As much as I love clothing, it’s historically been hard for me to step outside of the black/gray/camel neutral zone. It’s safe and easy and at this point, everything works together. But this past fall, I stepped outside my comfort zone and impulse purchased a super colorful duster cardigan that my partner lovingly referred to as “art teacher chic.” (He’s not wrong. I mean, it’s not Ms. Frizzle cosplay or anything, just a notable departure from my usual style.) I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never gotten more compliments on a piece of clothing ever. Once, when I was literally mid-sentence about that very fact someone yelled “I love your sweater!” from a moving vehicle.

woman standing outside
The sweater in action.

Maybe it’s the pandemic, maybe it’s the fact that winter is just a sea of blah, but I’ve never been more open to curating a wardrobe dotted with splashy hues. It’s not only fun, there’s also research that suggests color has the power to affect your mood, behavior and even stress levels. And in my own experiment of one, it’s proven to be a real conversation starter. (You know, with the folks who aren’t drive-by complimenting.)

So instead of waiting for the flowers to bloom, why not add a dose of color to your everyday with one of these pieces of colorful clothing I’ve been eyeing for my collection? From the always comfy Rothy’s Driver in a soothing shade of raspberry to my favorite cashmere sweater that’s just $50 bucks, there are plenty of ways to add a pop to your everyday wardrobe.

Colorful Clothing I'm Crushing on Right Now

farm rio juliana stripes puffer jacket

Farm Rio

$206.50

Juliana Stripes Puffer Jacket

I’ve been crushing on this piece since I spied it on January Jones’ Instagram (it’s never hard to spot Farm Rio in the wild) and have added it to cart like six times since Black Friday. I really have no good excuses for buying another winter coat, but I love the dueling textures and jewel-toned color palette which is such a refreshing break from the sea of black winter coats out there. And that neck coverage? * Chef’s kiss *

madewell resourced cotton cloudberry sweatshirt

Madewell

$59.50

(Re)sourced Cotton Cloudberry Sweatshirt

Who says you need to change out of sweats? The cute three-quarter bubble sleeve gives this otherwise casual sweatshirt an elevated look that can take you anywhere. And that mauve-y rose hue?😍 It’s the perfect color to break out of the grey doldrums without feeling too conspicuous.

toms alpargata mallow fluff

Toms

$64.95

Alpargata Mallow Fluff

Classic Toms but make them cozy! I’ve fully embraced the fuzzy shoe trend and the only problem is that now it’s all I want to wear. They’re like slippers you can leave the house in without feeling like you’ve given up.

everlane the way high jean

Everlane

$88

The Way High Jean

Everlane is my go-to for basics and their Way High Jean is one of my all-time faves, so I’m very intrigued by this latest launch of colored options. I mean, the 90s are back. It was only a matter of time before colored denim made its way back into my closet.

A New Day Extended Shoulder A-Line Dress

A New Day

$15

Extended Shoulder A-Line Dress

It may be hard to believe right now, but warmer days are coming. This bright staple is one you’ll reach for over and over for its comfort and versatility and at a total steal no less!

lilly pulitzer lyra ruffle one shoulder jumpsuit

Lilly Pulitzer

$198

Lyra Ruffle One-Shoulder Jumpsuit

Lilly Pulitzer’s entire brand is built on colors that pop (it is born in Palm Beach, after all) and while I don’t always go for the patterns, I do love the designs. This statement-making jumpsuit is a total winner for any spring events you’re penciling in.

a new day sweatshirt

A New Day

$18

Sweatshirt

I loved this sweatshirt so much I purchased it in two neutrals but the ever-expanding colorful options are calling my name. The cut is just right and it washes impressively well for the fact it costs less than $20 bucks!

the kit tracee pant

The Kit

$108

Tracee Pant

Let’s make a world in which pink trousers are capsule wardrobe must-haves. My podcast crush Nora McInerey is obviously on board with this idea, making the case for pink from head to toe. I’ve got this option from the less waste, more style brand The Kit on my list for the timeless trouser cut and sustainable manufacturing.

seychelles breath of fresh air puffy sandals.

Seychelles

$69

Breath of Fresh Air Puffy Sandals

Puffy sandals are sure to be everywhere this spring/summer. Have a little fun with the trend by choosing a pair in a fun color that pops. I love this relatively affordable leather style from Seychelles, a brand that’s always comfy and stylish.

universal thread knit tee shirt dress

Universal Thread

$20

Sleeveless Knit T-Shirt Dress

From poolside afternoons to banging out a WFH day, this dress was on regular rotation for me last summer. It’s comfortable and versatile and can even tie at the side for a more refined look.

nooworks coveralls

Nooworks

$192

Coveralls Dorcas Code

I’ve been low key obsessed with the funky, eye-catching pieces from the women-owned, women-run Nooworks since the second I discovered them. Their limited-edition patterns are ridiculously fun and I can’t help but crush on the fact they make everything from start to finish in their LA studio.  They’re definitely an investment but what’s better than investing in other women?

air max 90

Nike

$130

Air Max 90

A true icon, you can’t beat the classic Nike Air Max. The comfortable, proven silhouette has been kicking around for ages in countless colorways, but this rainbow of colors, patterns and textures may be one of my favorites ever.

outdoor voices megafleece 1:2 zip hoodie

Outdoor Voices

$138

Mega Fleece 1/2 Zip Hoodie

More outer layer than hoodie, this well made piece from Outdoor Voices is the perfect layer for chilly drop offs or weekend adventures. It’s made from a unique blend of reclaimed wool, nylon and polyester that keeps you warm without overheating and is unlike anything I’ve ever owned. The attention to detail is really fantastic all around, but my favorite features are the lined hood and zip pocket hidden inside the kangaroo pouch to securely stash essentials.

quince mongolian cashmere crewneck sweater

Quince

$50

Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater

I love this sweater so much that I have it in two colors I wear it multiple times per week. (You can read more about why I love it if you need convincing.) While it’s very tempting to go basic black when it comes to something as versatile as a cashmere sweater, this hot pink is hard to resist.

the kit issa jumpsuit

The Kit

$148

Issa Jumpsuit

One more from The Kit because it’s been on my hit list for ages. The relaxed fit is complemented by a mid-century-esque print that easily dresses up or down. Like the rest of their collection, each piece is made to order so not a drop of water or ink is wasted on a garment that doesn’t already have a home.

the big shirt dress

Gap

$63

The Big Shirt Dress

Few dress styles are more versatile and flattering than the shirt dress. Take a more playful approach to the timeless silhouette with springy abstract florals in punchy hues.

summersalt the perfect wrap one piece bathing suit

Summersalt

$95

The Perfect Wrap One-Piece

Listen, black isn’t the only color of swimwear out there. The gorgeous suits from Summersalt come in a bunch of eye-catching tones and while it’s hard to pick a favorite, this stunner of a one piece might be mine. The wrap front is seriously flattering!

boden cuff strap tie pants

Boden

$110

Cuff Strap Tie Pants

If you’re ready to ditch the lounge joggers but still love the look, these chino-meets-joggers from Boden are the answer. The semi-fitted shape features a utility-inspired strap and button at the ankle which gives you the option of a tapered look and a tie at the waist keeps things casual instead of stuffy.

rothys the driver

Rothy's

$185

The Driver

After a year plus of no real occasion to wear heels, sustainable, machine-washable Rothy’s have become my go-to for feeling stylish and put together while still rocking that at-home comfort. This particular style, with its classic silhouette, cushiony insole and grippy nubbed outsole, is the perfect shoe for dashing from the office to soccer practice and (if I’m lucky) right into date night. Are they pricey? Quite. Do they always look brand spankin’ new even when you wear them every single day? Sure do.

farm rio crazy mix v-neck cardigan

Farm Rio

$146

Crazy Mix V Neck Cardigan

My crazy sweater is OOS now but if you want a head-turner of your own, this is it. The strawberries! The puff sleeves! Every single thing from Farm Rio is hit and while it’s pricey, they do have great sales to keep an eye out for.

rellery true rainbow checker ring

Rellery

$145

True Rainbow Checker Ring

If a wild sweater is too much to embrace, add a pop to your fingers instead. This best-seller from Rellery is super fun and proceeds from the style are donated to The Trevor Project which supports young LGBTQ people.

Bando weekender stripe bag

Ban.do

$36.99

Rainbow Stripe Getaway Weekender Bag

With beach days and weekend getaways on the horizon, a sunny bag refresh is in order. This bigger-than-you-might expect tote can fit everything you need and comes with a detachable mesh pouch inside that you can fold the entire bag into for easy storage.