Move over, standard neutrals. A fresh palette of sophisticated shades is taking centre stage in British fashion, offering a stylish and wearable update for the season ahead.
The Rise of Olive Green
The fashion world is embracing a new neutral, and it's anything but basic. Olive green emerged as a standout trend at British designer Emilia Wickstead's Autumn/Winter 2025 show, where models were swathed in the elegant, earthy hue. The trend received a significant royal endorsement when the Princess of Wales chose a tailored olive-green Victoria Beckham outfit for a royal engagement in Oxford last month.
This shade is praised for being both refined and incredibly versatile, providing a compelling alternative to traditional winter colours. Fashion experts suggest carrying the tone from head to toe, with statement pieces like Kate Spade's large gold and green earrings and Russell & Bromley's sleek leather loafers.
Warm Tones and Metallic Alternatives
For those seeking a brighter injection of colour, burnt orange is the warm, inviting tone that has been widely anticipated. It looks particularly striking in textured fabrics, as seen in Mango's terracotta rhinestone co-ord set and Esska's marmalade-toned velvet platform sandals. For a more casual approach, tailored trousers from Lily Silk paired with a spicy orange cashmere cardigan from Jaeger create a comfortable yet chic look. Stylists recommend complementing this vibrant colour with warm metallics like gold or creating a bold contrast with teal.
Another key trend for the season is steel blue, a dusky, almost-metallic shade that serves as a sophisticated alternative to white or cream. This powdery tint pairs beautifully with deeper statement colours such as black, brown, claret red, and even the trending olive green. While a smart two-piece from Aligne is perfect for transitioning from office to evening, everyday essentials like Strathberry's soft Charlotte bag and Monsoon's cosy bouclé coat are winning over fashion enthusiasts.
The Easiest Colour to Wear Now
Finally, burgundy, also known as berry or claret, remains a firm favourite. It offers a pared-back, more wearable version of festive red, making it ideal for daytime styling. Currently the most popular shade on the high street, it provides ample choice for shoppers. Mulberry-toned leather accessories like bags and boots look exceptionally sophisticated, while deep crimson knitwear and wool coats add an elevated touch to any outfit. For colour pairing, burgundy works beautifully with steel blue, chocolate brown, or a soft pale pink.
These four key colours—olive green, burnt orange, steel blue, and burgundy—are set to define the season, offering British fashion lovers a range of elegant and exciting options to refresh their wardrobes.
