You’d never know it from this post, but there was a time in my life when I didn’t even notice colorful outfits out in the wild. I went right for my favorites: black, white, gray, and navy. And to be fair, they are still my go-to staples and I rarely regret buying within that palette. But something changed last year, and I found myself connecting with the desire to have exciting statement pieces and the permission to wear them not just on special occasions but every day. 

This practice really is as simple as listening to your heart (or lizard brain) when it comes to wearing outfits in colors or patterns that scare you (in a good way). 

If you have that voice inside that says, I wish I knew how to wear color like she does, then hopefully this post gives you permission to follow that desire as well. After all, we’re really dressing for ourselves at the end of the day and a bit of color does just as much for the soul as a head-to-toe colorful outfit. Why not have a little fun with it!

Psst. If you didn’t see it before, take a peek at last month’s outfits post, featuring four new-to-me styles and silhouettes.

01

Midi Dress With Lemon-Yellow Sandals

I’m officially starting to dress like my house. Adding the yellow sandals made this outfit even more sunny and bright.

Product Sources: Never Fully Dressed midi dress (low stock), similar here from Target, similar here from Madewell | ZARA sandals, similar here from Mango

02

Denim on Denim With a Pop of Color

When in doubt, throw a sweater over your shoulders. Preferably in red.

Product Sources: Jesse Kamm Jacket via Idun, similar here from Zara | Skims bodysuit (sold out in black), similar here from Skims, similar here from AGOLDE via REVOLVE | Vintage red sweater, similar here from ASOS | Witty Socks socks, similar here from Hansel From Basel via Free People | Converse shoes | Kate Young for Tura sunglasses via Idun, similar here from J. Crew

03

Flowy Dress With Shades of Red

My friend Dahlia wore an almost identical look when we met up for drinks and it reminded me that you can’t get a more striking combo than red and black.

Product Sources: H&M black dress (no longer available), similar here from Target, similar here from H&M | Vintage Mansur Gavriel bag, similar here from Cuyana | ABLE sandals, similar here from Chelsea Paris | Vintage GANNI sunglasses, similar here from J. Crew

04

Flowy Skirt and Tee

I threw on a big flouncy skirt in a fun pattern and mixed it with a red and khaki stripe. I dont know why, but it works!

Product Sources: H&M skirt (sold out), similar here from Madewell | ZARA open knit jacket | New Balance 990v5 sneakers | Vintage GANNI sunglasses, similar here from J. Crew | Secondhand Louis Vuitton bucket bag, similar here from & Other Stories

05

Printed Jacket and Classic Denim

Behold: a bright springy print with some fun red sandals. I added some socks for something a little quirky.

Product Sources: Idun quilted jacket, similar here from ASOS | H&M jeans (out of stock), similar here from Levi’s | Witty Socks socks | ABLE sandals, similar here from Chelsea Paris

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Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.