A lot of people think they should buy their basics and staples in black. It’s simple, it’s safe, and it will definitely go with everything. But at the same time, it’s pretty boring. While maybe you want to go with black for winter jackets, since they’re more expensive, I always try to find my lighter and transitional jackets in brighter colors. Case in point: this cobalt windbreaker.

Picked up for a song at an Urban Outfitters sale, this has been one of my favorite pieces for quite some time. It’s comfortable, it’s super light, and when I need to wear it on those grey days — well, let’s just say it’s always a brighter day. When it’s cloudy I always think we should dress in brighter colors, otherwise everything around us just becomes dreary.

Paired with staple skinny jeans, here I went with a slip on loafer. I don’t know how I lived before I found these, and they’re perfect with everything. Mine are a little beat up now, but fresh from the store they’re also great for more formal options, it’s just a matter of how crisp they look. The olive color adds a great contrast to the bright blue, and is again a staple piece in a great alternative to black, since it still coordinates with just about everything.

Urban Outfitters Winbdreaker / Urban Outfitters Tank Top / H&M Jeans / H&M Shoes

Photos courtesy Kristin Booker