Autumn Colour Trends 2026: And What Suits You.
Updated: Sep 4
Every September the shops do the same thing. Once the jumble sales have been decimated, the rails shift, and suddenly everyone's talking about the “new colours of the season” as if they'll suit all of us equally. It can be quite frustrating for my cool toned summer and winter season clients, as the palette tends to warm up and tones turn golden and earthy (here's looking at you my Spring and Autumn beauties! 👀).
This year's crop is a genuinely good one though, so it felt worth working through what's actually landing this autumn and, more usefully, where they might sit from a colour season point of view.
Electric Blue 💙
A big hit on the runways, electric or royal blue makes a special appearance this autumn. Perfect for Winters and those looking for some depth and intensity - it makes the perfect accessory to a usually warm and more muted season in pops too.
Pair it with other brights if you’re looking for a dramatic look or reserve for flashes in shoes, scarves and jewellery! Perfect for a hit of dopamine on an autumnal grey day.
Hush Cashmere Crew (pictured above, beautifully soft)
Hush Merino Wool Alternative ( a budget friendly option)
& Other Stories Collar Cardigan (a polished take on the preppy shirt trend)
Zara Crossbody Bag(perfect for that colour pop)
Warm Brown 🤎
Brown has had a few seasons in the spotlight now, but this year's version is warmer and a little more golden than the flat, deeper brown of a few years back. Think melted chocolate and roasted chestnuts!
If gold jewellery has always suited you better than silver, this is your colour and you probably already own a version of it.
If you run cooler, a warm chocolate can sit a bit heavy against your skin. Look for a cooler, lighter rose brown instead, with a hint of white or grey running through it.
Or keep it on your bottom half and pair with a cooler shade; this brown and blue combo pictured is super pretty.
ASOS Utility Cargo Trousers (Softer brown for summers and softer colour profiles)
Whistles Cashmere Roll Neck (beautiful lines and detail on this one)
M&S Barrel Leg Trousers (such good value - be quick they always sell out!)
M&S Steve Madden Loafers (cleverly convertible to mules, a great transition piece)
Cherry Red 🍒
This season's red is deeper and more autumnal than a pillar box red, closer to a ripe cherry than a fire engine, and you’ll see it trending in pops.
A bag, a pair of shoes, a scarf against camel, denim or tonally against burgundy – which is back too, btw!
The exact shade matters more than the colour itself here. Cooler skin tones tend to suit a cherry with a touch of blue in it. Warmer skin tones can carry a red that leans towards tomato or brick orange.
Never Fully Dressed Set Pictured (lace is here to stay from summer too)
Boden Merino Henley Jumper (another fresh take on the preppy trend)
ME+EM Ruby Red Trousers (Wide leg tailored, currently in sale, always long!)
Anthropologie Dolce Vita Ballet Flats (Pictured above)
Next Ballet Flat (Budget friendly alterantive)
Plum 💜
This one might be my favourite. Plum has a real lushness to it, especially in satin or leather, and it sits somewhere between burgundy and purple depending on how the light catches it.
It's more forgiving than most autumn colours, but if deep, saturated shades tend to drain you rather than lift you, reach for a lighter, dustier version instead. Think mauve or heather rather than the deep aubergine end of the family.
STAUD Sorrento Cashmere Sweater Pictured (an investment for sure, so pretty)
COS Merino Wool V Neck (a more budget friendly option)
M&S Crew Neck Tee (perfect for trying this colour for the first time)
M&S Boxy Tee (a looser version - pairs beautifully with camel or grey)
Amber or Honey 🍯
Warm and golden like the last September light. Lovely on anyone whose skin already comes alive next to gold.
If gold typically fights with your colouring rather than flattering it, amber probably will too.
A softer butter or lemon yellow gives you the same seasonal feeling without the clash. Pair it with burgundy or plum for a perfect pop.
Reformation Satin Shorts (Pictured. A luxurious seasonal party outfit.)
ASOS Burnt Yellow Maxi (Pictured. Currently on sale!)
M&S Cropped faux leather jacket. (This would be great for summers a fresh look with plum or burgundy.)
New Balance Sport Legacy jacket (perfect for a sportier look or dress is up with satin shorts and heels for a more youthful look!)
Turquoise 💎
This one's a gem! It packs a punch with its blue based green hue, with the saturation maxed out!
Perfect for colour profiles that need a bit of depth. Autumns, Deep Autumns, Bright Winters, Deep Winters and Springs.
Summers and softer sub-seasons might want to play with colour pops in the form of bags and jewellery, or choose a colour with a little more white in it, like the version I've linked below.
It pairs beautifully with the cherry red, burgundy and chartreuse and neutrals like navy and grey.
ASOS Track Jacket (Pictured. Love this youthful texture clash look)
Hush Cashmere Short Sleeve. (A great transition and layering piece)
& Other Stories Knitted Polo (The perfect alternative for summers or those looking for a softer tone)
Zara Sweatshirt (a budget friendly casual option for someone wanting to try!)
One rule worth following
You really don't need a whole new wardrobe every September.
The smallest changes tend to work best: a new scarf, a bag or a jumper you'll actually reach for. One rule I swear by - if I'm buying something new, I check that I can create at least THREE outfits things I already own!
And what matters more than the colour itself is the tone your choose. Does it light you up and bring you joy? Is it in harmony with your personal season and style?
If you've never worked out your own undertone and the colours that are genuinely yours; that's exactly what a colour analysis session untangles.
Once you know it, you'll be translating every season's colours for yourself!
Get in touch if you have any questions about colour analysis or if you would like me to create your very own Autumn/Winter shopping guide. 🛍
