This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emerson chapter.

Is it still winter? Don’t get me wrong—I love my chunky sweater and booties as much as the next person—but I’m already counting the days until it’s over. It’s cold, it’s dreary, and the amount of times I’ve slipped on manhole covers in the sidewalk is ridiculous. My life is on the line and so is my sanity. Snow is beautiful (debatable), Nick Viall is the Bachelor, (I’m sorry, what?) and it’s the start of a new semester, (may I rest in peace). This winter has been confusing and, well, one hot, er, cold, mess, and I’m ready for something new. If Cher Horowitz, the epitome of style, can manage to add color to her closet, so can you.

That being said, I do remain an optimist behind my dramatic tendencies. Winter can be pretty bleak, but who’s to say you have to feel the same? Consider the snow and slush on the ground to be your own personal white backdrop. Sure, it’s cold, but those muted tones are practically screaming at you to stand out. There’s a blizzard outside? Great! It’s photoshoot time.

First things first: you have to own it. The amount of muted tones in your closet is wonderful for day-to-day activities, but the ten black leggings, four black sweaters, and three black jeans can wait for now. Who’s to say spring is the time for colors? Put on your neon, your floral, your studs and sparkles; I vote we make winter a party hosted by Pantone and Ke$ha. The clouds may be gray, but I can assure you that the ice makes the perfect runway. (But that definitely does not include me because, wow, ice skating is not my forte. That’s another story for a different day.) Pick out those items you’ve been saving for spring and make this winter your bi-(ggest and bestest friend of them all, am I right?). Let’s go. But not until you grab one of these items first, of course.

I mean, really, a balloon unicorn purse? Sign me up. With each of these items in hand, one is ready to stomp in the snow and take on the winter season. Kate Spade’s new collection is all about color and so am I. And Studio DIY’s emoji clutch? There’s no need for sunshine when you can hold a sunny purse within your own two hands. Pastel coats, bright tops—all eyes are on you. Don’t forget that disco cup, though; those are your way of bringing the party wherever you go. Who needs a Dunkin’ mug when you can drink your coffee in a disco ball? I’ll take an extra pack of sugar, too, while we’re at it.

Simply put: The remainder of this winter season is your chance to take a risk. And who’s to say it has to stop there? These colors can be utilized with confidence in any weather condition. Maybe with your passion for color, the next hurricane will be named after you. I love black, gray, white and everything in between, yes, but I’m about to dump those colors like an ex-boyfriend. I’m hopping on this trend and painting my nails a crazy shade of neon pink as soon as I get out of class. Sorry, Gabriella and Troy, but I’m joining you towards the start of something new. Do you mind if I join in? Please?