Why I’m Adding More Color Back Into My Wardrobe This Spring
How Social Media, Safe Choices, & A Season Of A Change Pushes Me To Rediscover My Love For Color
Spring is knocking on the door, even though this morning was still very chilly here in Atlanta. Technically, spring doesn’t start for about two more weeks, but now that we’ve already had daylight saving time and our days are longer, I’m more than ready for it. Spring always feels like a fresh start, new beginnings, longer days, and a sense of renewal.
It’s truly my favorite time of year, not just because my birthday is in April. I love seeing the flowers blossom and the weather that’s not too hot or too cold. After the darker, duller winter months, it feels refreshing to step outside and see nature slowly coming back to life. I was walking my dog the other day and noticed the most beautiful pink flowers blooming nearby. It reminded me that everything eventually comes back to life after a quiet season.
Recently, I went to my trainer’s client appreciation party. The theme was springish comfy casual, and when I went to look in my closet, I noticed something surprising, I had a lot of black. I wanted to wear something lighter like white, cream, or blush, but I didn’t have many options in those colors. That moment made me pause and really look at my closet. It made me think about why I had been buying what I was buying, and how my style had slowly shifted.
I ended up putting together an outfit that looked cute, but it wasn’t exactly what I wished I had to wear. At one point, I used my clothes as a way to express my personality and my girly side. Somewhere along the way, that shifted.
During the winter months I naturally lean toward darker colors, even though I occasionally mix in something different. But lately I’ve realized I’ve been grabbing black much more than usual.
Black is easy.
It’s neutral.
It’s safe.
It goes with everything.
You can wear black to the gym, to a gala, or even to a wedding. It’s one of those colors that works for almost every occasion.
I’ve always liked black, but somewhere along the way I stopped wearing as many other colors. And I think part of that happened subconsciously because social media constantly shows me girls who love neutral tones and all black outfits. Without realizing it, I started gravitating toward what seemed trendy or popular.
I even noticed it when I was decorating my home. When I searched for inspiration, everything that looked modern and chic was black, white, and neutral. I almost decorated my entire house that way. But I had to remind myself that although it looked nice, it didn’t fully feel like me. I’ve always loved feminine touches, so I made sure to add pink and little details that still reflected my personality.
Another reason I was reaching for darker clothes was because I had surgery last year. It was easier to hide my faja underneath darker outfits. Even though I still wear it sometimes, I’m not wearing it as consistently as before. Now I can comfortably wear clothes I didn’t wear when my body looked different. And honestly, I’ve had to ask myself a real question: Why have I been playing it so safe with the body I always wanted?
Before surgery, I told myself I would wear all kinds of different outfits afterward. But oddly enough, I’ve felt more reserved since then. It’s almost like I unintentionally put myself into a box, and now it’s time to step outside of it.
It’s so easy to subconsciously shift your preferences based on what you constantly see online. When everyone you follow loves a certain aesthetic, you can start adjusting your own style to match it.
But this season, I’m getting back to what feels like me. And if I’m honest, I’m not naturally a safe color girl. No shade to anyone who is, but I’ve always loved color, feminine pieces, and playful details. So this spring I’m prioritizing that again.
For me, that means adding more color back into my wardrobe, along with things that simply bring me joy. Florals, ruffles, sparkles, and pieces that feel fun and feminine. Now, I definitely believe in adding touches here and there because too much can quickly go from cute to tacky. But spring is the perfect season to experiment with your wardrobe. Your style can evolve whenever you want. You don’t have to dress the same way forever.
Picture (white top green purse)
Adding pops of color for me means buying pieces that I genuinely like, even if I can’t picture the full outfit yet. Now I’m not saying I’m about to buy a bright yellow $3,000 bag anytime soon. But I’m allowing myself to add small pieces along the way.
My mom actually bought me a new bag while she was traveling, and they had both a green and a black option. My first instinct was to choose black, but I changed my mind and went with green. It is an olive green but baby steps. And honestly, that small decision unlocked something in me. Green can still feel neutral, but it added just enough color to make a difference.
Adding color also means simply trying on shades I wouldn’t normally reach for. I’m not going back to my 2019 era of neon lime green outfits, but I’m slowly incorporating softer colors.
For example, I recently bought new workout clothes and instead of grabbing black and gray like usual, I picked up some blues and pinks. I can still pair those blue leggings with a black or white top, but that small touch of color makes the outfit feel different.
Sometimes it’s as simple as choosing a colored shoe instead of a black one, or carrying a bag that contrasts the outfit. It might mean wearing a patterned skirt with a neutral top, or grabbing a ruffled blouse that adds a little personality.
This season I’m intentionally leaning into color and challenging myself to break the cycle of always choosing black. If I have an event to attend, instead of immediately grabbing the little black dress, I might reach for a pink or soft green one instead.
I even pulled out a pink blazer I bought years ago but barely wore. Last week I paired it with denim and realized it was exactly the touch of color my outfit needed.
Another small shift I’m making is replacing black with other neutrals like gray, tan, or navy. When I wear navy, I naturally gravitate toward cognac accessories, which automatically brings more warmth and color into the outfit.
Spring is the perfect time to lighten up your wardrobe. If wearing color feels intimidating, start small. Switch your black bag for a colored one. Try a new pair of shoes. Add a blazer or a fun top to an otherwise neutral outfit.
Black will always be a classic. It’s not going anywhere. But if you’re like me and you’ve realized you might have slowly adjusted your style to match what the world is doing, consider this your invitation to step back into what actually feels like you.
Because I’ve noticed something interesting already. Even the smallest touch of color instantly brightens my mood.
So no, you probably won’t see me wearing bold colors every single day just yet. I’m still exploring and rediscovering pieces in my closet that I haven’t worn in years.
I’m pulling out items I once saved for “special occasions” and wearing them on random Tuesdays.
I’m being more intentional when I shop, choosing pieces that excite me instead of just defaulting to what feels safe. And I’m allowing myself to buy a piece I love, even if I don’t have the entire outfit figured out yet. Because the rest of the look will eventually come together.
And maybe this spring isn’t just about adding more color to my closet. Maybe it’s about adding a little more personality, confidence, and joy back into the way I show up every day. And if that starts with something as small as choosing the pink blazer instead of the black one… I think that’s a pretty good place to start.
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