Accessories! A bright red scarf is much easier to wear than a red coat: http://www.overstock.com/Worldstock/Silk-Deep-Jewel-Scarf-India/3892885/product.html?rcmndsrc=2

I would suggest you find a red coat in a style you love, take it home & put it on a few times in your own home & see how you feel then. If you're sure it's not for you return it to the store. I have a red winter coat & I love it & always get compliments. Good luck!

I agree with wakeupmaggy. Accessories are your best bet...especially scarves. There are some really beautiful, colorful scarfs from which to choose. You can go with a solid or one of the gorgeous prints to accent, and complement, the neutral colors. Colorful bag, shoes, and multi-colored costume jewelry would also liven up the "drab" look...without going overboard.

I think the key is to wear one bright thing, whether that's an accessory, a coat or a pair of neon pink ballet flats. Tone down the rest of your look with neutrals and your vibrant piece will stand out without being overwhelming.

You can add colors without them necessarily being bright colors that make you look like 'that' girl. Try some medium hue blues and greens - not too dark, or else you run right back into the dreary darks again. Plums and purples are good too if you can wear them - again, they don't have to be bright, but pick a more subdued color. Good Luck!

I agree with the above. Another idea is to incorporate tights into your wardrobe...you can find flattering comfortable dresses to go with the black tights...and wear with black flats. An easy way to add color!

Nice to know I'm not the only one!!! A couple of years ago, my entire wardrobe was ALL black or brown. I tried to add colors, but felt incredibly uncomfortable like everybody was staring at me when I did so (totally paranoid, I know, but that's how I felt). I ended up adding colors from the ground up... as in undergarments. Hot pinks and lime greens aren't colors I'd ever wear in public, but it's a fun little secret to have. Next, I tried a red leather bag (LOVE IT!). That morphed into lots of solid-colored sweaters and shirts. I haven't worn it yet, but I also nabbed a totally awesome BABY BLUE wool biker-style jacket at an end-of-season sale last year. I still can't "do" patterns without feeling odd. But colors, I can definitely handle now (and I even have a red coat!).

Try color but not so bright. Plum or wine are good colors. You can mix in a neutral shoe with these colors like brown or black. Add a lapel pin or scarf if you're wearing a solid outfit and you'll be amazed how sharp and stylish you'll look.

Start small: a bright handbag; bright pair of pumps or boots; or a bright scarf. When you feel comfortable, try something a bit more daring like a bright skirt or coat. The key is confidence and not overdoing it. I have a bright magenta wool coat that I adore. When I wear it, I make sure the rest of wardrobe is understated so the coat really pops. Also, consider your personality. You may not be a red coat kind of girl and that is perfectly okay!

Hmm. I'm definitely that girl. I love my cherry red wool coat. People have told me I look great in it. It's all about being confident in what you're wearing. If a black coat with accessories makes you feel good, go for it.

"that girl" in "that red coat" I don't look at people who wear bright colors and think that they're ridiculous. Sure, they want to be noticed and they wanted to be unique, but it's only ridiculous if you wear the read coat with green boots, a striped scarf, blue gloves, and a yellow hat. One bright centerpiece don't mean that you're trying to call attention to yourself or that you're being overly flamboyant, it's when you take it too far and look like a splatter art that you become an eye sore. Of course, if you think that red coats look ridiculous and you feel ridiculous wearing one, then other people are going to think you look ridiculous as well.

My, my, my...why are we so afraid of colors? Live a little!. You only go around once! Believe it or not most people are not looking at you in colors and thinking you look ridiculous. Break out ...step out...Look at nature, its full of color...we should be too. Let's learn to not be so concerned about what others think and step out with confidence. Life is way too short to keep wondering, try one color, if it doesnt suit you, then try another! Colors can lift your spirit and make you feel good. Try it, you just might like it!

I stick with dark pants and sweater or jacket, depending on my appointments for the day. But I go crazy with the shell underneath. I have every color under the sun, from lime to you name it. Its so easy to pick up a couple yards of beautiful silk print and whip up a shell. Also have a huge selection of scarves. I am tall so I can wear long ones. I am limited to the shoes I can wear due to a lower back injury, so I stick with good leather huraches because my feet have to be flat on the floor. No heels for me (argghh). I have just about worn out a gold/bronze pair of huraches that go with everything I own. I also prefer dark purses for daytime, but I have a few colorful clutch bags for going out. Just make sure the color looks good on you. I am a redhead with ruddy complexion so a red scarf is the kiss of death on me. Cool tones are way better for me. Everyone is different.

I'm a professional wardrobe consultant, so take my advice for what it's worth :) I recommend the "Chetta B Women's Belted Colorblock Twofer Dress" Item #13028475. This is a universally flattering style (unless you have VERY broad shoulders) and it has just enough color to bust you out of your rut--but keep you in your comfort zone! Good luck!

Starting out with bright colors with a coat that you will wear with a lot of other things might be a bit much for you to begin with. I agree with starting first with accessories and working yourself into the idea of adding color to your wardrobe. You might experiment with adding some colorful tops with some of your jeans or a dressier brightly colored (maybe even a shade of red...there are so many shades) top with some dress black pants. When you see how you glow, I think you will love it! Let me also say that your skin tone and hair color will determine whether you can pull off a bright red without looking washed out. I think everyone can wear some shade of red. When I was a brunette paleface I looked awful in bright red...It really washed me out. Now, with blonde highlights, it is one of my best colors.

I was the same way, I started with dark purple and dark blue tops and mixed it with black pants, shoes. Now I love all shades of and I apparently look good in pink, especially burgundy, and I used to detest pink colors.

Just put your chin up, your shoulders back and walk into a room like you own it. Don't let possible criticisms from others stop you from wearing the things you want to wear. One thing about the girl in the red coat -- she's probably having the time of her life! While the wallflowers wearing black are ruining their time by being self-conscious!

I agree - step out of your comfort zone, colors are FUN! and of course the right ones really flatter you! I'm from NYC, and sooo tired of all-black, all-the-time!! Don't get me wrong though, I do love my black ugg knockoffs, lol! But as far as winter wardrobe goes, I splurged on myself for the Holidays this past month and bought not one, but TWO down coats, one from right here on Overstock.com - (I got the Anne Klein Lavendar Down coat and LOVE IT!!) The color on this baby is GORGEOUS! It's kind of a tad bit darker, or more muted than my idea of lavendar - maybe kind of between a lavendar and a plum? (Hard to explain). But my other down coat I purchased in a store is WHITE... Yes, you heard me, I said WHITE. (What was I thinking?!) Well, it was the right price and looked lovely on (makes me look like a snow-bunny, IMHO) so I had to get it. Oh, and it's machine-washable, so there! When it gets dirty, and I'm sure it will - I can just throw it in the washer. Nice. Anyway, I highly recommend trying out new colors and styles.. It always makes me feel great when I try something new. Good luck to you in your choices with your winter wardrobe! Enjoy the process!

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I'm a professional wardrobe consultant, so take my advice for what it's worth :) I recommend the "Chetta B Women's Belted Colorblock Twofer Dress" Item #13028475. This is a universally flattering style (unless you have VERY broad shoulders) and it has just enough color to bust you out of your rut--but keep you in your comfort zone! Good luck!

Wow. Great choice. Your recommendation piqued my interest, as I've never seen a color block dress that would work for me (pear), but this actually would. Guess that's why you're a pro!