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Autumn colour blocking: rich tones meet luminous accents

As the season deepens, Harvey Nichols reveals how to weave warmth and brightness through your wardrobe. Layer plum, khaki and burgundy alongside sage, butter and ice.

By Jordana LynchTuesday, 3rd of November 20262 min read
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Three models on a red runway wearing autumn colour blocking: left in a bright red sweatshirt with khaki and brown patterned trousers, centre in a black turtleneck with sage green tailored trousers, right in a butter yellow knit with off white furry trousers and brown boots
Harvey Nichols (@harveynichols)

The autumn palette is one of restraint and richness, yet it need not be monotonous. Harvey Nichols demonstrates how to build dimension by layering deep, earthy tones with unexpected bursts of luminosity, creating a wardrobe that feels both grounded and alive.

Flat lay styling with a grey-taupe double breasted blazer, plum V neck knit, olive green midi skirt, camel leather shoulder bag, brown suede boots and gold hoop earrings displayed against a white background with a colour swatch showing plum, khaki and brown tones

Begin with the foundational colours: khaki, burgundy, plum and navy form a sophisticated core. A tailored blazer in taupe linen, worn over a plum knit with a careful V neckline, creates immediate depth. Pair these with a midi skirt in olive or an icy blue shirt that catches the light unexpectedly. The interplay between warmth and cool prevents any single look from feeling heavy.

Flat lay styling with a navy crew neck sweatshirt, light blue collared shirt, burgundy wide leg trousers, dark burgundy patterned tote bag, burgundy loafers and silver drop earrings displayed against a white background with colour swatches showing navy, icy blue and burgundy

The technique lies in anchoring each ensemble with a neutral and then introducing one or two complementary shades. A camel leather shoulder bag, structured and gently worn, becomes the quiet foundation. Against it, burgundy trousers gain dimension. Jewellery in soft gold or silver adds a whisper of brightness without distraction. A navy knit swallows light, making butter yellow or sage shine beside it rather than compete.

Three models on a red runway wearing autumn colour blocking: left in a bright red sweatshirt with khaki and brown patterned trousers, centre in a black turtleneck with sage green tailored trousers, right in a butter yellow knit with off white furry trousers and brown boots

The real craft is restraint. Rather than spreading colour thinly across an outfit, concentrate it: a deep plum sleeve extending from a neutral body, or burgundy anchoring the lower half while icy blue floats above. This approach respects both the season’s natural inclination toward depth and the human need for brightness.

Three models on a red runway wearing autumn colour blocking: left in a bright red sweatshirt with khaki and brown patterned trousers, centre in a black turtleneck with sage green tailored trousers, right in a butter yellow knit with off white furry trousers and brown boots

Footwear grounds the composition. Burgundy suede boots in a soft finish echo the season’s richness, while navy loafers offer structure. A printed bag, navy with burgundy florals, bridges multiple tones at once, allowing the eye to move with intention rather than scatter.

The result is a wardrobe that nods to autumn’s essence while refusing to surrender to darkness. Colour becomes not a rebellion against the season, but a conversation with it.

Imagery courtesy of Harvey Nichols (@harveynichols).

Flat lay styling with a grey-taupe double breasted blazer, plum V neck knit, olive green midi skirt, camel leather shoulder bag, brown suede boots and gold hoop earrings displayed against a white background with a colour swatch showing plum, khaki and brown tones
Flat lay styling with a navy crew neck sweatshirt, light blue collared shirt, burgundy wide leg trousers, dark burgundy patterned tote bag, burgundy loafers and silver drop earrings displayed against a white background with colour swatches showing navy, icy blue and burgundy
Three models on a red runway wearing autumn colour blocking: left in a bright red sweatshirt with khaki and brown patterned trousers, centre in a black turtleneck with sage green tailored trousers, right in a butter yellow knit with off white furry trousers and brown boots
Three models on a red runway wearing autumn colour blocking: left in a bright red sweatshirt with khaki and brown patterned trousers, centre in a black turtleneck with sage green tailored trousers, right in a butter yellow knit with off white furry trousers and brown boots

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