Edward Berthelot
Photo: Getty Images
Foc Kan
Christian Vierig
Photo: Getty Images
Arnold Jerocki
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Stephane Cardinale – Corbis
Dopamine dressing isn’t going anywhere, because goodness knows we all need a pick-me-up right now. And where better to start than with your own wardrobe? When it comes to autumn/winter trends, it’s often the time when we amp up the sparkles and brighten our outfits with bold colour.
This autumn is no different, the saying “more is more” is here to stay. But how does one actually pull off head-to-toe colour? Look no further! With over 18 years of experience as a fashion editor and stylist, I know a thing or two about putting outfits together.
When trying out a new colour, I often say to go for an accessory first. A jolt of colour from a bright scarf, a pair of earrings or a flash of a bold pair of ankle boots can ease you into a more vibrant way of dressing. Second, using neutral tones in your outfit will always help to bring the look together if 100% saturation doesn’t feel right for you. Last, if you want to try more than one shade and are a fan of colour clashing, try combining shades from opposite sides of the colour wheel. Think forest green and purple, blue and orange, and so on.
Overall, as with all things fashion, I urge you to have fun with it—there are some pointers but no real rules if it brings joy. Wear what makes you feel good, and if that means wearing a rainbow, just do it. Keep scrolling to see how I’d recommend you wear colour head to toe.
This season, I’ll be wearing citrus shades like tangerine and zesty green but also lots of head-to-toe black and winter white. Think coats, matchy-matchy tailoring and oversized sweater dresses in a bold colour for a simple way to embrace colour. If you’re more of a wallflower when it comes to colour and appreciate neutral shades then I have you covered too.
I’ve found six fail-safe colour combinations you will want to try. Scroll on for inspo—you can thank me later.
1. ORANGE + PURPLE
We adore the way that Zeena experiments with colour. Take a leaf out of her book, and try shades that sit next to each other on the colour wheel. It’s a fail-safe way to try injecting colour into your wardrobe. Black accessories anchor the whole look and pull it together.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Raey
Ruched Side Jersey Dress
£208
Loewe
Gate Dual Mini Leather Shoulder Bag
£1500
COS
Embroidered Leather Cowboy Boots
£150
2. GREY + GREEN
Style Notes: Anne-Victoire Lefevre never gets it wrong. We love how she has toughened up this vibrant green top with a cool-toned skirt and grey loafers.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Reformation
Elio Knit Top
£98
& Other Stories
Pencil Maxi Skirt
£75
The Row
Canal Almond-Toe Leather Loafers
£960
3. HEAD-TO-TOE RED
Style Notes: So simple but oh so cool. Great for modest dressers, this oversized knit screams comfy and chic. Not into boxy silhouettes? This drape will be your best friend.
SHOP THE LOOK:
COS
Scarf Detail Draped Midi Dress
£110
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale 70 Buckled Suede Mules
£595
Alaïa
Le Cœur Leather Cross-Body Bag
£880
4. BOTTLE GREEN
Style Notes: Wearing colour head to toe doesn’t have to be loud. We love this pared-back approach in bottle green. It feels very autumnal and elegant. Match your bag to your tailoring for a new spin.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango
Straight-Fit Suit Jacket
£80
Mango
Wide Leg Trousers With Belt
£50
Dragon Diffusion
Santa Rosa Woven Leather Shoulder Bag
£360
Ralph Lauren
Averi Nappa Leather Loafer
5. CAMEL + BLUSH
Style Notes: We love what Monikh Dale has done here with her soft combination of colours. For a subtler look, this should be on your radar—the key here is how she has stuck to colours that are similar tones, so both pastel in this case. Finish with lashings of gold jewellery, and you’re good to go.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Mango
Double-Breasted Wool Coat
£200
Esse Studios
Gilded Satin Maxi Skirt
£620
Missoma
Molten Twisted Infinity Chain Bracelet
£135
6. HOT PINK AND MORE HOT PINK!
Style Notes: Note how oversized the blazer is on Renia of @venswifestyle. Achieve a similar look by sizing up in the blazer. The main tip to take away from this tailoring look is to buy a complete suit from the same place. It will always look more high-end than mixing and matching two different fabrics.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Me+Em
Silk Pop Color Shirt
Me+Em
Wide-Leg Flare Pant
Jacquemus
Le Bambino Long Leather Shoulder Bag
£750
Loeffler Randall
Minerva 90 Feather-Trim Satin Sandals
£335
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