After wearing white linen and blue shirts for months on end during the summer, autumn has finally managed to force me to introduce some new colours to my wardrobe. Deep burgundy, slate grey and pops of buttermilk yellow have been trending for the past couple of months (and honestly, my outfits look better for it), but when it comes to the colour trends that we can rely on year in, year out, winter sets the tone for not only the Christmas period, but well into the new year and beyond. Sure, winter calls for bundling up in practical layers, and my outfits will largely consist of the same wool maxi coats, jumpers, knitted dresses and knee-high boots worn on rotation, but there are a few colour trends that can breathe new life into even the most "samey" wardrobe.
Used to relying on black clothes and accessories when you don't know what to wear? What if I told you there's an equally dark but even more expensive-looking option, and it will go with everything?Wondering what soft shades to wear in winter instead of summer's aforementioned pale yellow? Pastels are back, and now we've ticked off fifty shades of pink and banana milkshake, there's an obvious alternative that the runways have bought into in a big way.
So, if you're curious as to which new-season colours are about to define not only the rest of this year, but also well into next, keep scrolling. These will be the five biggest colour trends over the next 12 months. Personally, I can't wait to wear them all.
1. BABY BLUE
Style Notes: Just in time for a cold winter, icy blue is set to be the pastel of the season. Appearing in over 20 S/S 24 shows, you might want to stock up on your baby blues early, as this cool trend will continue long into next year. For maximum effect wear it head-to-toe with unexpected pops of colour à la Fendi and Akris.
SHOP BABY BLUE:
I can't get enough of H&M's perfect mohair knits.
You might just find you'll wear a smart blue shirt even more than a white one.
A breath of fresh air for formal dressing.
2. BRIGHT WHITE
Style Notes: It stands to reason that the coldest season in the calendar would eventually embrace bright white. This shade might be known for keeping us cool in the summer, but turning tradition on its head and echoing the frosty winds and snowy settings of winter in your colour palette is the boldest way to make a statement in early 2024. White dresses were particularly prevalent (see 16Arlington, Balenciaga, Carolina Herrera and Valentino), but you're going to want to layer up with a cosy coat to make them work for winter.
SHOP BRIGHT WHITE:
Puffers score highly in our "best coats" ranks.
Such a romantic dress.
Just add grey socks for a nod to Miu Miu.
3. WARM SAND
Style Notes: Whether you call it camel, beige, biscuit or tan, sandy brown shades always come back into style (that is, if they ever leave). From summer safari to transitional trenches, this versatile hue is a staple in our wardrobes all year round, but this winter calls for warm-toned, golden beiges to bring a little sun to the gloomy days.
SHOP WARM SAND:
Grab the co-ordinating jacket and wear as a full suit, or style these chic tailored trousers with just about anything else in your wardrobe. Shop the matching La Veste Caraco Woven Blazer
(£920).
A smart cold-weather investment.
There are plenty of striped shirts on the market, but this colourway stands out from the crowd.
4. COBALT BLUE
Style Notes: And just like that, we're revisiting the blue spectrum, but this time is the turn of punchy, bright cobalt. After 2023's Barbie pink and hot red, this is the new saturated shade to kickstart fashion conversations. We're calling it now: 2024 belongs to cobalt blue.
SHOP COBALT BLUE:
Not for the fainthearted.
When Mulberry does it with accessories, you know you're onto a winner.
I'll be wrapping up in knits like this and hibernating for the foreseeable.
5. DARK CHOCOLATE
Style Notes: It just wouldn't be a complete colour roundup without a dark, grounding shade that you can pair with everything, and sorry, black; but deep chocolate brown looks supremely expensive. Whilst the runways showed moody, all-brown looks, we'll be breaking it down into mix-and-match separates to help boost the rich-factor of everyday colours like cream, denim blue and charcoal grey.
SHOP CHOCOLATE BROWN:
Proof of how gorgeous a tonal chocolate outfit can be.
Eveningwear made modern.
Well worth signing up to the pre-sale list for.
Next Up: I'm a Shopping Expert—12 Cosy Coats, Knits and Boots I Really Rate for Winter
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