7 Autumn Colour Combinations That Are Deeply Chic, Timeless and Instantly Expensive-Looking
Finally in the throws of autumn, my plans for the weekend now involve combing through every item in my wardrobe to reorder everything I own, bringing forth the pieces that really speak to this time of the year, and one of the things I’m most excited about rediscovering is my autumnal colour palette. The transitional period between summer and winter offers an exciting opportunity to experiment with deeper, richer tones while still incorporating subtle hints of warmth and neutrals, and I’m all about trying to achieve this balance right now. And whether you’re drawn to timeless colours or bold, statement-making hues, the key is in what you pair certain colours with.
By thoughtfully layering colours, you can create effortlessly stylish outfits that feel modern and elegant, yet practical for the changing weather. Think sophisticated palettes that transition seamlessly from day to evening, and from work to weekend, without compromising on your aesthetic. Autumn presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with unexpected combinations that feel fresh and refined, whilst still embracing the natural beauty of the season with signature shades such as burgundy and brown.
So, I took it upon myself to track down the most elevated-looking autumn fashion colour combinations to try right now, in the hope I’d be able to re-create many of them with items I already own. Scouring social media, I came across seven such ensembles that I just had to share with you. From the unexpected tone that looks so stylish worn with navy to the hue that will make your black items look even glossier, scroll on to see the autumn colour combinations I’ll be wearing in 2024.
7 Elegant Autumn Fashion Colour Combinations to Try in 2024
1. Olive + Charcoal
Style Notes: While this year has largely been dominated by Brat green, when autumn rolls around, I always find myself coming back to more hushed variations of the tone; think olive and forest. The former has a sludgy undertone to it, which taps into the wider appreciation for all-things brown this season (more on that in a moment). For me, nothing pairs with this shade quite so well as charcoal grey.
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2. Burgundy + Black
Style Notes: Burgundy is one of the biggest colour trends of the year, hands down. Initially we saw fashion people begin wearing it in accent form—think handbags and shoes—but the pendulum has swung the other way. Now, burgundy is being worn as a principle colour, with other hues stepping in as supporting acts. It might not be a "trend", but I have to say, glossy black accessories make this rich hue look even more high end than it already does.
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3. Taupe + White
Style Notes: For a cooler colour pairing (by which I mean cool in undertone but also, in effect) look no further than soft taupes and bright whites! It might not be the most practical pairing—I certainly won't be rushing around with a takeaway coffee cup in hand whilst wearing it—but no one can deny how chic it looks.
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4. Navy + Pale Yellow
Style Notes: A colour that dominated this summer is undoubtedly pale yellow, but just because we're entering the cooler months that doesn't mean you have to turn your back on it completely! Instead, try countering the soft tone with a deep hue—my favourite without question is navy.
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5. Rose + Cream
Style Notes: After taking in the spring/summer 2025 collections this fashion month, one thing is clear—pink is going to be a big deal again next year. Fashion people have already picked up on this and have begun wearing the shade in dusty rose hues, which look beyond beautiful when paired with cream.
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6. Sky Blue + Camel
Style Notes: Although this isn't the newest-feeling colour combination on the list, it's considered a classic for a reason. This shade of blue is as timeless as colour trends get, especially when it's worn with equally elegant camel tones. If you really don't know where to start when it comes to pairing colours, trust me—this is a combination that never let's you down.
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7. Brown + Cream
Style Notes: I know I've already used up cream with another tone but this pairing was too good to ignore. Along with burgundy, brown is one of the season's leading colour trends, and perhaps the most versatile, too. It goes with literally every single colour that's already on this list, but, for an unmistakably chic pairing, you really can't better rich chocolate brown and cream.
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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.