Out of all of the seasonal color palettes, winter might just be the one full of the most naturally luxurious. After all, we call them jewel tones for a reason! Deep, rich hues are the perfect contrast to winter’s white snow, but even if you don’t live in a climate that turns into a winter wonderland come December, the naturally moody setting of wintertime is the perfect opportunity to play around with its seasonal color palette. These are the 8 winter colors for clothes that make a statement without saying a word!
1. Burgundy
heels | pants | bag | coat | sweater | earrings | belt
First up on our list: burgundy. Burgundy might just be one of the most expensive-looking colors that you can have in your winter wardrobe. It’s a grounded shade that still has a lot of rich character, and calls to mind a fine wine or dark berries. If you love incorporating a bright red into your looks, burgundy is a natural next step for a slightly quieter, more refined aesthetic.
With burgundy acting as your pop of color in a winter outfit, try styling it with other neutral shades if you’re going for that timeless, “old money” look. Gray, black, ivory, etc., all pair well with burgundy! And if you want to go bold with an even bolder shade to up the contrast level, try bright blue or light pink for two more unexpected pairings.
2. Chocolate Brown
heels | skirt | turtleneck | bag | earrings
Similar to burgundy, chocolate brown is a great choice for an elegant, classic look this winter. There are plenty of variations to choose from as well, depending on whether you’re more warm or cool in your own natural coloring, you might vary which undertones of browns you wear. A true winter palette typically has cool undertones, but anyone can try styling these winter shades for an elegant look. Don’t limit yourself to solely your seasonal type!
Although chocolate brown is a neutral and pairs well with a wide range of bolder colors, if you want to go for that minimalist, expensive sort of look, try pairing it with another neutral, like gray. You can always add a pop of pattern or texture into your outfit to make it more interesting, but two neutrals certainly do make a right when it comes to a classy winter aesthetic.
3. Camel
boots | jeans | coat | sweater | sunglasses | earrings | bag
Now, if you usually gravitate towards colors that are a little bit lighter or warmer, try styling camel brown instead of chocolate. This is a warm, bronzey shade that always reminds me of a perfectly made coffee. Just like chocolate brown, it’s an earthy neutral that pairs well with bold colors, but looks even more luxurious when paired with another neutral – especially black or ivory.
If you’re styling options from your winter capsule wardrobe, a camel coat is an obvious first choice to try! Go for a casual chic winter look that still feels expensive by pairing your wool coat with dark-wash denim and a white turtleneck. Add in black accessories, like oval sunglasses and a pair of ankle boots, and you have an easy outfit formula to recreate all winter long.
4. Dark Green
boots | dress | belt | coat | bag | earrings
Olive green has been a trending color this fall, and a slightly dark variation takes center stage in winter style! Just like camel brown, a dark shade of green is a grounded, natural color that looks great when paired with black for contrast. Green historically symbolizes growth, vitality, and wealth, which means it’s a great choice if you’re going for a look that screams (or whispers) expensive.
Whether you prefer emerald green or something more like forest green, there’s definitely a shade of winter green out there to complement your best colors, as well as your natural coloring. We all have our own best colors, so just find one that makes you feel confident and start pairing it with your other favorite neutrals!
5. Navy
shoes | socks | jeans | bag | coat | sweater | shirt | earrings
For those who tend to look a little too high contrast in black and white, navy is there as the perfect solution. Navy is a slightly softer take that’s still just as sophisticated and refined as black and white. It’s serene, a little more gentle, and perfect for those who have lower-contrast features.
Pair it with cherry red to make a statement, or go the quiet luxury route with a gray or chocolate brown color combination. This color can help you to easily transition your fall pieces into winter!
6. Charcoal Gray
heels | pants | coat | sweater | bag | watch | earrings
Charcoal gray is another great option if you feel like black looks too harsh on you. It’s a little less preppy than navy, and can also read warm or cool depending on the undertones. So no matter what your own undertones are, you can find a specific shade of charcoal that works on you.
In terms of office wear, charcoal gray is a great choice for winter work attire. You can style it with other black, white, or navy pieces, or go for an all-gray look in varying shades. But don’t just limit yourself to gray trousers or blazers! There are plenty of soft sweaters, wool coats, etc., in this color that can give you a sleek, professional look that’s still comfortable.
7. Ivory
heels | pants | watch | bag | turtleneck | poncho | earrings
Ivory isn’t just limited to bridal looks. If you’re dressing for a business meeting or meeting a friend for a nice lunch, an all-ivory outfit is the perfect choice for an elegant occasion. Although bright white is definitely another good option in the wintertime, especially if you have cool undertones, ivory tends to look a little bit softer and makes even inexpensive fabrics look more luxurious. If you really want to make a statement, a monochromatic look like the one above is the way to do it!
8. Light Blue
heels | pants | bag | coat | sweater | earrings
We’ve covered a number of neutrals on this list, so it’s only fitting to incorporate another pop of color that can make your winter outfits look even more polished and expensive. When you’re looking for inspiration for a seasonal color palette, just take a look at what’s around you!
The winter months have some of the lightest, brightest blue skies you’ll see all year on a clear day – and that’s the perfect shade to inspire an icy look for your next cold-weather look. A light blue coat makes a statement and is the perfect way to make a bold introduction when layered over your other go-to winter pieces.
It Doesn’t Have to Cost a Lot to Look Expensive
These winter shades are the perfect example of how you don’t have to spend a lot to look expensive! Choosing the right colors costs nothing, but can make a world of difference in giving you the classy, sophisticated style you’ve always dreamed of.
Ready for more color theory? We’ve got you covered. Up Next: How to Create Your Perfect Capsule Wardrobe Color Palette
I so love your suggestions of colors, style etc. This year, I wear mostly chocolate brown but also some camel items.
I have almost all of the suggested colors except dark green (which I hate except some “forest green or Irish green” and burgundy.
But I can play with all the other colors.
Many thanks and Merry Xmas.
Yes, you can definitely play with other colors! Thank you for your kind words. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and your family. I found you during the pandemic and have been a follower of yours ever since. Love your book!
Mary Saltus
Hi, Mary! I’m so happy you found MCO. I appreciate your kind words. Happy New Year to you as well!