STYLING: The coming season's colour trends

The colour story has taken on a new spin this autumn, and the shades you see will breathe new life into the neutrals of previous years. Colours are more joyful and imaginative. The plain beige has become buttery, adding more warmth. These buttercreams and fudge browns are easy to wear and will carry through to next spring.

When Pantone announced their autumn/winter palette for the coming season they certainly seemed to put thought into it. Out with the bland and in with the warm and cosy.

Colour plays such a huge part in our lives, it can set the mood for the day, and make us feel good about ourselves (or not!). You know that lovely feeling when someone compliments you on looking well? That can often just be down to the colour you’re wearing. It really projects a powerful message. Think about it.

So what will be in the stores this autumn? Here are some of the most popular shades on the catwalks recently.

Orange is the undisputed favourite colour this coming season. This lively colour can be very elegant when teamed with teal or turquoise. Add some great jewellery for a truly unique look. Burnt orange is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t favour full-on bright orange. Quite a sophisticated shade, it’s very flattering on anyone who can take this depth of colour.

Red is a high-energy colour that sneaks on to every catwalk. This year, it’s the fiery version. You will see lots of trouser suits in this shade, along with winter coats and jackets. It’s a statement colour, so if you wouldn’t do the whole suit or coat thing, then at least grab a scarf or necklace to brighten up a dark or neutral outfit.

Camel and burnt-sienna hues convey a sophisticated earthiness that looks great teamed with reds and creamy shades. Camel bags were all over the catwalks at the fashion shows.
Buttermilk, a milky white with a hint of creamy colouring is flattering, adds warmth to the complexion this season.

To get an idea of fudge brown, just think of the sweet treat. This is a really soft, almost minky brown, so much easier to wear that dark chocolate brown.

Exuding radiance, yellow is such a happy colour, and it’s back. Again, if you’re not feeling bold enough to pop on a yellow top, remember that it’s a wonderful accessory colour.

Another happy hue, peach invites a soft and easy touch. Light-toned skin will sing with this on-trend shade, while darker tones will adore apricot, a more vibrant shade that’s equally as fashionable.

And of course, with the Barbie phenomenon sweeping the world thanks to the hit movie, pink is everywhere in every conceivable shade. Light and bright shades are very feminine and summery, while darker shades like fuchsia and cyclamen are more suited to autumn. Magenta is a very deep fuchsia with undertones of purple, and I’m already seeing dresses appearing in this shade. It’s a great colour for a winter wedding.

This season’s greens are earthy, like olive and khaki, or vibrant like citrus lime, while the blues are more icy. A camisole is a great buy in icy blue shade, as it will complement so many other items in the wardrobe. That said, strong blues are still all the rage. So my cobalt coat will stay in fashion this season. Amen to that!