I Just Tried on Every Trending Autumn Colour—I'm Adding These 4 to My Wardrobe

Of the many perks of my job, writing off a shopping trip as "research" is my favourite. Here at Who What Wear UK, we keep our finger on the pulse of all the new-in sections to keep you as up to date and informed as possible ahead of your next purchases. So last week I hit the high street to check out the latest additions to our favourite stores, and soon noticed that four standout shades are defining autumn/winter 2023. 

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(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

When it comes to styling, colour is a powerful tool that is all too often overlooked. There are certain hues that add an expensive feel to outfits, no matter the price point; neutral hues that are so versatile that their cost per wear is tiny and striking shades that can rejuvenate a long-relied-upon outfit. Truly, the colour of an item can be just as important as the design itself. Luckily for us, the British high street is well aware of the impact colour can have, and has a bounty of pieces to choose from across the trending spectrum this season. After trying on what felt like the entire rainbow, there were four incredible shades that I kept coming back to, and that I think will define autumn 2023

Keep scrolling to discover the key hues of the season and shop my affordable picks. 

1. SAFFRON RED

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(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: First, there's no denying that saffron red is having a moment. The bold hue could be spotted even from outside the shops, punctuating the new-in sections with vibrancy. I'll be honest; I've never really engaged with red. As someone who has pink-toned skin, I wrote it off as not for me, but this exact shade that keeps cropping up is a universally good tone, and I actually left this try-on with a new infatuation with the hue. Plus, wearing a standout shade definitely makes you feel powerful.

SHOP SAFFRON RED:

2. RICH BROWN

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(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: For many of us fans of neutrals, we too often turn to black for ease. But if you're looking to rejuvenate your selection of classic shades, brown should be a contender. Stepping into M&S, I immediately honed in on a slinky midaxi skirt and then found this exquisite faux-leather biker jacket, which deserves a special mention for the quality alone. As I strolled through other stores, I kept spotting this deep chocolate shade in all iterations from coats to trousers and a plethora of excellent accessories, too. 

SHOP RICH BROWN:

3. CHARCOAL GREY

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(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: The next shade I fell for was grey. No, not a groundbreaking hue in and of itself, but right now the high street is offering so many expensive-looking grey pieces that it can't possibly be overlooked. Unlike the array of light greys we see all year, as we move into the cooler months, thick wool styles in deeper grey weaves are taking centre stage. And this dress proves how impactful this neutral can really be. 

SHOP CHARCOAL GREY:

4. DEEP BURGUNDY

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(Image credit: @florriealexander)

Style Notes: Last but far from least, a classic autumnal shade has been revived for the new season. Deeper than trending saffron, burgundy tones with added notes of plum look elevated at any price point. From tailored silhouettes to relaxed styles, I spotted (and tried on) lots of great high-street burgundy pieces for autumn, and I'll admit that a few of them came home with me. 

SHOP DEEP BURGUNDY:

Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter 

Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.