While opinions may vary, our editors believe these are the 5 color trends that have become outdated for autumn.
As we approach autumn, I've been reviewing my closet to identify any missing items and looking to the upcoming seasonal trends for inspiration. This has led me to contemplate what might be fading from popularity, particularly which colors will take a backseat this season. Fashion can be unpredictable, and even the most significant trends can quickly lose their appeal. We've already discussed the major trends to anticipate in our autumn trend report, but it's equally vital to examine those that may be left behind, and who better to turn to than our own team of experts? As fashion editors, we strive to be thoughtful and diplomatic—what seems dated to one person might appear fresh to another—but we have to be honest regarding personal style. Some colors are ones we know we'll continue to wear this season, while others will be stored away. This isn't a strict list of what to avoid, but rather the color trends some of our editors will be putting on hold this autumn, along with the fresher alternatives that we are opting for instead. Embracing new trends is a fundamental aspect of fashion, and there may be colors you hadn’t previously considered that can easily blend into your current wardrobe! Keep scrolling to discover the 'dated' color trends we're skipping this season, alongside those we’re incorporating into our outfits.
**5 “Dated” Color Trends Our Editors Are Leaving Behind This Autumn:**
1. **Pausing: Oxblood | Wearing: Plum**
*Style Notes:* "This may sound controversial, but I'm putting away more red-tinged burgundy shades this autumn. Merlots, oxbloods, and bordeaux feel very much associated with last year, and although it's arguably its own kind of neutral, I'm letting this red wine shade go. Instead, I'm reaching for cooler shades like rich plum. From satin finishes to luxurious knits, the purple undertone brings a sense of decadence and expense, especially as it’s not a color we typically see often." – Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer
2. **Pausing: Mustard | Wearing: Slate Grey**
*Style Notes:* "After spending summer in buttery yellow tones, you might expect to shift to deeper mustard shades in autumn. However, I’m feeling a bit tired of that hue. Thus, I'm opting for sleek slate grey—it's a fresher alternative to black and is a classic shade that doesn’t feel overly trend-driven." - Natalie Munro, News Writer
3. **Pausing: Red | Wearing: Cobalt**
*Style Notes:* "Don’t misunderstand me—I’m not suggesting red is going out of style anytime soon. However, after several seasons dominated by vibrant tomato reds, I believe it's time for a new, even more striking color. This year, my fellow editors and I notice that beautiful cobalt blue pieces are making a splash, and honestly, it feels much fresher and unexpected compared to the reds we've become accustomed to. I’ll be adding a cobalt blue knit to my autumn collection for sure." - Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
4. **Pausing: Chocolate Brown | Wearing: Mocha Mousse**
*Style Notes:* "Chocolate brown will not vanish from my wardrobe this season, but after investing heavily in this shade to diversify my all-black wardrobe, I’m feeling a bit weary of it. For autumn 2025, I’ll be incorporating lighter, 'mocha mousse’-inspired tones that remain neutral, elegant, and timeless, which aligns with my minimalist taste. These hues will not only brighten my outfits but also provide a contrast to the deeper shades I'm used to." - Brittany Davy, Editorial Assistant
5. **Pausing: Forest Green | Wearing: Olive**
*Style Notes:* "I’m quite ready to say farewell to the forest green of the past seasons. It’s never been my favorite, yet each autumn it seems we gravitate towards this earthy shade for knitwear and outerwear. This year, I'm substituting emerald for olive, which fits better into my palette of browns and neutrals. I’m turning to olive green accessories and jackets for the autumn season ahead." - Annie Wheatland-Clinch, Assistant Social Editor
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While opinions may vary, our editors believe these are the 5 color trends that have become outdated for autumn.
It seems that a few autumn color trends are perceived as somewhat "outdated" by our fashion editors. Here are the substitutes they are opting for instead.
