to incorporate some colour is to wear a knitted crew neck as a mid-layer, opting for a bold block colour like royal blue or burnt orange.

This works particularly well when efforts are taken to ensure the rest of the outfit is muted and subtle. The idea is to let the boldest piece do the heavy lifting.

Statement Cardigan

Todd Snyder

Statement cardigans are great. Not only are they warm and comfortable, but they’re fun. Something about this particular breed of knit means the normal rules just don’t apply. Want to go fuzzy and furry? Why not. Weird abstract floral pattern? Why the hell not!

Granted, absurd mohair cardigans might not be to the taste of the more conservative dressers, but if you want to make a statement and have fun doing so, this is one of the best tools for the job.

NATO Watch Strap

Void Watches

At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, adding a bit of colour could mean something as small as changing your watch strap. A coloured NATO strap can completely alter the look and feel of a timepiece while also bringing some colour to the conversation.

Just make sure you choose the right watch for the job. Nice chunky diver or field watch? Sure! Dainty little Cartier dress watch? Not so much.

Socks With Character

Todd Snyder

Like a beanie, a pair of socks is a seemingly small item that can make a big impact when the colour is dialled up. To fend off the cold, go for a nice thick textured knit and pick whatever colour speaks to you.

Japanese sock brands like Anonymous Ism and RoToTo have some fantastic options.

Bold Big Coat

Finisterre

A Classic check overcoat is one of several outerwear directions you could choose when shopping for a colourful coat. Another popular option is a big puffer or parka in a bold block colour.

Think Robert De Niro in The Deer Hunter and use that as a sartorial springboard. Or just straight-up copy it. Because, let’s be honest, it doesn’t get much better than a bright orange classic mountain parka.

White Legwear

Brunello Cucinelli

This might seem like an odd suggestion, but hear us out. We know white isn’t exactly a bold colour, but this isn’t about how the pants look; it’s about how they complement other colours in your outfit.

The crisp whiteness of the legwear makes a great foundation for some bold outerwear like the aforementioned orange parka or a statement knit. It gives you a blank canvas that makes bright colours look even bolder.

Tinted Shades

Johann Wolff

Here’s one you might not have thought of. It’s worth remembering that lenses don’t have to be black. There are all sorts of colourful tints out there that can add another element to your winter outfits. Think orange, pink or blue.

It’s subtle, but just bold enough to add an interesting element that’ll make things stand out.

Statement Scarf

Velasca

Again, sometimes, it’s the simplest accessories that can make the biggest impact. A scarf can be worn across your entire wardrobe, and going for a bold block colour is a great way to ensure you always have something on hand that can jazz up even the simplest outfits.

For bonus points, choose one in cashmere.