Given that I spent most of the Winter in sunny Brazil, I know I probably don't have the right to complain about the weather but hey, here I go anyway: it's been sooo dreary & grey in Antwerp! I heard it's one of the darkest Winters in 20 years, so that's definitely saying something. Everyone I know has been doing anything they can think off to keep up a somewhat sunny mood: eating all the ice cream, light box therapy (gotta take what you can get), hot sauna sessions - you name it, Belgians have done it. :) But here's my personal fave way to keep my spirits high: brighten your Winter outfit! It's the most simple way to lift your mood, and now that the Winter sales are officially happening, there's no better time to hop on the yellow fever boat and score your favourite happy fashion piece. And if you're afraid that wearing the sunniest colour of all in Winter might look a bit funny, these 3 simple tricks got you covered!

1 / THINK COMPLEMENTARY

Remember learning about complementary colours in high school? This is the time to dust off that knowledge and make sure your bright colour of the day is balanced out by its complementary counterpart! Because, though it might seem a bit counterintuitive at first, it's crucial to add another poppy colour to your outfit to avoid a 'clownesque' effect of your first standout piece. If you don't want to go overboard, adding a not-too-big accessory is perfection (such as a blue bag, which balances out my yellow coat without stealing its thunder; also seen here).

2 / FLUFFY TEXTURES, PLEASE

The easiest way to make bright colours Winter appropriate is of course by adding some fuzziness to them, so if you can (and you should, because it's one of this season's biggest trends): score your favourite faux fur jacket in a hot colour, and you're all set!

3 / CHOOSE YOUR NEUTRALS WISELY

Though I'm not the biggest fan of black in general, there's no denying it's the only acceptable basis to brighten your Winter outfit in the most stylish way. Do avoid an all-black ensemble, though, since that might end up looking a bit cheap. Instead, add another neutral shade such as tan or brown colours, preferably near your face (because waaay more flattering than black for any skin colour!).

How do you feel about wearing hot yellow during Winter? Doesn't it instantly make you feel happy? :)