Which Colorful Women's Winter Coat Is Right for You?

Winter is coming, and it's time to re-evaluate your winter wardrobe, and that includes your winter coat. As organizational expert Marie Kondo says, if it doesn't bring you a feeling of joy when you wear it, you may as well get rid of it. But that's easier said than done, as good-quality coats do cost money, after all.

Nonetheless, they don't have to be expensive, and purchasing one with a pop of color can bring a "feeling of joy" to your life on a typical dull, depressing winter day. But for those of us who like to stick with typical always-in-fashion black, adding an element of color can be scary. How do you know which colorful women's winter coat is best for you? Here's our guide to finding a coat that you can look and feel good in all winter long.

Match Your Complexion

Anyone who has ever shopped for clothes online knows the frustration of seeing it on a model and then seeing it on yourself, only to discover that it looked better online. Remember that everyone is different. Even if you're the same size as that model in the picture, your complexion and hair color may be different, and that can make a huge difference.

Typically, women who have darker hair and a darker complexion look really good in bright colors. But people with fair skin and lighter hair can look overpowered by bright colors and get a little washed out. They tend to be better suited for pastel colors and less-intense shades. If you're somewhere in the middle, you can play around and mix both for a balanced look. Regardless, if you're unsure about a color, try it on and make sure it is returnable if you don't feel amazing in it.

Make Way for Millennial Purple

Remember millennial pink? If not, you didn't miss anything. It was just pink. However, for 2019, the millennial label is returning with "Millennial Purple." It is actually just a fancy name for lavender, and it is all over the catwalks this season. As lavender tends to be a more pastel color, it might look best on people with lighter complexions, but depending on the hue, it could look good on darker complexions as well. If you try a coat in Millennial Purple, however, don't get too attached to it. There will likely be a new "millennial" color next year to take its place.

Embrace the Camel Comeback

Camel was a big color on the catwalk this year for winter coats. And before you say, "Camel isn't colorful," hear us out. For someone who is used to wearing black, gray or white coats, camel is indeed a color! Plus, it matches pretty much anything, so you can style it up with whatever accessories you choose. The good news is that camel comes and goes in terms of trendiness, so if it isn't as fashionable next year, it's sure to come back in style eventually. In other words, you won't be wasting a cent on a camel-colored winter coat.

Play With Patterns

Patterns are a great way to experiment with color. Wearing a patterned coat is like sticking one toe into the pool to test the waters, while you keep the other one solidly planted in neutral territory. For example, herringbone is a popular pattern for winter of 2019, so a coat in a herringbone design that has one color black and the other color purple (for example) can make a brave, yet conservative fashion statement.

Play It Safe With Neutral Colors

Face it ... sometimes we can feel a bit silly if we're dressed up in bright colors, especially if people are used to seeing you in black coat every day. If you feel like it's time to allow a little color into your life but are worried that a brighter color might be a little too much for you, pick a neutral color other than the one you're accustomed to. For example, something in olive can be a nice transition from black to that bright forest-green that's in style this year. Plus, you can always pair a colorful winter scarf with your solid neutral-colored coat. That way, if you get bored of the scarf, it is much more affordable to replace than a coat would be. Some colorful winter boots can do the trick as well.