Autumn and winter colours do more for an outfit than any single trend piece. The right shade can make a basic knit look expensive, warm up a grey coat or freshen a wardrobe of neutrals. The 14 colours below first appeared on the autumn-winter runways a few seasons ago, and they have stayed in rotation because they are easy to wear and flatter most skin tones.
For each colour we explain what it looks like, which shades it pairs with and how to wear it, from full head-to-toe looks to small accents like a scarf, a bag or a nail colour. Use it as a palette to refresh what you already own rather than a list of things to buy.
The autumn-winter colour palette
1. Coconut milk
Coconut milk is a soft, warm off-white that replaces stark winter white. It looks creamy rather than bright, so it flatters warm and olive skin tones and is easier to wear close to the face.
Wear it as a chunky knit, wide-leg trousers or a long wool coat, and pair it with camel, chocolate brown or the darker shades on this list. Tonal cream outfits look polished with gold jewellery and tan leather accessories.
Save2. Eclipse
Eclipse is a deep, inky navy that works as a softer alternative to black. It suits almost everyone and makes richer colours like red dahlia and burnt sienna look even brighter. Try an eclipse blazer or tailored trousers with a cream knit for an easy office look.
Save3. Silver Birch
Silver birch is a pale, warm grey with a hint of beige. It is one of the most versatile neutrals of the season and pairs well with pink-purple, peach and navy. A silver birch cardigan or trench coat layers easily over almost anything in your wardrobe.
Save4. Doe
Doe is a soft, warm mid-brown, like suede or a fawn’s coat. Brown has replaced black as a go-to neutral for many stylists, because it looks warmer and less harsh in winter light.
Wear doe in suede jackets, knitted dresses or boots, and pair it with cream, peach or burnt sienna. A head-to-toe brown outfit in different textures looks rich and intentional.
Save5. Delicate peach
Delicate peach is a muted, powdery orange-pink that adds warmth without shouting. It works beautifully in soft knits, satin skirts and scarves, and looks especially good with cream, brown and navy. It is also a flattering blush and lip shade for autumn makeup.
Save6. Pink-Purple
Pink-purple sits between mauve and lilac. It is a soft, romantic colour that brings life to grey and navy outfits. Try it in a fluffy knit or a slip skirt, or use it on your nails as a softer alternative to classic burgundy.
Save7. Viva Magenta
Viva Magenta is a bold, vibrant crimson-pink. It works best as one strong piece, such as a coat, a knit or a bag, set against neutrals like eclipse navy or silver birch. It is also a great lipstick shade for the party season.
Save8. Red-orange
Red-orange is a warm, energetic shade that looks great on dark winter days. Wear it as a statement coat or knit with navy, brown or cream. If the colour feels bold, start with accessories like a beanie, gloves or a scarf.
Save9. Red Dahlia
Red dahlia is a deep, wine-like red, rich and elegant without being as heavy as burgundy. It flatters most skin tones and is perfect for evening dresses, velvet blazers and dark lipstick. It also makes a classic autumn manicure; see our October nail ideas for inspiration.
Save10. High visibility
High visibility is a bright, neon-leaning yellow-green inspired by safety and sportswear. It is the boldest colour on the list, so wear it in small doses, such as a scarf, a bag or sneakers, against grey, navy or black.
Save11. Persian jewel
Persian jewel is a deep, rich blue with a hint of violet, like lapis lazuli. It looks luxurious in velvet, satin and wool, and pairs well with gold accessories, camel and cream. It is a strong alternative to black for winter evening wear.
Save12. Carnival Glass
Carnival glass is an iridescent shade that shifts between purple, blue and teal, like vintage glassware. It works best in shiny fabrics, sequins and metallic accessories, so it is ideal for the party season.
Save13. Burnt Sienna
Burnt sienna is a warm, earthy rust brown. It is one of the easiest autumn colours to wear, pairing naturally with denim, cream, olive and navy. Try a burnt sienna knit, suede jacket or corduroy trousers for an easy seasonal update. For outfit ideas, see our outfit guides.
Save14. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a fresh, muted green with a slightly grey undertone. It works as a calm neutral in coats, trousers and knits, and pairs beautifully with cream, brown and silver birch.
SaveThe easiest way to use this palette is to choose two neutrals, such as coconut milk and doe or eclipse and silver birch, and add one accent colour per outfit. That keeps your wardrobe flexible, and every new piece you buy in these shades will work with what you already own.
