20+ colorful clothing brands you need to know about
A love letter to joyful dressing
It’s that time of year when I start dressing for the weather I want (70 and sunny) instead of what the forecast is actually giving (not 70 and gray). Lately, I’ve been reaching for my brightest, most patterned clothes—not because I think it will actually make spring hurry up, but because it genuinely makes me feel better. Color has that effect. It energizes. It lifts. Does it fix everything? Of course not. But it helps!
While my mom might say otherwise (see above), I don’t consider myself a fashionista or a style expert. I’m just someone who’s drawn to color, pattern, and a little bit of weirdness, and I like to cobble that all together into an outfit that feels like me. In that way, dressing is not so different from decorating a home. Both are tools for self-expression. Both say something without needing words. And both can completely shift your mood.
Color is an emotional language.
When you choose to wear color (or live with it), you’re inviting in emotion. It might be warmth, joy, confidence, creativity, etc. The colors you surround yourself with—on your body or your walls—have the power to nudge your energy in a certain direction. I believe in dressing the way you want to feel, and the same goes for creating a space that makes you feel your best. Color is one of the easiest, most accessible tools we have to do that. It’s why a bold pink dress might give you the courage to speak up in a room of people you don’t know, or why a bright yellow kitchen might help mornings feel a little less brutal. It’s a daily act of self-celebration.
While I’m still figuring out my personal style, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
You don’t need “basics” if you don’t want them. I recently found myself venting to a friend that I don’t have a proper “capsule wardrobe.” No black or white tees (things that are “easy” to mix and match), just a closet full of statement pieces and color. She looked at me, half-smiling and half-confused, and said, “You are a colorful person. Your basics are colorful.” It was the simplest reminder, but it unlocked something big for me. If you’re someone who lights up around color, then your version of “basics” might look a little different. That’s more than okay.
Having a few core tonal words to describe your style is helpful. I learned about Allison Bornstein’s “Three Word Method” through my friend Autumn, and it’s genius. Pick three adjectives—one practical, one emotional, one aspirational—to help define your style. This will help give you clarity so you’re more intentional when you shop or edit your closet.
Start with one bold piece and build from there. If you're color-curious but still finding your footing, start by styling around one colorful or patterned item you love—a jacket, a pair of pants, maybe a funky shoe or accessory. Let that be your anchor and see what neutral or complementary pieces can support it.
Document your outfits for ongoing inspiration. Taking pics of outfits you like helps you spot patterns in what you’re drawn to and reminds you of your favorite looks. Create an album on your phone for these photos specifically to reference back to when you need inspiration. Nothing’s better than remembering that one fun outfit you rocked last summer that you can reuse again.
Colorful clothes for colorful people
Now, the thing you have been waiting for: my colorful go-tos! If you’re in the mood to bring more color into your closet, here are some brands I’ve got my eye on (or already own and love):
Clothing
Balzac Paris: If you want to dress like a French girl who also loves a dose of color and isn’t afraid of a ruffle.
Big Bud Press: Size-inclusive and color-obsessed. Their matching sets and jumpsuits are basically wearable confidence boosters, and surprisingly practical.
Celia B: Maximalist in every way. Loud prints, wild palettes, and all the sequins.
Damson Madder: London-based cool girl brand that I can’t get enough of. Embroidered collars (for you and your dog—yes!) and pattern clashing for days.
Fabienne Chapot: This Amsterdam-based brand is all about bold prints, saturated color, and play. Their clothing feels polished and joy-inducing at the same time.
Farm Rio: Brazilian brand with big joy energy. I love shopping here when I need a nice outfit for a wedding, but even their everyday wear is amazing.
Kina and Tam: Slightly unhinged in the best way. Pastel mushrooms, clown berets, dog cartoons, hearts everywhere.
La Veste: French for “the blazer,” which they do incredibly well, but let’s talk about the striped pants, please. Easily the best I’ve ever owned!
Lisa Says Gah: The cool cousin of colorful dressing. Probably not a secret to you, but a must-mention. Dopamine dressing at its finest.
Lucy & Yak: For when you want to feel like a stylish preschool teacher, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
Made x Hudson: Local to my neck of the woods and full of joy. Thoughtfully made from deadstock, vintage, and recycled fabrics, with a focus on slow fashion. Everything here is unique and total eye candy.
Meals: Colorful jackets and pants that are equal parts comfortable and loud, with little details like mismatched buttons that make my heart sing.
Never Fully Dressed: Clothing that feels like a vacation, and honestly, that’s what I think regular clothes should feel like.
Nikki Chasin: Another local Hudson favorite. Anytime I wear something from Nikki’s shop, I get about 20 compliments walking down the street. Everything feels fun and special, even down to the socks!
Nooworks: My go-to place for wacky overalls that feel like art and get people’s heads turning.
Olivia Rubin: When you’re in the mood to dress like a rainbow, this is your spot.
Rachel Antonoff: Creative prints (see: pasta, cats, carrots) and a whole lot of personality in every piece of clothing.
Sissel Edelbo: A little bit of boho, a little bit of romance. I will forever want to put on one of their dresses and frolic through a field of grass.
Variety Hour: A fairly new-to-me Australian brand that I want to purchase everything from. It’s hard to pick favorites, but this poppy mesh dress is at the top of my list.
Yellow the Label: A bit of a mixed bag: bathing suits, teensy vacation-y pieces, and flowy dresses that give me hope it’ll be warm again someday. (Can you tell I’m really needing some vitamin D?)
Shoes & Accessories
A lot of the aforementioned brands also sell colorful shoes and accessories, so don’t say I didn’t warn you!! I also enjoy:
Bathen: Colorful robes that make you feel like you’re at a spa in Tulum, even when you’re just lounging at home.
Boyko: Their handbags come in the shapes of silly little things like lettuce, tomatoes, and fish… and yet somehow still feel chic?
Charlotte Stone: Hands down my favorite colorful shoes. So many colors, so many shoe types! I have multiple pairs, and they all spark immediate compliments.
Chunks: Statement hair clips and accessories that are giving Y2K meets art school. Pair it with a Lisa Frank notebook and you’re golden.
Clare V: The French-girl-meets-LA vibe. I love their handbags because they come in classic shapes but bold colors. Who said a leather handbag had to be boring?
eliou: Miami-based jewelry brand selling pearls, beads, and charms that don’t take themselves too seriously. Can’t take the Florida girl out of me.
Hansel from Basel: The coolest socks, like little outfits for your ankles.
Intentionally Blank: Minimal(ish) but fun. Their shoes come in bold colors like chartreuse, which is my favorite purchase from them. Everyone deserves a pair of chartreuse shoes.
Le Bon Shoppe: Okay, I definitely have a thing with socks… And this is maybe the holy grail. Once you try them, it’s very hard to go back to your sad drawer of regular ones.
Room Shop: Oversized scrunchies and ruffly accessories that make me want to play grown-up dress-up.
Susan Alexandra: Beaded bags, jewelry, and home goods that feel like ecstasy. You’ve definitely seen her stuff on Instagram—and no, there’s no such thing as too much Susan Alexandra.
The Wander Shop: I’m a little biased—this shop lives inside a space I helped design—but their selection of cheerful accessories has been catching my eye lately. (My new favorite sunnies are from here!) They also carry a mix of colorful clothing and shoes from brands like Duvin, Melissa, and MINKPINK, to name a few, all curated with leisure in mind.
Knowing me, I’m probably forgetting some other favorites, but let this be the start of the list! This should be enough to get your color wheels turning.
xo Daniela
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Loved your post because I’m a person who mostly wears neutrals and I feel inspired to try a few colour pieces, and (gasp) maybe pattern. I also enjoyed travelling the world visiting via your fashion links. I guess having insomnia when you live in Canada forces the algorithm to show me new things. The upside of not sleeping, 😄
It’s like you’re inside my brain! These are all brands I regularly shop AND rock at my corporate finance job. A Bronze Age is also very similar to Room Shop, I loveee both brands so much. I’d also add Lazy Oaf to this list, they’ve been a fave of mine since my Tumblr era.