How to Add Color to Your Wardrobe

Adding color to your wardrobe should not be a daunting or tedious task. Indeed, there are several small, easy, cost efficient, and fun ways to add color to your wardrobe that help to maximize pieces you already own.

The key to building a colorful wardrobe that reflects your personality and style is to start small with outfit builders and accessories including handbags, jewelry, and shoes. And, then branch out to bolder wardrobe items (coats, sweaters, pants).

I help plus-size women live boldly and confidently. In this article, I am going to share actionable and effortless tips on how to add color to your wardrobe.

Start with the Shoes

The key is to start by using one item as the focal point. For example, if you’re shy about wearing bold and bright colors, start with a colorful shoe (a solid color or a bold colorful pattern) and build from the bottom up.

Woman smiling wearing a classic white button-down shirt, a tan and green raffia textured crossbody purse, jeans, raffia ball drop earrings, and green flip flops to show how to add color to your wardrobe.

Woman sitting down smiling wearing a white button-down, jeans, a crossbody purse on the table, and green flip flops

Woman with legs crossed wearing jeans and green flip flops

Shop the look: Shirt | Flip Flops| Jeans | Crossbody Purse (similar)| Earrings (similar)

One of my favorite ways to add more color to my outfits is to start with red shoes. The shoes as the focal point helps to create a balanced look that draws the eyes upward.

And, the beauty of starting with the shoes is that there are multiple shoe styles– loafers, sandals (strappy, wedges, flip flops), heels, sneakers, Mary Jane flats or heels, all work. Starting with the shoes is a seasonless approach.

And, the outfit can be dressy or casual. For a dressy, work appropriate look, a solid color (or striped) shirtdress pairs beautifully with classic red loafers, sleek flat red sandals, or Mary Jane heels.

Woman smiling while wearing a striped shirtdress with a red suede purse, gold heart earrings, and red Mary Jane Heels that add a bold pop of color to the outfit.

Woman wearing red Mary Jane heels with a buckle and block heel showing how color elevates a striped shirtdress.

Shop the look: Dress (similar) | Purse | Mary Jane Heels (similar) | Earrings

Add Colorful Handbags

Another fun and effortless way to add color to your wardrobe is to pair bold color purses with a variety of outfit pieces including jeans, dresses, skirts, and pants. I love pairing dresses with bold colorful crossbody purses and I think that the key is to start with a neutral base so that the focus is on the colorful purse. For example, pairing a tan sleeveless dress with a coral crossbody purse, a denim jacket, and tan sandals.

Woman smiling wearing a tan sleeveless dress with a denim jacket and a coral color crossbody bag. The woman is also wearing raffia ball drop earrings

Shop the look: Dress| Denim Jacket| Earrings (similar) | Crossbody Purse

Wear Solid Color Button-Down Shirts

A solid color button-down shirt is an incredibly simple way to add color to an outfit. Let the shirt shine and allow it to be the hero of the outfit.

Woman standing in front of a colorful wall wearing a red button-down shirt with jeans and red flip flops to show how bold colors standout in an outfit.

Shop the look: Shirt| Jeans | Flip Flops | Crossbody (similar)

Wear Solid Color Shirtdresses

Wearing a solid color shirtdress offers multiple colorful styling opportunities. Pair the shirtdress with with the same color shoes for a monochromatic look. Or, mix and match color combinations to have fun with color! I love pariring a monochromatic look with gold accessories to let the colors shine.

Shop the look: Dress | Sneakers | Earrings | Crossbody (similar)

Mix and Match Bold Color Combinations

Pink + green is one of my favorite tried and true color combinations. I love how different shades of pink and green pair beautifully. And, this color combo works well when mixing textures, too.

Several of my other favorite color combinations include pairing brown and blue, green and blue, red and brown. Have with fun color mixing!

Shop the look: Coat (similar) | Sweatsuit similar pants, similar sweatshirt| Purse | Earrings | Sneakers

Add Bold Layers

Add bold layers by draping a sweater over your shoulders or by tying a scarf around your neck. Tie a bold colorful or patterned scarf around the handles of a tote or a purse. Play with textures, too!

Add Colorful and Bold Sneakers

Add colorful sneakers to an outfit. Do a monochromatic look by pairing a fun solid color dress with sneakers in the same color family. I love mixing textures with a monochromatic look to make the colors pop.

Shop the look: Dress | Denim Jacket | Sneakers ( and similar) sneakers | Crossbody Purse