Cobalt! Chilli Red! Royal Purple! You Need to See These 7 Major Colour Trends

I’ve always found autumn/winter fashion to be a little bit ironic. Whilst the world outside is putting on a full spectacle (the leaves changing from green to burnt umber, or the sky shifting from clear blue to a chromatic spectrum), more often than not, our wardrobes retreat to the same rotation of black, white and grey. Don't get me wrong: I adore a classic black jumper as much as the next editor, and a tan trench coat over blue jeans will forever be chic. But when the world around is so rich with colour, it does make you wonder why we aren't joining in.

Thankfully, 2026 has been the year of colour, and it seems the fashion set is finally ready to loosen their grip on neutrals in favour of something altogether more playful. You need only look to Tracee Ellis Ross in a pair of opulent purple trousers or Alexa Chung topping off her look with a vibrant red Ralph Lauren baseball cap to know that joyfully saturated hues are just what stylish wardrobes need for a lift right now.

The next question is not just which shades are "in", but how to actually wear them. The truth is, in theory, any colour will work. If it sits well within your wardrobe and (most importantly), makes you feel confident, that's more than good enough for us. That said, some hues inevitably rise above the rest each season. And after a thorough look through the Instagram feeds of fashion's coolest dressers (coupled with a close look at the hues favoured by the runways), it's clear that the colours on this list aren't simply dopamine-inducing; they’re a reliable and easy way to lift your look this autumn.

Think of these as easy styling layers to elevate your outfits, even if it's just a well-placed sock or a playful scarf. Scroll to see the seven biggest colour trends we're backing for autumn/winter 2026.

The 7 Colours You Need to Know This Autumn

1. Moss Green

Style Notes: Brazil’s national football team may have been knocked out of the World Cup early on, but months later, the fashion set is still inspired by the kit's signature shade of grass green and is experimenting with a wider variety of green hues. Playful, dynamic and vibrant thanks to its blue and yellow undertones, fresh green works with both cool and warm shades in a surprisingly wide spectrum. This shade of green is bold without overwhelming, and whether in a stylish T-shirt or a bright pair of jeans, it's the easiest way to shift your staples into an autumn 2026 mood.

Shop the Colour Trend:

2. Bold Blue

Style Notes: Arguably one of this year's most popular colour trends, cobalt blue is still everywhere. With the same vigour as summer's favourite aquamarine (more on that later), this rich colour spans electric, high-voltage blue, all the way through to ink, delivering a jolt of colour that feels equal parts daring and sophisticated. Strong without tipping into excess, its ability to elevate the simplest outfits (see Lucy Williams' black trousers, crochet ballet flats and tank top above) is proof that sometimes more is more.

Shop the Colour Trend:

3. Chilli Red

Style Notes: It seems we just can't get enough of chilli red, and for good reason. Adding some spice to the simplest looks and striking that ever-elusive balance between bold and wearable, this hot red is a go-to for editors and influencers alike. If you’re looking for a fresh way to wear it, take style cues from Marilyn (pictured above) and pair a red funnel-neck jumper and shoes with white jeans for a beautiful contrast.

Shop the Colour Trend:

4. Royal Purple

Style Notes: After quietly gaining momentum amongst experimental dressers for the best part of the year, royal purple is finally having its time in the sun. Inherently opulent yet remarkably wearable, it also pairs well with other bold-hued pieces you might already own. Now, if Emili Sindlev's colourful combination of a purple skirt, blue polo and red jumper is a tad too bright for your taste, try tempering this shade with a neutral top and a sweeping maxi coat for a cooler, more understated finish.

Shop the Colour Trend:

5. Dusty Blue

Style Notes: Whilst vivid hues are stealing the spotlight, there's still room for softer, more muted tones for minimalists too. Need proof? Just ask Hanna Stefansson ( pictured above). Using her dusty-blue satin shirt as a base and styling it with lilac tights and witchy square-toe heels, she creates a cooler-than-cool fashion-forward look. Bonus points if you style it with a fitted midi skirt and a black trench coat.

Shop the Colour Trend:

6. Baby Pink

Style Notes: We loved hot pink and Barbie pink, but this autumn, it's all about baby pink. Inherently sweeter, more optimistic and evocative of childhood happiness, this nostalgic shade feels like a reset during a season of high-impact colour. Plus, it looks especially chic when styled in an all-pink outfit with a bandana, like Hollie Mercedes has above.

Shop the Colour Trend:

7. Aquamarine

Style Notes: Having dominated this summer, aquamarine blue isn't going anywhere quite yet. This striking, dopamine-boosting pop is actually remarkably versatile; it will work just as hard in a colour-drenched look as when styled with brown trousers and black accessories, as Jeanette Madsen has (pictured above).

Shop the Colour Trend: