6 Winter Colors to Wear All Season—That Aren't Black

It can be tough to dress fashionably in the winter. When it's cold (or otherwise gross), it's tempting to throw over a blah warm coat and head out for the day. But in the past few seasons, designers have leaned in on daring and creative winter wear, particularly when it comes to color. "What I love about winter fashion lately is how we're breaking away from tradition. Now you'll see these gorgeous jewel tones and delicate icy pastels mixed in with the classics. It's opened up so many possibilities to add personality and unexpected flair to classic styling," explains Emma Cohen, representative for Sarah Flint.

But if that sounds intimidating, you're not alone. There's a good reason why so many people default to black when it's cold. It can be a tricky balance to play with trend colors while incorporating new classics like brown and navy into your existing wardrobe. You'll be surprised, though, how much fun winter dressing can be. "Start small—maybe a metallic clutch or a soft scarf. These little touches can brighten up your look without pushing you too far out of your comfort zone," explains Patricia Nash, CEO and founder of Patricia Nash Designs.

There are so many opportunities to play with color in winter. If you'd like to learn how, read on.

The Winter Color Palette

The winter color palette—at least historically—is richer and deeper than in warmer seasons. "It has traditionally celebrated deep, rich tones like burgundy, forest green, navy, and charcoal: there's just something about their warmth and sophistication that makes them perfect for the season," explains Cohen, adding, "I've also always loved incorporating timeless neutrals too, like buttery creams and camels."

But even the classic color palette has evolved. While black is a traditional winter color, other dark colors have become more popular as stand-ins. "Brown and navy have always been top color choices for winter months," explains fashion expert and stylist Naina Singla. "We're also now seeing maroon, olive green, and chocolate brown."

In terms of holiday dressing, the color palette is brighter and shinier—the place for some of those holiday-ready colors, in other words. "Traditionally, jewel-tone colors are more prominent during this time of year: emerald green, eggplant, cherry red. We are in the holiday season so, of course, metallic colors," explains Alicia Skehan, VP of design at Baggallini. This carries through into the jewelry winter palette: "Think luminous metals, frosty whites, and bold jewel tones like ruby reds, icy blues, and rich emerald greens," explains Ally Mataj, co-founder of Bonheur. "They're timeless for a reason: they complement cozy winter layers like cashmere and wool while adding just the right amount of sparkle."

How to Wear Classic Winter Colors

Going with a classic color palette is a good start for the base of your winter outfit. Going tonal (i.e., your top and bottom the same color) in navy, black, brown, or gray is an easy foundation. These colors are versatile; they "can anchor and provide structure for a really great outfit and be a great starting point when you're building a look," explains Singla, adding, "I also think darker colors are more professional and look a bit more polished in the workplace."

This isn't to say that the classic winter palette doesn't have lightness and color; camel, red, and even cream are all classic cold-weather colors. These can work for your base layers, but they also make for good outer layers and accessories. You can also branch out on the color wheel and choose a similar hue that speaks to you. "It’s fun to watch colors evolve and modernize year over year," says Jeanne Allen, design director for Hammitt. "For instance, think about bringing a red from more purple-toned to brightly fired or deep brown hues." And you can always play with material and texture as a way to enliven a classic color. As Allen explains, "We’re giving classics like brown a woven treatment, so they’re effortlessly wearable but let texture speak."

Experts differ about whether gold or silver jewelry is more appropriate for a winter palette. Ultimately, it's about what color you like and feels good, but cool tones can look particularly striking. "Classic winter colors like deep jewel tones—emerald, ruby, and sapphire—cool metallics, like silver, and frosty whites...work beautifully as a base because they’re versatile and pair with winter’s muted clothing tones," says Albina Mataj, co-founder of Bonheur.

Winter Color Trends

Winter has become a surprising playground for color trends, including vivid pops of brightness, surprise color-mixing, and layering galore. Singla notes a few colors in particular, including olive green, chocolate brown, gray, and burgundy. And breaking away from fashion's "No white after Labor Day" rule, the stylist says stark white is an ideal tone for minimalist wintertime looks: "We are seeing head-to-toe white looks including white boots and heels and handbags," Singla says. "And not surprising since quiet luxury is still going strong."

Aside from these major trends, Singla notes: "Light blue, mint green, soft buttery yellow, and powder pink are all trending. Pastels tend to have a calming and warm effect, which can be nice during the colder months."

In terms of jewelry, unexpected hues and finishes have become more popular. "Think warm golds paired with deep emeralds and even pops of fiery red garnet," says Ally. Adds Albina, "Fashion-forward millennials and Gen Z aren't afraid to break 'seasonal' rules. They're embracing warm, bold statement pieces to break free from the sea of winter neutrals...jewelry that feels both luxe and comfortable, perfect for cozy soirées and après-ski glam alike."

How to Optimize the Winter Palette

When you're bringing together classic and trendy winter color palettes, it's all about balance. Rely on classic colors as the foundation of your wardrobe, but use trend colors to feel modern and exciting. "Light blue looks amazing with modern neutrals like camel, chocolate brown, and a deep grey. Powder pink looks really nice with bold hues like red, chocolate brown, and olive green," explains Singla. The same goes for jewelry. "Mix metals to create depth—pair warm golds with cool silvers for a chic winter effect," says Ally. "Jewel tones shine against soft neutrals like beige, gray, or cream. Pair a rich green gemstone necklace with a cozy cream sweater for an effortlessly polished look."

Even when you're playing with trendy colors, consider multifunctionality and versatility. "When it comes to buying something in a trendy color, it’s all about choosing pieces that can stand the test of time. Opt for colors that can transition across seasons or buy pieces that feel classic, like a ruby red bag that works just as well for the holidays as it does for everyday wear," says Nash. Adds Cohen, "I think colors can always last beyond a 'trendy season.' Being creative with styling and knowing when to add and when to hold back means you can give new life to any shade."

When in doubt, "You can always start with accessories. Since layering is key during winter, a scarf or belt can be the perfect entry accent piece. From there, you can always experiment and play more," says Cohen. As you go on, "slowly incorporate other colors you feel comfortable with into your look," says Singla. "This might just be layering in some other neutrals to start off like white, light grey, and camel to black or brown." Then, you can get more daring as you go on: "Remember: the sharper the contrast, the sharper the statement."

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