You May Disagree, But These 6 Colour Trends Risk Feeling "Dated" Now
As a new season draws near, I asked our editors which colours feel "dated" for winter 2026, plus what they'll be wearing instead.
After a summer (and unusually warm autumn) spent in white tank tops and black linen trousers, I’m determined to inject some colour into my outfits this winter. I'd actually argue that this season is the easiest time to do so, too—a knit here, a scarf there, a sock here. So, for some inspiration, I turned to the chicest women I know: my colleagues. And after much debate in the office, it became clear that we have very different opinions on the subject. Of course, no colour is ever truly "dated"—we all have our favourites, and I would always encourage you to wear something based on whether you like it, not whether it's on trend. However, it was clear from the autumn/winter 2026 runways that colour is really doing the heavy lifting when it comes to cold-weather dressing this year. So what better way to talk through the main colour trends than to have a big old discussion about the ones we'll personally be adding to our wardrobes.
Once again, we've proved that fashion is wholly subjective; one of our editors has sworn off a colour that another has proclaimed their "must-wear" of the year. As such, please do take these suggestions with a pinch of salt, understanding that it's all about personal taste, not prescription.
So, whether you’re a bold dresser or more of a minimalist like me, I truly believe that investing in certain shades will make getting dressed in the mornings undeniably easier this season. What are those hues, you may ask? Well, luckily, we’ve rounded them up below, so you can make a decision about which colour trends you're into this winter and maybe the ones you're not so into. From classic slate grey that will pair well with neutrals and bold colours alike to standout royal purple that will take your outfit from simple to very stylish in an instant, keep scrolling to discover the six shades our editors won't be wearing for winter 2026 and the ones they're interested in instead.
Wearing: Slate
"I’ve loved the teals and turquoises that dominated this summer, but as winter comes around, I’m on the hunt for a shade that’s just a little more grown-up. Slate grey feels polished and yet very cool (no pun intended) for the colder months and also remains just as versatile as any other neutral hue. Not to mention this shade comes runway-approved, championed by Bottega Veneta, Issey Miyake and Lanvin. Bring on the 'groutfit', I say!" — Brittany Davy, junior fashion and beauty writer
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
COS
COS Relaxed Fluid Wide-Leg Trousers
£95
Bottega Veneta
£3720
MAGDA BUTRYM
MAGDA BUTRYM Tie-Detailed Gathered Padded Wool-Blend Midi Dress
£1485
BOSS
BOSS Pure Cashmere Crew-Neck Sweater
£319
Wearing: Pumpkin
"As much as I love a glass of Chianti when the temperature drops, wearing wine tones is a different story entirely. Burgundy has never beckoned to me, and after seeing how dominant it has been over the past few seasons, it's not for me. Instead, more piquant oranges have taken my fancy. Blame it on the fact Marty Supreme dominated cultural conversation for so long, or that October is so synonymous with the pumpkin hue, but as we head into winter, expect to see me in tangerine satin shirts or even clementine scarves." — Ava Gilchrist, fashion writer
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
Massimo Dutti
Massimo Dutti Wool Blend Crew Neck Knit Sweater
£60
Lauren
Lauren Lolah II Suede Slingback Pump
£145
Sézane
£130
Nour Hammour
Nour Hammour Wrislet Short Leather Gloves
£255
Wearing: Espresso
"I know, I know: bright purple is a thing right now, but therein lies my reasoning. Whilst I don't wear a lot of bright colours, if you're going to wear any shade of purple right now, it feels like it ought to be the more vivid tones we're seeing across street style, the runways and, evidently, our fashion editor, Remy Farrell; not plum. However, because I basically come out in hives whenever I look at a colour, let alone wear two, I'll be sticking to the rich browns that have served me well thus far." — Maxine Eggenberger, editor
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
The Row
£4080
H&M
£32
The Frankie Shop
The Frankie Shop Ripley Pleated Wide-Leg Pants
£245
Lounge
Lounge Contoursoft Long-Sleeve Top
£35
Wearing: Sea Glass
"Cherry red has been trending for so many years now that it’s practically become a neutral in the wardrobes of fashion people and editors alike. But for a minimalist like me, it can feel slightly too out there for my pared-back wardrobe. So, for winter 2026, I’ll be looking to softer—but no less elevated—sea moss hues that feel fresh but can also fit into the black, cream and chocolate brown that dominate my outfits." —Florrie Alexander, shopping editor
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
Free People
Free People So Soft Seamless Modal Long Sleeve
£32
Reformation
£328
Chloé
Chloé Pleated Virgin Wool Straight Pants
£820
Polène
£390
Wearing: Royal Purple
"I mean no disrespect to my colleague, but the colour I’ll be sitting out on is the one she’s intent on wearing. It’s the Halloween-pumpkin-spiciness of it; of all the colours in the spectrum, it’s probably the only one I don't own and, if I dare say, it's a little on the nose for autumn for my sensibilities. Instead, I’m wearing purple because of the vibrancy; it’s such a statement colour that you simply can’t ignore it. It commands attention, so even if you have to fake confidence, you’ll find yourself standing taller when wearing it. Trust me: try it." — Remy Farrell, fashion editor
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
karen millen
karen millen Tailored Drape Wrap Blazer
£249
Reformation
£198
Alaïa
£750
ALIGNE
ALIGNE Dion Brushed Wool Jumper
£159
Wearing: Midnight Blue
"Let’s be honest: black will literally never go out of style. But personally? I’m getting tired of only having this shade in my closet to choose from. So this winter, I’m turning to midnight blue. This dark navy hue will stand out from my typical all-black outfits, pairing well with neutrals and bold colours and patterns alike. Not to mention that it will look expensive at literally every price point." — Marina Avraam, senior shopping editor
Shop the Look
Подборка автора
Boden
Boden Elsie Cashmere Roll Neck
£139
Jimmy Choo
Jimmy Choo Alizze Knee Boot 85
£1325
PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL
PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL Jayne Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress
£385
TOMMY HILFIGER
TOMMY HILFIGER Timeless Pleated Relaxed Straight Leg Trousers
£160