Trust Me—These 9 Colours Always Make Outfits Look Expensive

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(Image credit: @monikh)

If someone were to ask me, I would say I’m not a huge fan of colour in my wardrobe. But that would actually be a lie—I do like some colours, just not the ones you’d automatically think of when that word is thrown around. Bold primary shades, I find, can date my look quickly and my ultimate goal is to own a timeless wardrobe that I can wear year after year. Not to mention, they’re difficult to style (even for a stylist) and can often end up looking quite cheap and garish if paired together incorrectly; or if they happen to be the wrong tone for your skin or hair colour. 

This is not to say you should never wear bold colours. Of course, if that feels like your own personal style, we celebrate wearing whatever you feel good in here at Who What Wear. But if you’re reading this and relating to my fear of brights, stick with me. Because this doesn’t automatically mean a life led in only monochromatic clothing. In fact, over my 10 years of working in the fashion industry I’ve made a point of trying to figure out exactly which colours it is that feel elegant year after year.

Keep scrolling, and you’ll find an edit of chic fashion items in what I consider to be the most expensive-looking colours. To back up my theory, I've used none other than the queen of expensive-looking colours: Who What Wear contributor Monikh Dale, to give examples of how these colours can be worn with ease. Yes, most of them have an understated, dusky or neutral base, but paired with fresh whites (for spring, especially) or styled together in a top-to-toe outfit, they’ll still do the job of adding plenty of interest to your new season looks.

These are tones that I’m seeing all over my social feeds for spring 2023, but the best thing about them is that they are transitional shades that will also feel polished in all seasons, so you can wear them for the rest of the year and beyond. Shop them all below... 

1. Mole

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(Image credit: @monikh)

2. Vanilla

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(Image credit: @monikh)

3. Dusky Rose

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(Image credit: @monikh)

4. Chocolate

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(Image credit: @monikh)

5. Sand

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(Image credit: @monikh)

6. Sage

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(Image credit: @monikh)

7. Berry

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(Image credit: @monikh)

8. Olive

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(Image credit: @monikh)

9. Rust

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Items On The High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.