Arguably the most important runway trend for autumn/winter 2021 is a return to loud, highly pigmented colours. From cerise mini dresses with matching tights and satin platforms at Versace (perhaps my favourite catwalk 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, Brit girls 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 terracotas, 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 streets, 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.
