7 Trend-Proof Autumn Colours I Wear When I Want to Look Put-Together

I think it's fair to say that no one gets dressed with the desired outcome of looking "cheap", but assembling an outfit that makes you look richer than you are? That requires deliberate effort, especially when you're working to a budget. Though I'm an editor, I like to keep my fashion expenditure to a minimum; I come from a working-class family so I was taught how to make my pounds stretch. As such, I've become something of an expert at making my outfits look more expensive than they are, and by far the easiest way I do this is with colour. 

Spoiler alert: If you're into bright colours, this may not be the shopping edit for you. However, if you're interested in learning a foolproof way to make your ensembles look premium, I suggest you stick around, for I'm about to reveal the expensive-looking autumn colours that always appear high-end, regardless of how much you actually spend on them. On the cusp of autumn, now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your wares. Often, sorting through items you already own and reacquainting yourself with them is the first step towards honing your new-season aesthetic. Do so, and I'm willing to bet that you already have some of these colours in your drawers. 

Choosing which colours to wear is of course a personal choice, but in the interest of bringing you an impartial edit, I ran my selects past my esteemed colleagues, and they agree—these colours equate to a luxury-looking wardrobe. So, what are you waiting for?

Scroll on to see the seven expensive-looking autumn colours I'll be wearing to look the stylish part this season. And, should you find yourself lacking pieces in any of these hues, I've rounded up a handful of shoppable pieces for each. 

1. NAVY

Style Notes: Anyone who subscribes to a palette of neutrals is likely to have some navy knocking about in their wardrobe, and if the runways are anything to go by, it's set to be one of the biggest colour trends this autumn. 

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2. CREAM

Style Notes: If you love wearing white in the summer months, warm things up come autumn by turning your attention to cream. Although similar, I'd argue that off-white tones look even more premium than their stark counterparts, particularly when knitwear and jersey are involved. 

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3. BROWN

Style Notes: Fashion people are already embracing the earthy richness of brown—a timeless hue that harmonises with autumn’s surroundings, lending a warm and polished touch to any wardrobe. Wear with other brown pieces to tap into the quiet-luxury aesthetic. 


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4. OLIVE

Style Notes: I love black (more on that later) but when I feel the need to shake up my style, olive green is the first colour I switch in. Equally as versatile, I'd go as far as to say wearing it with all the other shades on this list will, in turn, make them more expensive-looking, just by being in the presence of olive green. 

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5. OXBLOOD

Style Notes: Oxblood is a deep shade that speaks of luxury. A pair of oxblood, leather shoes worn with something in silk creates a textured ensemble perfect for autumn evenings. That, or consider an oxblood coat or jacket to add refinement to your daily outfits. 

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6. BLACK

Style Notes: Although black never goes out of style and transcends seasons, there's no denying it's ability to make you look polished and elevated, especially when you wear it top to toe. Right now I'm seeing more all-black outfits than ever. Use silhouettes and volume to give yours a stylish point of difference. 

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7. TAUPE

Style Notes: Taupe's muted charm comes into its own by way of its versatile styling potential—in fact, I can't think of another colour this pleasing shade doesn't go with. However, worn with black accessories and staples such as blue jeans and white shirts, this hue is holds its own in the style stakes. 

Shop the Colour:

Next Up: Experts Agree—These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Are the Ones That Matter