Let’s talk about trends. More specifically, colour trends, as after relying on white dresses throughout summer, I’m ready to shake up my wardrobe a little. When it comes to seasonal trends there are often the usual suspects; the key pieces that we can rely on year in, year out: spring is often cardigans and dresses, summer is linen and sandals, and winter is chunky knits and wool coats.
But autumn gives us the kind of variety that always keeps things interesting. Sure, more often than not you’ll find me in a trench coats, knee-high boots and denim, but there are often a few trends from spring and summer that make their way into my fall wardrobe too, and none more so than those doses of colour.
Ask someone what colours come to mind for autumn and they’ll likely tell you browns and jewel tones. But if you’re already familiar with our autumn/winter 2023 trend report, you’ll know to expect the unexpected. After last year’s bright pink Barbiecore continued into 2023 to coincide with Greta Gerwig’s Barbie release, it’s about time we had a palette cleanser.
So, I see your fuchsia and raise you hot red. And what of the clean whites that fashion people have been wearing for the last few months? Well, there’s an equally versatile neutral that is the sleek update you’ve been waiting for. And should you be looking for colours that always look expensive, you’re going to be very impressed by one of the additions to our list. Finally, there’s the “samey” colour that doesn’t necessarily constitute a trend per se, but in head-to-layering, it’s undeniably chic.
If you’re ready to introduce some new season colours to your roster, keep scrolling to see the six biggest colour trends for autumn 2023. It’s a good looking bunch.
Style Notes: Looking for a colour that shows you mean business? Look no further than slate grey. This cool charcoal-ish colour has all of the commanding power of bold brights but speaks in the hushed tones of quiet luxury—a win-win in our book. Find grey too boring? Style it with pops of blue, brown and even red, but more on that later.
I want to copy everything about this outfit.
Raey proves that a combining a grey knit and black jeans is anything but boring.
There’s a reason our editors love the Mason Pant—just look at that perfect fit.
If you thought this skirt would cost the earth, I wouldn’t blame you.
A reliable wardrobe staple that you’ll wear for years to come.
Style Notes: As promised, it’s time for a dose of red that’s guaranteed to brighten your day, and what could be better than fiery scarlet? Bright red with a warmer orange base—as opposed to cooler blue tones—has been setting the runways alight for the last three seasons or so, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Perhaps it’s the boldness or the fact that it’s universally flattering, but either way this firecracker is sticking around, and I for one am ready to subscribe. Tomato girls, meet your autumn update.
Straight from the runway and into your wardrobe.
Impossibly chic.
I’ve never seen a ribbed dress I didn’t immediately like, this one included.
How to do bold brights for evening.
These would look just as good with a satin dress as they would with blue jeans.
Style Notes: If you hadn’t already heard about the banana-milk trend, you’ll have most definitely seen it. Everywhere we look right now, designers are adding touches of creamy yellow to collections, and it’s already filtered its way down to the high street. When it comes to colour trends, it doesn’t get more delicious than this, and we can back any look that brings the summer sun into autumn.
COS’s new-in section is currently full of cheery, sorbet yellows.
Come winter, you’re going to be happy you bought this.
This clever layering piece is pure genius.
Aren’t these just as cute as a button?
Pair this with jeans and black accessories.
Style Notes: There’s something instinctual that draws us to darker colours as the weather shifts, and burgundy is the shade we’re turning to now for expensive-looking outfits with high impact. The effect is super-striking when worn head to toe, but if you’re keen on the full look, burgundy accessories go with everything and will dress up even the most basic outfit. Don’t believe me? Try swapping a cream handbag for a burgundy one. I promise you, it’ll make a world of difference.
A leather dress will never go out of style.
Polished to perfection.
Tuck into blue jeans, leather skirts, tailored trousers—you name it.
I love the relaxed fit of these leather trousers.
Roll on boots season.
Style Notes: And so, to black. This monochrome marvel has showed up on the runway in many different guises in its time, but its slick new styling for A/W 23 makes it impossible to miss. From sheer mesh to fluffy faux fur and glossy leather to cosy knits, stacking black on black in different textures and finishes is the easy way to channel cool-girl chic this autumn.
The iconic jacket is back and restocked just in time for a chilly autumn.
The mesh-shoe trend has just had a stylish update.
The perfect straight-leg, cropped fit.
You’re going to want to take this everywhere with you.
Style Notes: Inky shades of midnight navy might look like black at first sight, but on closer inspection this rich hue has a splash of purple that makes it a sophisticated alternative to basic neutrals. Take the wearability of blue denim, add the elegance of black and stir in a little rich-looking burgundy; and you’ve got a colour trend that marries together the best bits of several others. Black devotees, this one’s for you. It’s the easiest way to introduce a little colour into your wardrobe, and just so happens to go with every other colour on this list.
Indigo-wash denim always looks premium.
Sleek, sophisticated and sharp.
Zara has called it: A slit skirt looks great over tailoring.
The perfect knit for dark denim.
Imagine how good this skirt would look with knee-high boots.
