These are the only 8 colour trends you need to know about for autumn, according to our Fashion Editor
It may well be October, but while the calendar indicates that we're knee-deep in autumn some of us are only just coming to terms with the fact that our spring/summer wardrobes were just a bit of a non-starter this year - thanks, largely, to all those tracksuit bottom moments.
Of course, that doesn't mean the year's been a total sartorial bust. Instead of wiping away our summer-dress-shaped tears, we've decided to stop dwelling and rather focus on the now.
And although we may still be in the depths of a global pandemic with curfews and local lockdowns a very real thing, we've decided that our autumn wardrobes deserve a new lease of life.
Are you on board? If you are ready to put aside the tracksuits momentarily, we've got some good news for you. Next season has got some EPIC trends to get involved in.
Let's be totally honest, autumn fashion is always more fun than summer, thanks to the endless styling opportunities available via the simple art of layering. Something that wasn't quite such a viable option during the UK's many unexpected heatwaves this year...
This season's most major looks to know about? Rejina Pyo, Christopher Kane and Victoria Beckham all back the 'modern cut-out', while capes were given the seal of approval by Carolina Herrera, JW Anderson and Rodarte.
But if they sound a tad intimidating after several months spent braving little more than a new tie-dye t-shirt (which, after all, you could swap for your plain white one whenever you felt overwhelmed thanks to your wardrobe being a mere 5-foot from your WFH desk...) we've got an easy entry route into the world of AW20 trends, and it's all thanks to the magic of colour.
One of the easiest ways to breathe new life into a look, colour trends require far less courage - or even forethought - than bold new silhouettes or statement accents.
So what are the key colour trends this autumn? Here are the eight that our Fashion Editor encourages you to tap into if you want to give your wardrobe an on-trend twist without having to brave an entirely new aesthetic...
Getty Images1. MAXI RED
Full-throttle red - aka from your neck to at-least-your-knees - was undoubtedly the biggest colour take-away from the four major autumn/winter fashion weeks staged earlier this year. Whether you opt in via a maxi dress, a trouser suit or even a top and skirt, there's no holding back with this one. Just make sure your accessories are relatively neutral to avoid overkill.
Spotted at: (L-R) Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta
Getty Images2. HOLOGRAPHIC SHEEN
Holographic pieces pop up every now and then most seasons, but the AW20 showcase was the first time in a while that it's been spotted on numerous runways. Crucially, they appeared predominantly on muted base notes (deep greys, whites etc.) which ensured it felt fresh and not overworked. Pair it with pastels to keep it clean.
Spotted at: (L-R) Sally LaPointe, JW Anderson, A.W.A.K.E. Mode
Getty Images3. BROWN AND BLACK
The old adage about brown and black being the ultimate style taboo is no more, as it's officially the chicest colour pairing of the new season. Whether it's a single piece with the duo of tones or your own concocted take via layering, you can't go far wrong with these two. It's a good idea to stick to one shade of each - as opposed to a rainbow of tones - to avoid things looking messy.
Spotted at: (L-R) Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, Prada, Christopher Kane
Getty Images4. LILAC LAYERS
Purple is often overlooked as a power-colour, but the autumn/winter runways made a convincing case for its merits. Rarely seen as a standalone, they tended to come via layers of suiting, tonal outfits or matching dress-and-heels.
Spotted at: (L-R) Toga, Boss, Alberta Ferretti
Getty Images5. LIQUID BLACK
Fans of a pared-back black look should rejoice next season, as there's little considered chicer for AW20 than a head-to-toe midnight look. Several brands elevated their takes via liquid-like sheens of vinyl, silk or even rubber to add layers of texture.
Spotted at: (L-R) Rejina Pyo, Alexander McQueen, Loewe
Getty Images6. STATEMENT SILVER
Undoubtedly one set to dominate should 'party season' exist in its traditional format, shades of silver spattered the AW20 runways and injected each one with a refreshing sense of fun. Paired with a stripped back colour palette (think whites, greys or blacks) to avoid it veering towards tastelessness.
Spotted at: (L-R) A.W.A.K.E. Mode, Givenchy, JW Anderson
Getty Images7. CLASHING SUNSET
Pink and red is another taboo duo that is big news for autumn/winter. These shades, reminiscent of the world's very best sunsets, look just as great in segmentalised sections - e.g. via block colour separates - as they do woven throughout via clashing pattern work. Keep it cute and avoid messy aesthetic punctuation marks by ensuring any accessories are in on the clashing action too.
Spotted at: (L-R) Christopher John Rogers, Alberta Ferretti, Carolina Herrera
Getty Images8. BROWN AND PEACH
One of the most unusual colour pairings we spotted repeatedly on the AW runways was brown and peach, but it was also one of our favs. Softer, obviously, than brown and black, this is the perfect, modern way to lift and soften brown hues without having to resort to the more obvious - albeit timelessly chic - 'tonal' look via beiges and creams.
Spotted at: (L-R) Rejina Pyo, Chloé, Bottega Veneta
