Photo of Zintle Mdaka

Best colours to wear for each season

Changing your wardrobe with the seasons doesn’t have to mean buying an entirely new collection of clothes. One simple way to refresh your look throughout the year is by incorporating colours that complement the mood and feel of each season.

Also see: How to wear colour this season

From soft pastels in spring to rich earthy shades in autumn, seasonal colours can make getting dressed feel more fun while helping you create outfits that feel appropriate for the time of year.

Here are some colours to consider for each season.

Spring: Embrace soft and fresh colours

Spring is associated with new beginnings, blooming flowers and lighter days, making it the perfect time to introduce brighter and softer shades into your wardrobe.

Consider colours such as:

  • Soft pink
  • Lilac
  • Mint green
  • Sky blue
  • Peach
  • Butter yellow
  • Cream

These colours work particularly well in lightweight shirts, dresses, skirts and accessories.

You don’t have to wear head-to-toe pastels. A pastel blouse paired with denim or neutral trousers can add a subtle seasonal touch without feeling overwhelming.

Summer: Go bright and breezy

Summer is the ideal season for experimenting with brighter colours and lighter neutrals.

Think:

  • White
  • Coral
  • Turquoise
  • Lemon yellow
  • Bright blue
  • Orange
  • Hot pink
  • Lime green

White and other light shades can create a fresh summer look, while brighter colours can add personality to your outfit.

For a more understated style, pair a bold colour with white, beige or denim.

Autumn: Choose warm, earthy tones

As temperatures cool and the landscape changes, deeper and warmer colours naturally become more appealing.

Popular autumn shades include:

  • Burgundy
  • Rust
  • Mustard
  • Olive green
  • Chocolate brown
  • Camel
  • Burnt orange
  • Deep plum

These colours work particularly well with knitwear, jackets, boots and other autumn staples.

You can also layer different earthy tones together. For example, camel trousers with an olive top and brown accessories can create a warm, coordinated outfit.

Also see: Style SOS! What to wear on your first date

Winter: Try rich and classic colours

Winter is a great opportunity to experiment with deeper colours and timeless neutrals.

Consider:

  • Black
  • Navy
  • Charcoal
  • Burgundy
  • Forest green
  • Deep purple
  • Chocolate brown
  • Cream

Dark shades can create a sophisticated winter look, while cream and other lighter neutrals can brighten heavier outfits.

A burgundy coat, navy sweater or forest-green scarf can add colour while still keeping your winter wardrobe versatile.

Neutrals work all year round

Although seasonal colours can be fun, neutrals remain useful throughout the year.

Black, white, beige, grey, navy and denim can form the foundation of a wardrobe and can easily be paired with seasonal shades.

For example, you could wear cream with pastel pink in spring, white with turquoise in summer, beige with rust in autumn and black with burgundy in winter.

How to choose colours that suit you

Seasonal trends can provide inspiration, but the best colours are ultimately the ones that make you feel comfortable and confident.

You can experiment with different shades to see which ones work best with your personal style. Consider wearing a seasonal colour as an accessory first if you’re not ready to commit to a full outfit.

A bright handbag, scarf, pair of shoes or earrings can introduce colour without changing your entire wardrobe.

Also see: 5 ways to wear the hottest colour of the season

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