Autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2023: These are the stylish shades to have on your radar

The autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2023 are about to start creeping into your wardrobe so if you want to get ahead of the fashion game, then we’ve got the lowdown on the colour trends experts think you’ll be wearing next season.

It may be the height of summer but the style set is already looking ahead to the autumn/winter fashion trends. Shown six months in advance, we first started to build the picture for autumn/winter back in February and we're excited about the step away from traditional autumnal hues. The runways disclosed an abundance of pastels from sweet lavender to icy blues as well as pops of scarlet red, proving that winter is not all about black and brown. This dose of dopamine dressing is perfect for breathing new life into your wardrobe when skies are grey.

"This autumn/winter, we will see a resurgence of colour. Not that traditional autumn hues are being replaced, but they will have competition. For those afraid to have vibrant hues during the darker seasons, I recommend pops of colour via small doses - red scarves, yellow hats, pink sweaters, or bold blazers layered under winter outerwear,” says luxury fashion stylist and preloved market trends expert Jessie Frances.

Of course, there were plenty of neutrals too, the most notable being sumptuous warm chocolate brown, a softer alternative to black and the perfect building block to your winter capsule wardrobe. It’s not just the runways that influence the colours that will start trickling into stores though. Trend forecasting websites also predict consumer tastes with Pantone Colour of the Year and WGSN also influencing colour choices, the latter have announced Apricot Crush as its colour of 2024.

6 autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2023 to have on your radar

With a huge variety of colours taking centre stage, you’ll have no problem slotting one of the hottest hues into your autumn/winter wardrobe. If you’re wondering what colour suits me, start working out whether you have a warm or cold skin tone, as in reality, we can all wear any colour, it’s just about finding the right shade.

Meet your colour match with our round-up of the most stylish shades to add some new season freshness to your wardrobe.

1. Chocolate Brown

A trend that is good enough to eat, designers including Miu Miu, Isabel Marant and A.W.A.K.E all featured a myriad of chocolatey shades on their autumn/winter runways. The rich brown shade is just as versatile as other classic neutrals such as black and camel, making it easy to weave into your winter outfit ideas.

Try lifting this autumn/winter fashion colour trend with pops of pastel such as soft lilac and apricot orange to complement the deep hue perfectly. Add texture with shearling details à la Isabel Marant or break up the block hue with cool camel and coffee shades like Miu Miu for a fashion-forward tonal look that’s forever timeless.

What to look out for…

• Coat: If you buy one thing in this standout autumn/winter fashion colour trend, make it your best winter coat, guaranteed to go with everything, it will make a welcome change from black.
• Accessories: A brown accessory is another style staple, whether it’s a smart leather bag or one of the best designer belts. Perfect for breaking up other autumnal shades, it can be worn year-round too.
• Boots: Much like a bag, a pair of sleek brown boots will be a well-worn favourite over winter. Make more of a statement and inject a '70s vibe with a pair of knee-highs.

2. Icy Blues

Blue held a strong spot on the spring/summer runways and it looks like it’s sticking around for the autumn/winter fashion colour trends too. Whilst summer saw a broad spectrum of blue shades, next season focuses on a pale, icy blue like the ultimate winter queen - Elsa from Frozen. 

Spotted on Loewe, and Fendi, top designers opted for blue gowns for a more glamorous spin, so take note and invest in the best dresses in blue. Alternatively, we all know the shade works well in denim for a more casual look. This soft hue is universally flattering and can be treated as a neutral so team your straight-leg jeans with a cosy cashmere sweater in cream or the best shirts in a stripe.

What to look out for…

• Silky dresses: Dial up the glamour in a slinky slip dress or elevated shirt dress. Wondering how to style a slip dress? Offset the femininity and wear with chunky boots and tough leather accessories  
• Denim: Blue and denim go hand-in-hand but try brightening up your look with light-wash jeans, a skirt, a denim dress or the best denim jacket to tap into that icy vibe.
• Tailoring: There’s no chicer colour combo than blue and white so opt for a blue suit and crisp white shirt for a relaxed take on tailoring.

3. Red Hot

Things are hotting up with this bold hue. A shift away from Barbiecore pink, red is set to be the punchiest shade in our winter palette. Undeniably, the most fiery colour on the spectrum, wear this and you’re guaranteed to turn some heads. Making an appearance on several catwalks, including Loewe and Dundas, the best way to wear this shade is from head-to-toe for maximum impact. Try swapping your LBD for a red gown or snuggling up in a knitted jumper dress.  

“The colour trends for autumn 2023 will kick off with a fiery red. Wear this gorgeous colour in a bold wool or leather coat or a sharply tailored blazer or suit. We will also be seeing gowns in this fiery shade of red from designers, and I can’t wait to style these for clients needing black tie garments,” says fashion stylist Tara West

If all this sounds a bit daunting to you, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate red to your wardrobes. Take note from Stella McCartney and opt for pops of the hue on your knitwear or scarf or add the best designer bag to a simple jeans and tee combo to really lift your look. 

What to look out for…

• Occasion dresses: If you’re already on the lookout for your party season outfit then take note from designer Dundas and consider a gorgeous red gown. Minimal styling is needed, just add metallic accessories and let the compliments swoop in.
• Knitwear: It was all about the best jumper dresses last winter for a cozy choice that doesn’t skimp on style. Easy to dress up or down, give it added impact with a pop of red, either head-to-toe or splashes of the shade.
• Accessories: The simplest way to ease yourself into a new hue is with an accessory, Try the best designer heels, a snug bobble hat or a carry-all tote.

4. Apricot Crush

Declared Colour of the Year 2024 by WGSN and Coloro, expect to see soft shades of apricot seeping into stores through fashion as well as homeware. Designers Ulla Johnson, Zuhair Murad and Victoria Beckham chose to go über luxe with their orange servings, with floor-sweeping dresses, sparkly sequins and glossy fabrics but this shade works equally well in small doses with your everyday outfits.

“Orange is another big colour for autumn. Opt for this versatile colour in a sweater styled with jeans and boots or as a sweater dress. Orange pairs nicely with warmer tones like chocolate brown, beige, grey, or medium to dark or navy blue,” says Tara.

A wearable shade that will ease you into wearing colour if you’re a stranger to bright-coloured clothes, apricot loves a warm skin tone and pairs well with simple neutrals such as creams and whites.

What to look out for…

• Sequins: Orange has that golden hour shimmer to it so it’s perfect teamed with sequins and sparkles for a party-ready look. Style with gold strappy sandals and classic hoop earrings.
• Heels: Dip your toe into the trend - literally - with a pair of apricot orange heels. Wear with your chocolate-brown outfit for a cool contrast.
• Jewellery: Take note from Ulla Johnson and add this zingy colour to your jewellery box. From statement chokers to drop earrings, they’ll jazz up the simplest of looks.

5. Butter yellow

Yellow can be considered one of the more tricky colours to pull off but this softer iteration is a lot more wearable. A step up from ecru, off-white or cream, this buttery shade can be worn well into spring to get more bang for your buck. A go-to if you’re a fan of a more pared-back palette or a more minimalist capsule wardrobe, the clean, simple lines look effortlessly chic whilst simultaneously injecting some sunny joy to your autumn/winter outfits. 

“Yellow will be big with dresses this autumn. Think evening gowns, fitted dresses, and romantic maxi dresses. A great colour choice for any climate or geographic location because of its sunny feel yet warm and cosy undertone, aligning with fall foliage” says Tara.

What to look out for…

• Wide-leg trousers: When colours are tricky to wear, try choosing something that sits away from your face to avoid feeling ‘washed out’. Wide-leg trousers are not only super flattering (hello long legs!) but are elegant and comfy too.
• Midi dresses: Make a yellow midi dress cold-weather appropriate by adding wintery textures - tough leather boots, a cable-knit cardigan or the best wool coat.
• Quilted coats: We’re a little obsessed with Zimmerman’s duvet coat on the runway. The creamy yellow hue looks instantly expensive as well as delightfully cosy too. Choose a padded coat with a belt to add structure to your shape. 

6. Lavender Haze

Call it the Taylor Swift effect but lavender has already been a key player in our summer wardrobes and it’s going nowhere for fall. WGSN declared ‘digital lavender’ as its Color of the Year for 2023 and designers Max Mara, Missoni and Loewe showcased the shade on their fall runways too. 

The key to creating a head-to-toe lavender look is to introduce texture to the mix - think chunky cable knits, fuzzy coats and woolly socks to create some depth and interest. For a more subtle approach, break up the hyper-feminine shade with moodier hues - browns and blacks will give it more of a wintery feel.

What to look out for…

• Loungewear: The serene aura of the lavender hue makes it the perfect colour for your cosy essentials, whether it’s the best joggers or the best cashmere sweaters for a hit of low-key luxury.
• Blazer: A blazer will add polish to any look and the sweet lavender hue will give stuffy tailoring a cooler, edge. Finish with chunky loafers for a preppy look with extra attitude.
• Prints: Introduce the colour in a more subtle way by integrating it into a print. A ditsy floral or a sporty stripe. Go all blue or look for prints on a background of black for a grungier approach.