Embracing the Playfulness of Primary Colors

Written by Eleanor Wynne

Photographed by Hal Lueking

Modeled by Natalia Cordeo, Elisa Peters, Sarah Harbaugh, and Lily Elcan

Primary colors want to see you on the playground. Playful reds, noble blues, and yolky yellows call back to a simpler time, when the Scooby-Doo blue fruit snack was not only a culinary mystery, but a miracle, arguments could be resolved by recess, and learning to French braid was the most important skill on your résumé. 

Beneath the brilliance of a blocky striped sweater and an array of rainbow-colored barrettes, you are more than prepared to answer the call.

The resurgence of primary colors ebbs and flows. While they’ve remained a staple in virtually every decade’s color palette for the last century, they often fall to the wayside in favor of seasonal palettes that overtake the runway. In Spring 2023, they are making a resurgence. Fashion forecasters predict that brightly hued, 70s-inspired dress pants will be a closet essential for the warmer months while striking (slightly muppet-esque) furry red coats will enrich the color palette for Fall 2023. To date, celebrities like Taylor Swift, Sandra Oh, and Pedro Pascal have debuted looks featuring primary colors on carpets at the Grammys, Oscars, and Met Gala.

Coming out of 2022, the year of flaunting our swankiest going-out clothes and rediscovering the freedom of the outside world, the pendulum is swinging toward looks that last. This means tailoring, embracing personal style, and gravitating toward nostalgic motifs from the ‘90s and early 2000s. Silhouettes like baggy tees, custom shorts, and knit sweaters are cozy and irreverent, making them the perfect style neutralizers to experiment with color. Pair a bright blue oversized tee with red track pants or tone down your look by interspersing pops of vibrance with another classic texture–denim.

 For the most authentic throwback look, try thrifting your primary colors at shops like Red Racks, Goodwill, or the local boutique Queen City Collectors.