seasonal colour swaps: update your core wardrobe for autumn without buying a new coat

Autumn always feels like a fresh chapter for my wardrobe — the air gets crisper, the light shifts, and that urge to feel cosy and composed kicks in. But buying a new coat every season isn’t sustainable or necessary. Over the years I’ve learned how a few colour swaps can make your core wardrobe feel instantly autumnal without the expense of a new outerwear piece. Here are the practical, style-first strategies I use (and share with friends) to refresh looks for the season while keeping pieces you already love.

Start with a small palette edit

When I think of seasonal colour swaps, I don’t mean ripping everything out of the wardrobe. I mean choosing a small, cohesive palette that nods to autumn — think warm neutrals, muted jewel tones and deeper, earthy accents — and layering those shades into outfits you already wear.

My go-to autumn palette:

Soft camel and warm beige

Olive and deep khaki

Mustard or burnt orange as an accent

Plum, burgundy or deep teal for depth

Charcoal and rich chocolate brown as alternatives to black

Pick two or three of these that complement your existing pieces. You’ll notice how quickly a scarf, bag or jumper in one of these tones refreshes a neutral coat or blazer.

Swap accessories, not the coat

Accessories are the easiest and most cost-effective way to change the mood of an outfit. I keep a small collection of scarves, hats and bags in seasonal shades and use them to shift the palette of an entire look.

Scarves: A chunky knit scarf in camel or a silk scarf in burnt orange can warm up a grey coat instantly. I love oversized wool scarves from <i>Arket</i> or lightweight vintage silk scarves for pattern play.

Hats and gloves: Switch to leather gloves in burgundy or a knitted beanie in olive for an immediate autumnal tweak.

Bags: A crossbody in rust or deep green gives the eye a focal point and pulls together neutral layers.

These small swaps are particularly powerful if you own a black or navy coat that feels too stark for autumn — add a warm scarf, and the coat becomes season-appropriate.

Layer strategic knitwear under your coat

A cosy jumper in a season-first colour can transform how your coat reads. I like to keep a handful of midweight knits in my autumn palette: a camel rollneck, an olive cardigan and a burgundy crewneck. These sit neatly under any coat and add colour close to the face, which is the most noticeable change.

Texture matters: Choose ribbed, cable or brushed-knit fabrics — they look richer and read more autumnal than thin, smooth knits.

Play with proportions: A slim turtleneck under an oversized coat or a chunky cropped jumper with a longer coat creates balance and interest.

Use footwear to anchor the season

I often switch just my shoes to signal autumn. Swap white trainers for leather ankle boots, loafers in brown, or lug-sole boots in deep tones. Shoes are visible and practical — they set the tone from the ground up and make even a lighter coat feel appropriate for cooler weather.

Chelsea boots in dark brown or oxblood are timeless and pair with everything from jeans to midi skirts.

Suede boots add warmth in both colour and texture; treat them with protective spray to keep them looking good.

Introduce subtle pattern and print

Prints are an efficient way to add colour without committing to a block-coloured coat. I love a checked wool scarf, a floral midi skirt in rich hues, or a striped knit. These pieces layer neatly with neutral coats and give an outfit an autumnal narrative.

Checks and plaids: Classic for autumn — a tartan scarf or a Prince of Wales blazer in muted tones works well.

Micro prints: Tiny florals or ditsy prints in darker shades read autumnal and are easy to mix with solid outerwear.

Try dyeing, mending and customizing

If you have a favourite coat that feels too summer-bright or faded, dyeing is an inexpensive way to shift its seasonality — turning a khaki coat into a deeper olive, or a washed beige into a warm tan. I also patch or embroider details onto collars and cuffs to add a personal, seasonal touch.

At-home dyes work well on natural fibres; follow instructions carefully and test on a hidden seam.

Local tailors can add lapel patches, replace buttons with horn ones, or attach a removable velvet collar for a luxe autumn update.

Simple outfit formulas that work with any coat

Rather than reinventing your wardrobe, use reliable outfit formulas and swap in colour-focused elements. Here are some combinations I keep in rotation:

Formula	What to swap in	Why it works
Jeans + Breton + Coat	Swap Breton for mustard or olive knit; add burgundy scarf	Quick, effortless; colour near the face shifts the whole look
Midi skirt + sweater + Coat	Choose skirt in deep floral or plaid; add leather boots	Skirt print introduces autumn tones without new outerwear
Trousers + shirt + blazer under coat	Swap shirt for rust or plum blouse; use textured blazer	Work-appropriate and layered for warmth and colour depth

Invest in a few transformative pieces, not another coat

If you do decide to buy, focus on small, impactful pieces rather than a full-priced coat. A tailored wool blazer in a deep green, a heavy knit cardigan in camel, or a leather crossbody in oxblood will refresh dozens of outfits. I often recommend shopping secondhand for these items — you’ll find unique colours and textures that look expensive but are kinder to your wallet and the planet.

Play with contrast and accents

To avoid a flat, monochrome look, add one high-contrast accent: a white shirt peeking from a dark knit, a caramel belt, or gold jewellery. These little contrasts bring life back to evening tones and make layers feel intentional.

Seasonal colour swaps are about choices that accumulate. Change a scarf, a jumper, and your shoes — and a coat you’ve had for years will read brand new for autumn. Start small, try one swap at a time, and notice which colours make you feel most like you. That’s always the best measure of a successful style update.