Year after year we all tend to turn to the ‘sad beige’ colours as soon as September comes around. While leaning on various shades of brown is extremely reliable during the fall months, they have also become a terribly boring sight to witness on the streets. Amidst the sea of taupe, these 5 colour palettes and patterns are bound to break the seasonal monotony. This is a beckoning to not relegate the other colours merely to your spring/summer wardrobe.
Cherry Red
Left: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyypGQqgvsM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Right: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyESaWHRCww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
If TikTok, Instagram and the viral Miu Miu slingbacks are to be believed, cherry red is the colour of the season. While red has always been part of the autumnal colour palette, recent years has seen it take a step back with ‘Christian Girl Fall’ colours (brown, mustard white, brick, burnt orange) taking a more prevalent position in the hierarchy. This subdued, deep red is the perfect accent to any outfit, bringing life to your darker warm clothes.
Buttercup Cream
Right: https://www.instagram.com/p/CasDfpwNN64/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
While it is easy to pendulum between the many variations of the black or navy turtle neck and the white woollies, buttercup cream is the perfect way to subtly introduce lighter colours back into the mix. While the shade is very reminiscent of white, the hint of yellow makes all the difference. The vanilla-esque colour comes from the same line of thought as the mustard beanie we all had in 2017 but, evokes a far more luxurious pastel palette to fit into your “silent luxury” outfit rotation.
Metallics
Left: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu2DudGvOwd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Right: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu7pSBGI2Qy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Metallics are here to stay this season. Between the recent Rabanne X H&M collaboration and the abundance of it during the Autumn/Winter ’23 shows, metallics has been revived in the zeitgeist. Metallics can actually be far more versatile than they are given credit. A metallic version of the customary satin slip dress present in everyone’s closet, is a far more elevated piece of clothing in and of itself. A chunky metallic coat or leather jacket, chrome knee-high boots, a sequined mini skirt – are all pieces fit to enhance your fall and festive wardrobe.
Pinstripe
Left: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyLj07qI9zu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Middle: https://www.tiktok.com/@flannels/video/7220383740554415366?_r=1&_t=8hRPmmOv6qu
We cannot talk about the takeover of corp-core without pinstripes. Pinstripes have been a staple of the suit closet since time in memorial and they have never been more in style. Corporate core calls to two very clear-cut sensibilities within its aesthetic—the Y2k Devil Wears Prada corporate chic and the 80’s Armani, broad shouldered power-suited woman. Both are great ways to layer the pinstripe blazer with a matching trouser, skirt or even vest. The pinstripe’s vertical lines allow for an elongated and clean look, a stark contrast to the many puffer jackets that will pass by you this fall.
Checks
Left: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzhQkWHrrqN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D
Checks are the greatest way to incorporate multiple colours into your fall wardrobe. From Gingham, Madras, Plaid to Tartan, Checkerboard and Argyle, checks are an extremely fun way to play around with not only colour but also patterns. While checks have been a pretty consistent trend for most winter wardrobes, 2023 sees checks getting bigger, broader and bolder.
Written By Indira Gupta
Header Image: @Shaymitchell Instagram
