From delicate pastels to shiny jewel shades and rich berry tones, the colour trends of Autumn/Winter 2011 are so varied there’s bound to be at least one to inspire everyone. Have a look at our guide to the major colour trends this season, we’ve put together some colour palettes and mood boards to demonstrate how they work!
Prim & Pretty – soft colours (nudes, light pinks, cream)
Soft pastel pinks, nudes and creams were rife throughout the fashion weeks earlier in the year, and true to form we’ve seen this trend manifest beautifully on the high street. This prim and pretty colour trend is in line with the 1940′s styles and cuts – which are filling the rails at the moment – and is a real nod to femininity and elegance. The Miss Selfridge: Peter Pan Collar Dress is an excellent example of this, with nude and light brown block colouring and a cream detail collar. There is a quintessentially English vibe to the latest take on a style otherwise known as ‘granny chic,’ just take a look at the delightful French Connection: Shelby Midi Skirt in baby pink and Dorothy Perkins: Dark Tan Brogue Shoes to see what we mean. With the delicate colourings and conservative cuts, the prim and pretty trend is ideal for adding a stylish twist to an office outfit or an ensemble for any formal event. The Accessorize: Adelilah Flower Ring offers a quick and easy way to try out this colour trend, in a delicate pastel yellow. Just because this colour palette may be more reminiscent of Spring than Autumn/Winter doesn’t mean it can’t work this season. The Select: Crop Bobble Jumper in a sweet coral pink colour is a fabulous and practical take on the prim and pretty colour palette this A/W. The feminine, delicate colour trend works wonders for those with a pale complexion and medium brown to blonde hair. It’s a gorgeous natural palette which will effortlessly give a fresh and polished look.
Bright Outlook – mood boosting colours (yellows, oranges, bright pink)
One of the bolder colour trends this season involves bright, mood-boosting colours. Ideal to lift spirits as the nights draw in and temperatures drop off. Vibrant oranges, electric yellows and shocking pinks are not to be underestimated this A/W. Try the amazing Oasis: Fit and Flare Rome Dress in a gorgeous bright red or go for the New Look: Paprika Floral Zip Playsuit to add a real who-cares-if-it’s-not-summer-any-more kick to your wardrobe this autumn. The colour blocking trend of the Summer is set to stay with us right through to next year, proving the most fashionable and flattering way to wear these bold, high impact colours. Buy a few separates like the bright pink Dorothy Perkins: Ponte Mini Skirt and enjoying mixing and matching until your heart’s content with accessories like the Office: Awake The Neighbours light blue heels or the shocking blue Boohoo: Jan Oversized Snakeskin Envelope Clutch Bag. Ensuring you stand out from the crowd, no matter what the occasion, these bright pops of colour are great for those days when you don’t want to be taking life too seriously. This colour trend is great for those of us with darker complexions and any hair colour. Have some fun with your wardrobe and inject a good dose of big and bright colours this season.
Glam Jewel Tones – shiny colours (ruby, emerald, gold, silver)
In line with the festive season, the glamorous jewel toned trend is a must for Autumn/Winter 2011. Shiny, reflective colours such as golds, silver, emerald greens and luscious ruby reds add an instant touch of glam to any outfit. Not just resigned to the frocks and ball gowns of Christmas past and present, this jewel colour trend is manifesting itself in a whole range of other ways this season. Take the Miss Selfridge: Rhinestone Turtle Ring for example, this adorable statement ring will add a touch of sparkle to any outfit. The emerald green rhinestones in a gold coloured setting are right on trend and who doesn’t love a cute turtle? Take the glam jewel tones colour trend to the office in the form of the New Look: Satin Two Pocket Blouse in deep burgundy. The satin is what makes this blouse so perfect for Autumn/Winter 2011. The reflective nature of the material gives it a gorgeous sheen like that of a precious metal or jewel. The House of Fraser: Kurt Geiger Lilian Ballerinas come in a shimmering purple shade ideal for this season, offering yet another alternative to only wearing the glam jewel trend on your party frock. But alas, the party frock is indeed one of the best ways to incorporate the jewel tones colour trend and what better way to do it than covered in sparkling gold sequins with the Warehouse: Sequin Front T-shirt Dress. Not enough gold, you cry? There’s always the Dorothy Perkins: Envelope Clutch Bag too! This colour palette is a little trickier to get right, if you have a pale complexion stick with silvers and greens, if you’re not sure. And if you’re of a darker complexion your safest bet will be to go with golds and ruby reds – that’s not to say the opposites won’t suit though!
Androgyny – neutrals (black, white, stone)
Another important trend this season is the new mod/androgynous look, consisting of lots of neutrals – most notably black, white and stone. This male/female apparel blur is popular with loads of stylish celebs like the Olsen twins, Alexa Chung, Kate Moss and Agnes Dean. By combining the right shapes with a neutral, and pretty basic, colour palette you can be working this trend in no time at all. The Select Fashion: Black Soft Drape Pocket Blazer is a staple piece when putting together an androgyny themed ensemble. Lines give structure, an important aspect of the androgyny trend and dark nondescript shades like black, grey and stone help to define these lines. Trousers such as the stone coloured French Connection: Princely Check Trousers are excellent for giving an androgynous look without dressing head to toe in black. In addition the Oasis: Workwear Pintuck Shirt in white keeps the look bright with black collar and tie detail for extra definition and structure. Accessorise your androgynous colour trend outfit with matching black and grey accessories such as the BHS Felt Tote and a pair of Office: Brogue Baby Black shoes . This is a great one no matter what your hair colour or complexion, just remember to add at least a touch of colour in your make-up to stay looking more feminine than masculine!
Berry Shades – rich berry colours (burgundy, navy, deep purple)
Last, but most definitely not least, is the berry shades trend. One of the biggest trends for Autumn/Winter 2011. If you haven’t already, you’ll be seeing rich burgundies, deep midnight blues and succulent dark purples popping up just about everywhere. This colour trend oozes European cool (I think it’s the wine style colours that are making us think European anyway!). Dress it up with a piece such as the Warehouse: Soft Slouchy One Shoulder Dress in deep red wine or go for a more casual approach with the Miss Selfridge: Purple Crepe Tee. You can incorporate the colour blocking trend with your berry shades too, pairing the purple Office: Now Then Bootie with the Warehouse: One Shoulder Dress for an extra delectable night out. Another fantastically versatile piece in a pinky/burgundy berry shade is the Motel Evelyn Peg Leg Trouser in wine. Also, the Ted Baker: Florcia Printed Silk Scarf could be worn with any piece on this board as it pulls in another key shade to wear with the berry tones – deep green. Berry shades is a truly delicious colour trend that’s easy to wear no matter what your hair colour or skin tone, a definite must for A/W 2011.
Which colour palette is your favourite this season??
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