The year's biggest trends have an air of elegance about them; you need only consult both our spring/summer and autumn/winter 2024 trend reports to see as such. This has lead to a surge of searches on how to look more elegant, dress more sophisticatedly and generally add some polish to your aesthetic. My friends have also been asking me how to do so, and I've given them a very simple answer: colour.
Regardless of your budget, I firmly believe that the colours you wear will always have the most significant impact on how elegant your outfit looks. That's not to say there isn't a place for bolder, more trend-led colours, but if you're in search of a foolproof solution, there are a handful of expensive-looking, never-date colours I would recommend starting with.
I've charted them for you below, along with a healthy dose of influencer inspiration and some current shopping picks from both the designer and high-street markets. Scroll on to see the colours that equate to a very premium palette.
7 EXPENSIVE-LOOKING FASHION COLOUR TRENDS TO TRY
1. TAN
Style Notes: In the interest of democracy, I asked my colleagues which colours I should include in this edit of expensive-looking fashion colour trends, to which they all replied tan. Whether you choose warmer tones or a more muted camel, this hue is widely considered to be a classic, thus cementing its premium feel.
Shop the Colour:
Add black and camel accessories for a luxe finish.
This shape is different from your usual square bag, but it still feels timeless.
A staple for autumn and winter.
2. OLIVE
Style Notes: While this edit admittedly consists of neutrals, that doesn't mean it's completely devoid of colour. Olive green tones are versatile yet look just as luxurious on their own. The tone also looks expensive in a variety of fabrics, including linen, satin, suede and cotton.
Shop the Colour:
A classic cut and fit.
3. PALE YELLOW
Style Notes: Pale yellow started out life as a seasonal trend but years on, it has proven itself to be a reliable and hardworking neutral; one with more personality to it than others. Wear it on its own or pair it with darker hues, just as Monikh Dale has done here with a black blazer.
Shop the Colour:
The perfect silhouette for a butter-yellow handbag.
The colourblocking of white and pale yellow works so well here.
4. NAVY
Style Notes: I deliberately left out black (and white) from this list as I think we can all agree on the fact that they loan themselves well to so many outfits, and they're likely colours you wear often anyway. Make way, instead, for navy. The blue shade works with just about anything you'd pair black with—even black—while its rich undertones give off a, well, rich-looking vibe.
Shop the Colour:
This dress is fit for nearly any occasion.
The perfect top to wear with jeans.
Navy is an ideal shade for elevated summer shorts too.
5. CREAM
Style Notes: There's a big difference between white and cream, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The warmer of the two tends to look more expensive on a budget, too, which is another reason that it pipped white to the post.
Shop the Colour:
The ruching and hue make this piece one you'll want in your closet for years to come.
Style these with other cream and ecru colours for a monochromatic look.
A mock-neck always feels sophisticated.
6. BROWN
Style Notes: Another black alternative that looks just as classy, rich brown shades are enjoying a moment right now whilst the market looks for new ways to channel 2024's sophisticated aesthetic. I think it looks especially stylish in tactile fabrics such as velvet and satin.
Shop the Colour:
Linen will keep you cool and dark brown will keep your summer outfit feeling polished.
Take part in the trend but keep it timeless with this classic colour.
A lighter shade of brown also looks incredibly chic.
7. BURGUNDY
Style Notes: Burgundy has been everywhere this year and will no doubt soar in popularity when autumn approaches. With fashion people wearing it in shoe and bag form, the classic shade has found itself back in favour, though I'd argue it has always been one of the most high-end-looking colours out there.
Shop the Colour:
This shade looks even more luxurious when it has a shine to it.
What could be more fitting for autumn weather? (Yes, I'm already thinking ahead!)
This colour is lovely when it takes the shape of flats too.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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