Choosing the right outfits for colder months can be tricky, but it boils down to three fundamental principles. First, get comfortable with effective layering. Second, learn to combine textures for added depth and visual appeal. Finally, grasp the concept of color combinations to ensure a harmonious look.
Among these, mastering color is arguably the most crucial for a standout autumn/winter ensemble. If you can nail the color palette, the rest will naturally fall into place. However, if you find color coordination challenging, fear not; we’re here to assist.
Below you’ll find our color-matching cheat sheet for fall and winter. This practical guide serves as a source of inspiration for selecting shades that complement one another. Rely on it for your cold-weather outfits, and you’ll never second-guess your choices again.
Green and Indigo
- Wax London
- Mango
- Reiss
- Gap
The timeless duo of green and indigo consistently delivers, whether you’re layering or coordinating top and bottom. Both colors are deep yet complement each other beautifully. This subtle combination is seasonally appropriate and maintains a neutral vibe, allowing room for bolder accents if desired.
There are myriad ways to style this pair. A solid starting point could involve a green overshirt teamed with raw denim jeans. Alternatively, you might consider a raw denim jacket under military fatigues.
In either scenario, introducing a contrasting white T-shirt or a cream knitwear piece is simple, while accessories and outerwear can add lively splashes of color as you prefer.
Burnt Orange and Ecru
- Percival
- Todd Snyder
- Velasca
- Velasca
Burnt orange is a quintessential autumn color, echoing the hues of fallen leaves. It pairs beautifully with a range of other fall tones, such as browns, dark reds, and deep greens, but truly shines when contrasted with lighter shades, putting it front and center.
Instead of opting for burnt-orange trousers, try incorporating this rich hue into your outerwear. A puffer, parka, or wool overshirt in burnt orange is an excellent choice, and knitted garments look great, too. For the bottom half, ecru denim creates a fresh contrast against the vibrant top.
Complete the look with a pair of dark brown lugged shoes, and you’re ready to take on the day.
Maroon and Grey
- Reiss
- Arket
- Velasca
- Reiss
Maroon and grey create a refined, sophisticated look as temperatures drop. This pairing is subtle but effective, offering a polished alternative to stark neutrals.
In tailored outfits, consider a grey suit as a base and add maroon through knitwear. A classic crew-neck sweater in this rich, dark hue adds warmth without excess bulk, making it an ideal choice.
Olive and Beige
- Wax London
- Todd Snyder
- Percival
- Finisterre
If you want to maintain a subtle yet colorful palette, olive and beige are your allies. This combination is understated but stylish, suitable for various occasions and settings. What’s more, it works beautifully in numerous styles, whether layered, tailored, or as a split top-bottom pairing.
A classic way to incorporate this combo is by pairing an olive overshirt with beige chinos. Don’t underestimate its simplicity; a look like this remains timeless.
If you’re leaning toward jeans, switch the colors for your upper body—choose an olive bomber or overshirt complemented by a beige knitted sweater.
Tonal Browns
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- Wax London
- Mango
- Todd Snyder
Achieving a cohesive look through color matching doesn’t always require stark contrasts. Tonal pairings, which involve layering varied shades of the same base color, can significantly enhance depth and richness. Brown is an excellent base for this approach during the colder months.
A simple method is to anchor your look with dark brown pants, then layer on lighter tones—think tobacco-colored knitwear topped with a camel overcoat. Alternatively, reverse the order with lighter bottoms, a medium brown sweater, and a darker outer piece.
This technique results in a warm and visually interesting outfit that remains understated.
Navy and Charcoal
- Suitsupply
- Reiss
- Velasca
- Wax London
If you tend to gravitate toward all-black outfits as the seasons shift, consider incorporating navy and charcoal. This pairing retains a dark palette while avoiding an overly somber look.
Both colors are muted and endlessly versatile, with just enough tonal difference to add visual interest. This combination works seamlessly for everything from casual city wear to professional tailoring.
You can use navy as the base and charcoal as the accent, or flip it. Picture a navy peacoat over charcoal knitwear and gray denim for an effortlessly stylish off-duty vibe, or try a charcoal flannel suit paired with a navy knitted polo for a modern, professional look.
Footwear in black leather or oxblood suede keeps the outfit cohesive without overwhelming the color scheme.
Black and Off-White
- Wax London
- Todd Snyder
- Arket
- Suitsupply
This classic black and off-white pairing is one of the simplest to pull off during winter. It achieves a sharp aesthetic without being overly harsh, offering versatility that works just as well in casual settings as it does in more formal occasions.
For a clean, graphic look, consider starting with off-white denim or trousers paired with a black roll-neck and wool coat. Alternatively, you could reverse this style by opting for black jeans, a white Oxford shirt, and a cream cardigan topped with a black bomber jacket.
Incorporate texture via your choice of materials to ensure the ensemble remains visually engaging. While you could add colorful accessories for a fun twist, the true elegance of this pairing lies in its straightforward charm.



























