The Best 31 Pieces to Buy in Autumn's Already-Trending Colours

Arguably the most important runway trend for autumn 2021 is a return to loud, highly pigmented colours. From cerise minidresses with matching tights and satin platforms at Versace (perhaps my favourite runway look of the entire season) through to the mix-'n'-match super-brights in oversized shapes at Raf Simons, designers are painting a vibrant scene for the months to come. The vibe, however, is already coming to the fore ahead of time on social media. Whether brightening up the streets of London or taking something standout on staycation, Brits are backing the look wholeheartedly, choosing solid-colour, ultra-vibrant dresses by the dozen. Elsewhere on planet fashion, you'll find the Scandi crews continuing to flex their colour-clashing muscles, wearing complementary tones together (cobalt blue and bright orange, anyone?), while some of our Italian pals seem particularly invested in canary yellow. All of the above are more than appropriate for the autumnal season ahead, even if you consider them to be shades better suited to summer—in essence, that is the very point. Rather than a traditionally moodier palette of russet reds, rusty terracottas, forest greens and sombre greys, the coming season is all about continuing our joyful-dressing streak and making an entrance.

Of course, there are a few neutral hues keeping things on a level for those of you who don't fancy playing dress-up. Matte-finish brown fabrics are popping up everywhere and look incredibly premium on the high street, especially when worn head to toe. Thanks to this summer's trending trousers from The Row—a very inconspicuous-looking pair of beige slacks—shades of cream are also on the menu. Keep scrolling to find out about autumn's already-trending colours and where to get the best pieces to shop the looks out.

1. APPLE GREENS

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(Image credit: @nicole_huisman)

Style Notes: Unlike more acidic shades of green, these kinds of slightly more muted hues can move very well into autumn sitting alongside darker colours and cosy layers. But also, how striking is an apple-green dress?

2. DEEP BROWNS

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: In those moments where you'd normally turn to navy, grey or black, try brown instead. It looks luxe, even when you're not spending a great deal on it.

3. JUICY ORANGES

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(Image credit: @ninasandbech)

Style Notes: Orange, like purple, tends to divide crowds, but it's increasingly present across new-in sections and social media channels. And it does look pretty fab with pink…

4. PUNCHY PINKS

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(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)

Style Notes: From bold cerise trousers through to bubblegum handbags, there is no shortage right now of really bold pink pieces. Seun's idea here of wearing hot-pink trousers with a yellow tee is inspired.

5. WHIPPED CREAMS

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Style Notes: Who knew beige slacks would be this summer's key buy? The look will easily translate into autumn with knitwear, but you'll also find cream dresses, tailoring and coats cropping up.

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the editor in chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits.

Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.