When it comes to cold-weather dressing, I, like most, am guilty of opting for neutral and dark hues that complement the grey, damp weather. Call it colour-mirroring, low-maintenance styling, or simply opting for a minimalistic approach—but few are the times I've strayed from a muted autumn/winter wardrobe.
However, this season, I'm ready for a change. And clearly, this is a shared sentiment, echoed by some of fashion’s biggest brands. As seen on the AW25 runways, bright hues are solidifying the notion that it's time to revamp our new-season wardrobes once and for all. And after a summer of adopting maximalist dressing tendencies, I'm all ears.
Designers at the likes of Tom Ford, Alaïa, Tod's, Saint Laurent, and Givenchy have injected several primary colours into their cool-weather offerings. From cobalt blues to butter yellow, fashion's stance on dopamine dressing is stronger than ever.
Coming in tailored two-pieces, statement dresses, impactful outerwear, and some of this season's biggest must-have accessories, there are plenty of options available, whether you're looking for a head-to-toe look or a new-season investment piece.
Another sentiment that may be echoed by many is wearability. And luckily for us, maximalist colours are surprisingly very easy to style. Not sure which colours to mix and match? Well, this season pretty much anything goes, and if they clash, you're probably onto a winning look.
At Tom Ford, pastel pink was paired back with a neon green shirt, while at Miu Miu purple was styled with a mustard yellow skirt. At Saint Laurent burnt orange was layered with a deep red, and at Givenchy, Sarah Burton paired pastel yellow with black, giving the saccharine shade a modern twist.
Meanwhile, out on the streets, we have seen head-to-toe colour blocking aplenty along with the ever-popular "pop of colour" approach to elevating a simple everyday look.
Ready to give it a try? Below, find my curated list of the colourful items to invest in this season and embrace an autumn full of Crayola chicness.
Red Hot
Chanel, Balmain, Acne Studios - AW25
Although red might seem like a timeless colour for this season, in AW25, it appears in a slightly brighter and bolder shade: chilli-pepper red. As seen on the runways at Chanel, Balmain, and Acne Studios, it can be used as a classic splash of colour or styled boldly with a monochromatic look.
Pretty in Pink
Chloé, Courrèges, Fendi - AW25
This summer's pink trend is far from over. According to Chloé, Courrèges, and Fendi, the soft pastel shade makes the perfectly dainty wardrobe addition for those looking for a colourful accent that won't clash with their tried-and-true autumn neutrals.
Cobalt Blue
K-Way, Kent & Curwen, Roksanda - AW25
Fresh, electric and modern, cobalt blue is the colour trend challenging chocolate brown this season. Mainly seen on the runways as outerwear, fortunately, the trend is also available through accessories and party-season pieces.
Sunny Side Up
Gucci, Alaia, Miu Miu - AW25
You've heard of butter yellow, but this season, the fashion set is focusing on the colour's slightly darker counterpart: mustard yellow. Take style cues from Gucci, Alaia, and Miu Miu, and pair the shade with black for an overall polished look.
Blue Skies Ahead
Erdem, Issey Miyake, Prada - AW25
If you, like us, are championing brown and blue this season, then it's time to invest in a baby blue statement piece. From accessories to ready-to-wear, you simply can't go wrong with this muted yet impactful colour.
Shades of Purple
Acne Studios, McQueen, Nina Ricci - AW25
A royally revered colour, purple has long been associated with coronations, crowns, and sumptuous velvet robes. Today, the fashion industry opts for the hue to accentuate their looks with rich plums, gentle periwinkles, and delicate lilacs. This season, Acne Studios, McQueen, and Nina Ricci are among the leading brands drawing inspiration from the colour, showcasing it in knitted vests, maxi dresses, and silk robes.