The struggle to find your signature shade is over. Burgundy’s blowing up. Camel’s crushing it. And mustard is having a moment. So, as summer retreats, there’s no need to default to navy. Follow our tips to broaden your palette when the sun stops shining.
Burgundy
Nothing complements your skin like burgundy. And that’s not just aimed at guys with darker complexions – it’s a hue that warms up even alabaster faces. Burgundy’s joy is in its versatility. It merges easily with your existing autumn wardrobe, especially ones drowning in every man’s default winter trio – black, grey and navy – or rich, earthy tones. Burgundy chinos are the stylish alternative to khaki and will set you apart from men whose trousers are as beige as their sense of style. Wear them with a dark plaid flannel shirt, charcoal wool overcoat and pair of brown suede Chelsea boots, for a luxe-looking seasonal ensemble.
Image: New Look AW15
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Dark Red Stretch Skinny Chinos, available at New Look, priced £19.99.
Camel
Kanye West has done for the camel overcoat what Alex Turner did for the quiff – taken something associated with sepia photos of your dad and made it feel new. That’s because Ye’s outerwear doesn’t sit over a business suit; it’s the crowning glory on a variety of outfits, whether tossed over a luxury hoodie or front row formalwear. Follow in his Yeezy Boost-clad steps and team your camel coat with other earthy tones – think of it as the new way to wear neutrals. Not only is setting camel against beige, off-white, cream and khaki a legit look for autumn, it’s one of the more elegant and refined menswear trends to have emerged for AW15. And one of the easiest to wear.
Image:
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Double Breasted Coat, available at Zara, priced £129.
Khaki Green
Khaki green is a colour you should never tire of. Especially if you’re partial to fashion’s favourite look: all-black everything. Not that we’re side-eyeing a dash of the dark stuff, but for an alternative to monochrome try opting for khaki pieces as military-inspired as the colour itself, like a bomber jacket. This is simple outerwear at its finest, and strikes a strong balance between street and rugged outdoorsman. For a macho vibe, pair yours with some rugged leather boots, heavyweight twill chinos and a denim shirt. But if you want to modernise your soldier wear, recruit some classic Vans trainers, a longline shirt, tailored sweatpants and a not-for-ration-packs leather backpack.
Image: Mango Man AW14
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Concealed Hood Nylon Jacket, available at Mango, priced £59.99.
Mustard
Canary yellow has no place in your autumnal palette. Mustard, however, is the perfect condiment to lend your cold-weather looks some spice. For an on-point update to your usual clubbing clobber, slot a mustard T-shirt beneath a black leather jacket and couple with a pair of black jeans and white sneakers; the neutrals ensure your brighter hue pops for a look that will swan straight past any bouncer. In the office, slotting a thin gauge jumper or cardigan between your shirt and tie and blazer will help breathe life into your workwear while maintaining that all-important sense of professionalism.
Image: Suitsupply AW15
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Ochre Knitted Waistcoat, available at Suit Supply, priced £129.
Orange
A key piece in your autumn arsenal, a flannel shirt in 1970s cigarette butt orange (hear us out) is versatile enough to be worn on its own, open over a tee or layered beneath a snugly-cut denim jacket. If your wardrobe’s already stuffed with workwear, pick plaids and buffalo checks to introduce a touch of ruggedness to your look. Orange is a difficult colour to wear, so blending it with a neutral hue, such as navy, subdues it slightly. Dial down any gaudiness by finishing your outfit with pieces that look like they could withstand a battering; coupling orange with selvedge denim and Red Wing boots will ensure your sartorial future stays bright.
Image: Mango Man AW14
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Beams Plus Button Down Brushed Viyella Shirt, available at End Clothing, priced £109.
