I’m a Minimalist Who Loves Neutrals, But Zara and H&M’s Winter Color Trends Won Me Over
I'm saying goodbye to black, and hello to these under-$100 finds.
One peek into my winter wardrobe and you'll see that I wear a lot of black. Color trends come and go with the seasons, but none have made a lasting impact on my personal style—until winter 2026 came along. After spotting a few rich color recipes on fashion insiders, I've decided to update my colorless closet.
For starters, it's shaping up to be a big season for blue. Shopping editor Julia Marzovilla (a fellow advocate of all-black outfits) has me swapping out my black basics for navy. Meanwhile, fashion editor Lauren Tappan convinced me to try the lighter, cooler blue color trend. The other shades I'm eyeing fit like a charm into my minimalist outfits—think Cloud Dancer white and camel brown.
I'm convinced that adding these winter colors to my wardrobe will elevate it, so I'm heading to Zara and H&M for pieces that won't break my budget. Keep scrolling to shop the under-$100 picks that caught my eye.
Navy Blue
As I mentioned earlier, I love wearing black, so navy blue feels like a natural (and easy) alternative. It's just as dark and moody, but feels fresh for 2026. I plan to wear it as a neutral with all my basics, like sweaters and T-shirts, as well as with bottoms like pencil skirts and trousers. It also pairs beautifully with the other shades I'm eyeing, like powder pink and white.
Pencil skirts are clearly having a moment in 2026.
The added belt is such a chic touch.
I would wear these pants just as often as my black trousers, which is all the time.
Who said sweatpants couldn't be chic?
This dress is practically begging to be worn with cool harness boots.
Say hello to the ultimate layering piece.
Powder Pink
Millennial pink, A.k.a the soft baby pink you saw everywhere in 2016, is back and I'm not mad about it. The pale hue offers the perfect pop of color for minimalists who hate loud shades. I love the idea of tying a pale pink sweater around my shoulders or opting for pink sneakers instead of my white pair.
Imagine all of the layering outfits you can create with this pretty cardigan.
You can wear these trousers well into the spring, too.
I wouldn't be surprised if these trendy sneakers sold out within a few weeks.
A mohair-wool blend makes this top extra cozy and elevated.
Tie this sweater over your shoulders for a pop of color.
I'm picking up this skirt to make my winter workwear more interesting.
Cool Blue
Another winter color trend I can get behind is cool blue. While other trending shades can feel saturated, this blue is subtle and understated, ideal for minimalists like me. To update my go-to white T-shirt and button-down, I'll be picking up cool blue versions. A dainty triangle scarf—the accessory of winter 2026—also looks fabulous in the hue.
Give your go-to button-down shirt a break with this elevated take.
Zara styled this T-shirt with chocolate brown pants, and it's an unexpected color combination I want to try ASAP.
The next time you're tempted to reach for a white T-shirt, opt for this blue pick instead.
I'm convinced this sweater would look great on anybody.
The chicest girls I know can't stop wearing dainty triangle scarves this winter.
Wear this dress now with boots and tights then ballet flats come spring.
Cloud Dancer
While Cloud Dancer may not seem all that exciting, it is arguably the easiest color to incorporate into your wardrobe. I think of it as a blank canvas—a shade that serves as a polished neutral but can also stand on its own in a monochromatic white outfit. To update my wardrobe, I'm looking for elevated tops I can style with everything in my closet, plus a pair of white jeans for year-round wear.
A date-night sweater like this is a must-have for the cold-weather months.
I'm calling it now: Henley shirts will be everywhere in a month or two.
This boho top is calling my name.
An elevated neckline makes a world of difference in your basics.
White jeans are a fashion-girl staple, no matter the season.
Layer this tank under a big sweater and trousers, and you've got an easy, It-girl approved outfit.
Camel
While camel brown is nothing new, Resort 2026 collections from brands like Coach, Ferragamo, and Khaite solidified the shade as one to reach for this season. It's a tried-and-true neutral that pairs well with any color under the sun (I especially love it with cherry red). I plan on wearing the color all winter long and into spring with coats, jackets, and easy-to-style bottoms.
This piece would go so far in my minimalist wardrobe.
I'm still not over barrel-leg pants.
Pair this top with anything and everything in your wardrobe.
I'll be wearing this jacket all throughout spring.
Pair this sweater with jeans and boots for an simple, yet polished work outfit.
This jacket makes for the perfect pairing to your winter dresses.
