You asked, and I listened. Fashion was one of the top topics you wanted more of in the reader survey, and I’m excited to deliver. I’ll be honest: dressing for winter has never been my favorite. I love color and pattern, but winter offerings often skew neutral and dark. To bring back brightness into my cold-weather closet, I teamed up with wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger Jen Pinkston to find colorful, wearable pieces that pair well with items I already own. The result: four playful outfits plus a selection of cheerful coats to lift your winter style.
Below you’ll find the outfits Jen put together. Each one mixes color and pattern in an approachable way, so you can adapt the looks to your own wardrobe and climate.
I rarely wear orange, but this sweater and the pattern-on-pattern styling won me over.
This look layers a bright knit over a patterned blouse and pairs it with tailored trousers for a bold but polished outfit. The pop of orange transforms basic pieces into something playful and modern.
I told Jen I wasn’t afraid of mixing prints — and clearly we were on the same page.
This outfit pairs a colorful printed shirt with patterned trousers and a structured blazer. The key to mixing prints successfully is to keep one color running through both pieces and balance the scale of the patterns — larger motifs with smaller ones — for a cohesive look.
The coat below was the crowd favorite. It features a whimsical bird-like print that instantly elevates a simple outfit.
A colorful coat is an easy way to make an everyday outfit feel special. Wear it over jeans and a simple sweater to let the coat be the focal point.
This beachy sweater is ideal for mild winters — and yes, it even has sequins for an extra touch of fun.
Lightweight knits with metallic or sequin details are a great way to add texture and sparkle without bulk. Pair them with cropped pants and low-profile shoes for a relaxed, polished vibe.
I told Jen that finding a cute, colorful coat is one of the hardest items for me. She came prepared with several statement options to try.
A row of colorful coats — from soft pastels to bright hues — shows how outerwear can be the easiest way to introduce color into a neutral wardrobe. Choose a shade that complements your existing pieces so you can wear the coat with multiple outfits.
Photos by Mary Costa / Styling by Jen Pinkston
I’m thrilled with the new colorful pieces, even if Los Angeles has decided it’s almost summer again. They were perfect for a recent trip to New York, and I can’t wait to layer them when winter returns. Big thanks to Jen for styling a fun, wearable set of outfits that brought color back into my winter rotation.