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Transitioning your wardrobe from summer to autumn can be tricky, as the nights start to draw in and the weather becomes more unpredictable. Wearing colour also tends to feel more natural during the brightest, warmest months of the year. So once cooler, darker days arrive, many of us start reaching for clothes in black and grey.
However, there are some powerful benefits to wearing colourful clothing throughout every season, with science suggesting that it can affect your mood, behaviour, and confidence.
In an article from the HuffPost, colour expert Leslie Harrington says, “When you see certain colours, they have associations to them and those associations are linked to how they make us feel and behave. Warmer colours, brighter colours, we always talk about them being happier. That’s because they make us feel happy when we look at them.”
The same can also be said for wearing patterns. Research tells us that bold, repeating patterns can increase feelings of pleasure and excitement.
With this in mind, we’ve partnered Lily Ella – an inclusive fashion brand that designs clothes for mature women – to bring you eight ways to wear colour this autumn. For the last nine years, Lily Ella’s all-female team has been designing clothes that make women feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful; with their customer service team always on hand to chat and offer advice.
The clothing, which ranges from sizes 10-26, is made using quality fabrics and returns are free.
1. Astrid Dress
The colour blue represents open spaces, freedom, creativity, peace, and calmness. So it’s perhaps no surprise that wearing it can positively affect your mood. Blue is also known universally for its ability to increase productivity; with many offices being painted blue to boost staff morale.
This wonderfully fluid midi dress features a colour block print in multiple blues to inspire and elevate your mood. Plus, its comfortable, stretch jersey material creates an elegant silhouette to flatter all figures, and help you go about your day with confidence.
To dress it up, why not wear a pair of bright, statement heels in blue, green, or even orange for a striking contrast?
Astrid Dress, £99.95
2. Aimee Dress
Elegant, sophisticated, and bursting with autumn and winter colours, this long-sleeved, cotton midi dress is the perfect outfit for a mild autumn day. The warm and cold colours harmonise to create texture and intrigue, placing a unique stamp on your wardrobe this season.
Coupled with classic white trainers and a denim jacket, this dress can make for a casual, relaxed day look. Or for added flair, why not add a statement necklace, a colourful coat, and some heels?
The brightness, beauty, and versatility of this gorgeous outfit make it a must-have this season.
Aimee Dress, £94.95
3. Hilly Jacquard Tunic
If you’re someone who struggles to venture away from black during autumn or winter but would like to start wearing more colour, this knitted tunic makes for a stylish transitional piece. Warm but lightweight and made from 100% cotton, it’s the perfect item for this season’s changing weather.
The Hilly Jacquard Tunic has a longline design that skims and doesn’t cling. It also has an abstract blue-black pattern that gradually fades to full black around the hips and waist, adding definition in this area.
A striking jumper that looks superb with tailored trousers or jeans.
Hilly Jacquard Tunic, £79.95
4. Aubery Coat
This super smart, longline tailored coat comes in a stunning raspberry colour that’s warm and inviting. It’s proof that just because autumn and winter weather can be moody, doesn’t mean our wardrobe has to follow suit.
Thanks to the luxurious herringbone tweed fabric, this coat drapes fabulously and can be casually thrown on over jeans, or teamed with a pair of smart trousers of your choice.
It’s also a lovely way to add a pop of colour to a more muted outfit underneath.
Aubery Coat, £250
5. Leonine Blouse
A checkered blouse or shirt should be a staple in every wardrobe. Its smart, casual vibe will carry you through even the most varied days – whether you’re relaxing at home, heading out for a walk, or meeting someone for lunch.
Made from 100% cotton with cheerful checks and a longline fit, this blouse will brighten up even the dullest of days, while keeping you comfortable.
To complete the look, pair with black or blue jeans, and boots or trainers. On chillier days, Lily Ella’s Eastbury Jacket will also look great worn over the top.
Leonine Blouse, £64.95
6. Lanna Dress
What better way to ward off a grey day and lift your spirits than by wearing a bright, lively print?
This bold, eye-catching dress has floral and paisley patterns that blend pink and blue. The two navy panels also create a layered look, which adds shape at the waist.
For an even more unique and wonderful outfit, you may want to combine this dress with Lily Ella’s matching Lanna Jacket and/or Lanna Tote Bag.
Lanna Dress, £94.95
7. Damson Check Wrap
The soft, deep, warm colours of this luxurious wrap are the epitome of autumn. Made from 100% Merino Lambswool, it’s designed to keep you cosy on cool days or evenings; whether thrown over your shoulders when wearing a dress or used as an extra layer over a jumper or jacket.
The Damson Check Wrap features a gorgeous, soft brushed finish using a mix of herringbone and plain colour blocks. It’s also edged with tassels for a smart finish.
Wrapping up warm doesn’t have to be a chore, and can add a whole new dimension to your wardrobe.
Damson Check Wrap, £99.95
8. Melrose Dress/Blouse
Another option for those who’d like to experiment with colour and patterns without going too bright is this Melrose Dress, which creates a feminine, flowing silhouette. In navy blue, it’s a step away from black – and its dynamic floral pattern adds depth and fun!
Pair with black/blue heels for a date night or day at the office. Or, for a more casual daytime look, combine with sandals (while the weather’s still warm) or white trainers.
If you like this colour and print, you may also be interested in the Melrose blouse, which is soft, flowing, easy to wear, and can be worn with jeans.
Melrose Dress, £89.95
Melrose Blouse, £64.95
Final thoughts…
What we wear can have a significant impact on our mood and confidence. So, adding some colours and patterns to your wardrobe may help to beat those end-of-summer blues.
The items above are just a small selection of the wide range of colourful clothing from Lily Ella that’ll keep you feeling warm, comfortable, and stylish this autumn and winter.
For more style tips and inspiration, you might want to check out our article; 10 tips for dressing with colour and confidence.
