Seasonal Conversion

In college, one of my professors once referenced the tendency people have to wear less vibrant colors through the winter. He stood in front of the classroom in a cherry red sweater and told our class that our collective color wheel was a bit depressing to look at while he lectured. He was right; underneath the black/grey/navy winter coats we all sported were layers of browns, subdued blues, more grey, and a sea of other neutrals. I don't think it was an intentional chorus of dull fabrics, but with the combination of retailers marketing more dark tones than anything else during the winter & a desire to downplay the effects of our collective lack of sun exposure,  we really did need a visual pick-me-up. 
I think that was the beginning of my concerted effort to not let summer colors hibernate during the winter. It does take effort, too, because as aforementioned--designers typically reserve lights & brights for spring and summer lines. Here's one simple solution:
Instead of packing away my summer favorites during their off-season, I have begun using them as layering pieces to brighten up my cooler-weather clothes. 
My unofficial winter formula has become:

Dress + Long Sleeve Shirt &/or Jacket &/or Cardigan + Tights + coordinating Heels or Boots.

Dress: H&M
 Long sleeve basic black T: Gap
Necklace: Coach
 Woven Belt: came with some other top I bought
Pumps: Faryl Robin [hand-me-down from Mom!]
Tights: not sure...gift from Mom

PS: Don't mistake me to be bashing on neutrals...given my ample references to their indispensable value, believe me: they are absolutely necessary staples. The key is to remember to add that "Pop of Color-" give your outfits an exclamation point!