If You Want to Look Expensive This Autumn, Here Are 5 Elegant Colours to Have in Your Wardrobe

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

As the temperatures begin to dip and the leaves start to turn, the world of fashion shifts its focus to the rich, evocative palette of autumn. This year, the runway has been a testament to the power of colour, where designers have embraced shades that range from the bold and daring to the soft and sophisticated.

Whether you lean toward timeless neutrals or are keen to experiment a little, the autumn 2024 has something to offer for everyone. The biggest selling point of these shades, however, is just how darn expensive they can look.

Naturally, black, white and beige can form the crux of any seasonal wardrobe, not just autumn, but beyond these staple tones there are so many other timeless-looking hues coming to the fore this season, that will make your outfits feel much more elegant from the moment you put them on.

So, let’s delve into the five autumn 2024 fashion colour trends I just know will dominate this season, for which I've also found the chicest shopping options.

1. Burgundy

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Burgundy is back and chicer than ever for autumn 2024, bringing a sense of depth and sophistication to the season. This rich, wine-inspired hue is the epitome of elegance, perfect for everything from statement coats to sumptuous knitwear. It’s a versatile colour that pairs beautifully with both neutrals and vibrant shades, making it a staple for any autumn wardrobe. This year, look for burgundy in unexpected textures—think leather midi skirts or velvet blazers that add a touch of luxury to your look. Whether worn head-to-toe or as an accent, burgundy is all about making a polished statement.

Shop the Shade:

2. Pale Blue

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Pale blue is breathing fresh air into autumn 2024, offering a light, airy contrast to the season’s typically darker palette. This soft, serene hue started trending in the summer, but I think it looks even more elegant at this time of year, bringing a sense of tranquility to your wardrobe, thus making it perfect for transitional pieces like blouses, midi skirts, or lightweight knits. Pair pale blue with grey for a cool-toned ensemble or warm things up with chocolate brown (more on that in a second).

Shop the Shade:

3. Chocolate Brown

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Chocolate brown is emerging as the new neutral this autumn, offering a warm, grounded alternative to black and grey. Chocolate brown is incredibly versatile, complementing other autumnal hues like burgundy, deep green, and mustard yellow. This season, it’s all about playing with textures—think chunky sweaters, suede boots, or a sleek leather jacket. Embrace chocolate brown and you'll add a refined, understated elegance to your autumn looks.

Shop the Shade:

4. Clay Green

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Clay green is the understated yet no-less-captivating colour trend of the season. This muted tone feels relaxed yet sophisticated, perfect for those who love a more grounded palette. From flowing dresses to relaxed cardigans, clay green is incredibly adeptable and works well with both light neutrals and deeper autumn tones—I personally think it looks great with burgundy and camel.

Shop the Shade:

5. Slate Grey

Autumn Fashion Colour Trends 2024

(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

Slate grey is the timeless tone that’s asserting itself as a need-to-know neutral this autumn. This cool, muted hue with a darker edge offers a modern take on classic soft grey, bringing a fresh, minimalist feel to any ensemble. Right now I'm seeing so many stylish people I follow wearing it with other grey pieces to create a monochrome look, but I've also spotted it being worn with flashes of fiery red and leopard print for more directional twist. One thing's for sure; if you invest in something in this shade, you'll certainly get the wear out if it.

Shop the Shade:

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

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.