Of the many perks of my job, writing off a shopping trip as “research” is my favourite. Here at Who What Wear UK, we keep our finger on the pulse of all the new-in sections to keep you as up to date and informed as possible ahead of your next purchase. So last week I hit the high street to check out the latest additions to our favourite stores, and soon noticed that four standout shades are defining autumn/winter 2023.
When it comes to styling, colour is a powerful tool that all too often is overlooked. There are certain hues that add an expensive feel, no matter the price point of the item. There are neutral hues that are so versatile their cost per wear is tiny. Striking shades can add a fresh rejuvenation to a long relied upon outfit. Truly, the colour of an item can be just as important as the design itself.
Lucky for us, the British high street is well aware of the impact colour can have and has a bounty of pieces to choose from across the spectrum. After trying on what felt like the entire rainbow, there were four incredible shades defining autumn 2023 that I kept coming back to.
Keep scrolling to find out the key hues of the season, and shop the affordable styles below.
Style Notes: First, there is no denying that saffron red is having a moment. The bold hue could be spotted from even outside the shops, punctuation the new-in sections with vibrancy. I’ll be honest, I’ve never really engaged with red, as someone who has red toned skin I wrote it off as not for me, but this exact shade that keeps cropping up is a universally good tone. Truthfully, I left this try-on with a new infatuation with the hue, and the powerful feeling that a stand-out shade can bring.
The button details are a nice touch.
This piece was made for transitional weather.
If you’re new to bold colours, ease in through accessories like shoes.
Swap your classic black blazer for a striking saffron this season.
Just add jeans and layer up gold jewellery.
From the colour to the balloon sleeves, this dress will make an entrance.
Style Notes: For many us neutral fans, we too often turn to black for ease, but if you’re looking to rejuvenate your neutrals, brown should be a contender. Stepping into M&S, I immediately honed in on a slinky midaxi skirt and then found the exquisite faux leather biker jacket, that deserves a special mention for the quality alone. As I strolled through other stores, I kept spotting this deep chocolate shade in all iterations from coats to trousers and a plethora of excellent accessories, too.
The fabric is lightweight and the faux-leather is the softest I’ve ever felt. Fact.
A sleek satin slip can be dressed up or down for all occasions.
One of my favourite colour combinations is brown and blue, so style up with your favourite blue jeans.
I tried these on too, and the drape is truly brilliant.
The fluid shape and fabric feel so expensive.
Style Notes: The next shade I fell for was grey. No, not a groundbreaking hue in itself, but right now the high-street is offering so many expensive-looking grey styles that it can’t possibly be overlooked. Unlike the array of light greys we see all year, as we move into the cooler months thicker wools in deeper grey weaves are taking centre stage. And this dress proves how impactful this neutral can really be.
The dress I tried is now sold out, but this is a solid alternative.
The silhouette of this blazer is impeccable.
For work, free time or evening, you’ll restyle this pair for so many occasions.
In the market for a new coat? Look no further.
Made from 100% boiled merino wool.
I’m a big fan of the matching co-ord.
Style Notes: Last, but far from least, a classic autumn shade has revived for the new season; burgundy. A deeper hue than trending saffron, with added notes of plum, the high-street reminded me that burgundy looks elevated at any price point. From tailored silhouettes to relaxed styles, I spotted (and tried on) lots of great burgundy pieces for the new season, and I’ll admit, a few of them came home with me too.
No, the price tag isn’t a typo.
I also tried on this gorgeous burgundy coat from Whistles, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Anthropologie’s knit dress selection is so strong right now.
I stopped walking when I spotted this suit. Pair with the matching trousers.
Just in time for sweater season.
If you told me this was designer, I’d believe you.
