Olive green, taupe, coffee brown and beige work well in an autumn wardrobe. Keep one warm colour central in each outfit and combine it with calm neutral shades. Textures such as knitwear and herringbone give these colours extra depth.
Why warm colours work in autumn
In autumn you see more muted greens, browns and beige. These colours combine easily with the neutral shades you already own. They go well with navy, grey, cream and white. If you usually wear navy and grey, these shades make it easy to add a little more variety.
The four autumn colours explained
- Olive green. A muted, greyish green that is surprisingly versatile. Goes with beige, brown, navy and cream.
- Taupe. A blend of grey and brown. Calm, businesslike and a lovely alternative to mid grey.
- Coffee brown. Deep and warm. Works as a base colour for trousers just as well as navy.
- Beige and sand. The light neutral shade that ties everything together.
Combination table
| Main colour | Combine with | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Olive green | Beige, cream, coffee brown, navy | Bright red, bright green |
| Taupe | White, cream, navy, olive green | Cold silver grey |
| Coffee brown | Cream, light blue, olive green, black | Orange and dull brown |
| Beige | All of the above, plus navy and anthracite | White from head to toe |
Five autumn outfits for men
1. Olive and taupe. The Edmund fine-knit quarter-zip polo in olive green melange with the Ulysses slim-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey. Two muted shades with the herringbone pattern as extra texture. Brown suede loafers finish it off.
2. Coffee brown as a base. The Frederick pleated trousers with brushed inside in coffee brown with a cream or white shirt. Brown gives a business outfit a warmer look. The brushed inside also makes the trousers pleasant on cold mornings.
3. Tone-on-tone brown. The Montgomery softly draping modal polo in brown with the Frederick trousers in coffee brown. Two shades of brown can work well together if there is enough difference in tone and texture. A cream cardigan over the top adds light.
4. The business layer. The Maximilian wool cardigan with tailored cut in beige over the olive green Edmund polo, with coffee brown trousers. The 100% wool cardigan replaces a blazer here and gives a polished, warm look.
5. Weekend. Olive green polo, dark jeans, brown boots or loafers. Simple, but instantly autumnal thanks to the colour.
You will find more combinations in the collections knitwear for men and trousers for men.
Texture gives autumn colours depth
In fabrics with structure, warm colours gain more depth. A melange knit, as in the Edmund polo, contains different shades of yarn and so looks less flat. A herringbone weave catches the light in a way a smooth fabric cannot. Wool has a natural, soft look that suits beige and brown perfectly. The colour difference really comes through in knitwear and wool.
Combining with what you already own
You do not need to overhaul your wardrobe. Autumn colours combine well with navy, grey and white. An olive green polo suits your navy trousers, taupe trousers suit your white and light blue shirts. Start with one warm piece, for example a polo or trousers, and see how it goes with your existing wardrobe. This is how you add these shades step by step to what you already have.
Shoes and accessories
With olive, taupe and brown, brown shoes often work well. Dark brown leather, cognac or suede in chocolate brown blend warmly with olive green and taupe. Choose a belt in the same shade as your shoes. A watch with a leather strap and a scarf in beige or dark green complete the look without asking for too much attention.
What to watch out for
- Too many warm colours at once: olive green, orange and brown together quickly turn into an autumn forest.
- Black shoes with warm shades: the contrast is hard and cold.
- Flat fabrics: autumn colours in smooth synthetic material look cheaper than in knitwear or wool.
Autumn colours at the office
At the office you can wear autumn colours without a problem, as long as you keep the basis businesslike. Taupe or coffee brown trousers with a white or light blue shirt are just as polished as grey trousers, and feel warmer. If you want more colour, choose an olive green knitted polo under a beige cardigan instead of a blazer. Keep it simple at the office by combining one or two warm shades with a neutral colour. You will find more business combinations in our collection Office for Men.
Caring for wool and knitwear
Because autumn colours are often worn in wool and knitwear, it pays to care for those fabrics well. Wash knitted polos on a delicate or wool programme and let them dry flat so they do not stretch. A wool cardigan rarely needs washing: airing it after wearing is often enough, because wool naturally stays fresh for longer. Brush wool occasionally with a soft clothes brush to remove dust and fluff. For the right temperature, always check the label or our page care instructions.
Store knitwear folded on a shelf rather than on a hanger, so the shoulders do not sag. A small block of cedar wood in the wardrobe keeps the pieces fresh between wears.
Shop the look
Edmund: fine-knit quarter-zip polo, olive green melange
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Frederick: pleated trousers with brushed inside, coffee brown
Montgomery: softly draping modal polo, brown
Maximilian: wool cardigan with tailored cut, beige
Frequently asked questions
Which colour of trousers goes with an olive green polo?
Beige, cream, taupe, coffee brown or navy. Avoid bright colours that compete with the green.
Are brown trousers businesslike enough for the office?
Yes. Well-cut trousers in a deep shade of brown are just as businesslike as grey or navy, especially with a white or light blue shirt.
Which shoes go with autumn colours?
Brown leather or suede shoes in dark brown, chocolate or cognac blend best with warm shades.
