By Laura Fox, The Fashionable Fox

Happy New Year, Goodwill shoppers! The Fashionable Fox is so happy to be back in 2016 to provide more fashion-on-a-budget advice.

With the fun winter festivities from the holidays long gone, the cold weather is seemingly less exciting as the days pass. The bright, beautiful snowflakes we expect in December are no longer a treat this time of year. As the cold gets colder and the white snow turns into black sludge, it’s easy to feel gloomy, especially when it comes to fashion.

As much as I love incorporating black into my outfits during the winter, sometimes all you need on a dreary day is a pop of color in your wardrobe. Now, it may seem crazy, but adding color in the non-spring/summer months is not impossible. I styled the winter look you see here with a bright yellow/green blazer to give my outfit a positive boost on an incredibly cold day.

I started with a pair of dark denim skinny jeans from Old Navy: the most basic piece. I then grabbed this black-and-white polka dot Ann Taylor Loft blouse that I snatched-up from Goodwill for $2.99. I love the fun tie at the neck!

I added the yellow green Ann Taylor waffle blazer, which was also a Goodwill find for $6.99. The blouse-and-blazer combo is whimsical, tailored and vivid; the perfect ensemble for a bright winter look.

Finally, I added my color-block Dexter DexFlex flats, a $4.99 Goodwill deal, and some pearl earrings, a watch and trendy bracelets.

This outfit proves you don’t have to wait for the spring to enjoy fun colors, and you don’t have to spend much to look your best! A little optimism in your clothing choices will make the gloomy days seem a whole lot brighter.

Until next time, shop smart and stay stylish!