How to Dress for Autumn When You Don’t Suit Autumnal Colours

Autumn is a beautiful season that brings with it a rich palette of warm, earthy hues – think burnt oranges, deep burgundies and rustic browns. However, if these autumnal colours aren’t your best match you may feel out of sync with the season’s trends. Don’t worry! You can still enjoy the feeling of autumn without compromising your personal colour palette. Here are my top tips for dressing for the season while keeping true to the colours that suit you best.

Embrace autumnal textures instead of colours

Autumn fashion is all about rich textures and layers, so try embracing seasonal fabrics rather than the colours themselves. Opt for cosy materials like wool, cashmere, corduroy, velvet, and suede. These textures add depth and warmth to your outfit, making you look autumn-ready even if you’re not sporting traditional autumn hues. Picture a soft grey cashmere sweater or a navy velvet blazer – they offer that warm, seasonal feel without shifting away from your best colours.

Incorporate autumn neutrals

Neutrals can work for any season and finding autumn inspired neutrals that suit you can be a game-changer. For those suited to cool, deep shades (winter), think charcoal, deep navy and aubergine.  If your better in cool, soft shades (summer), experiment with burgundy, grey navy or rose brown.  And if your best shades are warm and clear (spring season) light navy, camel and tan will look fab.

Pair the above neutrals with accent colours in your colour palette eg; layer a charcoal grey cardigan over an icy blue blouse, a tan suede jacket with your favourite denim and ivory vest or corduroy burgundy trousers with a fuscia sweater.

Use accessories to add subtle seasonal touches

Accessories offer a simple way to add a hint of autumn without compromising your palette. Shoes, bags, belts, hats and even jewellery in autumnal-inspired textures or finishes such as leather, suede can add some warmth without overpowering your look. Imagine a navy outfit paired with a chestnut leather bag. Similarly, experimenting with seasonal prints like plaids, tweeds, or animal prints in your chosen colour tones can subtly connect your outfit to autumn while keeping within your best colours.

Layer with seasonal outerwear

Autumn is the season for layering and a great way to bridge between your colours and the autumn aesthetic. A trench coat in charcoal or an aubergine pea coat can add that autumnal flair while keeping you on the cooler side of the spectrum. And a camel military style coat teamed will look fab if your suited to the warm clear spring shades.  Consider adding scarves, hats, or gloves in textures like wool or cashmere to bring in more depth without shifting away from colours that work for you.

Play with makeup and nail polish

Your makeup and nails can also convey a sense of autumn without overpowering your outfit. If you’re avoiding rust lipsticks and olive green eyeshadows and suited to spring shades experiment with a rich coral lipstick and a light brown eyeshadow.  And if cool shades look better on you those suiting have fun experimenting with a deep berry lip, a navy or plum eyeliner, or even a metallic polish in silver or gunmetal.  All can evoke an autumn feel while keeping your makeup aligned with your complexion.

Balance with monochrome and minimalism

When in doubt, keep it simple. An understated, monochromatic look such as a full outfit in navy or camel can feel chic and autumn ready while staying true to your best colours. Minimalism, paired with the right autumnal textures and accessories can convey the season’s spirit without the need for traditional “autumn” colours.

There’s no rule saying you need to wear autumn colours to feel part of the season. By focusing on textures, layering neutrals, and incorporating some of the suggested alternatives, you can create an autumn wardrobe that feels rich, cosy, and perfectly suited to you. Let your colours shine no matter the season!

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