Rugging up doesn’t have to mean reaching for achromatic hues of black, grey and white. In fact, the gloomy weather is actually more of a reason to dress in some of the more radiant, eye-catching tones.
For Melbourne-based stylist Jade Leung, there are no mistakes to be made when it comes to adding colourful pieces to your cold-weather repertoire. There’s no such thing as “too much”, and the stylist suggests you should “just go for it”.
With that in mind, here are Leung’s tips for injecting some much-needed colour into your rotation of winter outfits.
Full-on prints
Don’t leave all your prints behind in summer – they are one way to make a statement in the cooler months too. Leung suggests going all-in with a “head-to-toe situation,” pairing the Uniqlo and Marni Heattech Turtleneck with the matching leggings for a “bold but comfy” outfit.
There are ways to tone down the look as well, if you’d like. “Just put a blazer on top, or a block colour coat – that would be one of my looks for winter,” says Leung. It’s also an easy ensemble to take from day to night by adding a heel and swapping in an evening bag.
If you’re new to adding patterns into your wardrobe, you can start small. “Instead of wearing your white T-shirt or jumper, go for a more printed [or colourful] option,” she says. “Which is easily incorporated into your otherwise more tonal black looks.”
Block colours
In Leung’s eyes, there aren’t any parameters on colour. “There are old rules like pink and red can’t go together, or navy and black, or silver and gold, but it should just be fun,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to try clashing prints or colours, or layer different colours on top of each other.”
Leung also has advice for those of us lacking colour confidence. “If you want to ease yourself into it, a good way to start is with a pant,” she says. “There’s this beautiful corduroy wide leg pant in the Uniqlo and Marni collection, which they do in a bright red and bright green. That’s your pop of colour, and you can pair it with a neutral top, jacket or sweater.”
Layering up
“Layering is key,” says Leung. “[It’s] a great way to make sure you have enough on, or if it gets hot you can peel off the layers.”
Leung recommends starting with a thin base layer with a pop of colour, like the Marni Heattech Turtleneck T-shirt. “I would start there and then add a jumper, and maybe a scarf,” she says.
On top of that, she recommends adding an oversized boxy vest, to bring an exaggerated silhouette and edge to the look, while keeping you toasty warm.
Accessorising
Colourful accessories like beanies, gloves, scarves and even socks are a nice way to dip your toe into the rainbow, and out of your safe monochromatic palette (as well as keeping you warm).
“A [colourful] scarf is a really amazing addition to any wardrobe,” says Leung. “It’s a nice easy way to add a little lusciousness to your outfit, whether it’s on your head, on your bag, or tied around your neck.” Accessories are also a brazen way of going full-tilt on a matchy-matchy or tonal outfit, leaving no element of your outfit without a point of interest.
Timeless key items
If you’re conscious of creating a capsule wardrobe, and worry a colourful item might not last you past one season, there are definitely ways to ensure you’ll reach for a piece time and time again.
First, Leung says pick items in a colour you already gravitate towards. “I think everyone has a colour they prefer, whether it’s something that complements their complexion or just a colour they favour,” she says. “It seems really simple, or obvious, but sometimes people overthink it. If you don’t like the colour, you’re not going to wear it.”
Lastly, choose timeless cuts and styles. Leung always reaches for jumpers, sweaters, rollnecks and turtlenecks in winter for that reason. “In terms of timelessness, I don’t think they’re ever going to go out of style, or comfort,” she says.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Uniqlo. The Uniqlo and Marni collaboration launches in stores and online on Thursday May 18.
