Every autumn brings a new set of trends. Some will suit you and many won't. The quicker route to looking your best is to start with your own colouring and choose the season's pieces through it. Here's how each colour season can make the most of coats, knitwear and the darker months.

Not sure of your season? Your Style Profile will tell you in two minutes.

The pieces that matter most

In colder months, three things sit closest to your face and therefore matter most: your coat, your knitwear and your scarf. Get those in your palette and almost anything underneath will work. Trousers, skirts and shoes can be your favourite neutrals, whatever your season.

Spring: warm and bright

Autumn and winter can feel muted for Springs, so carry your brightness through in warm, clear shades.

  • Coat: camel or a warm, light tan rather than black.
  • Knitwear: warm teal, coral or a golden cream.
  • Avoid at the face: black and heavy charcoal. If you love them, wear them below the waist.

Autumn: warm and rich

This is your season. The colours in every shop window are yours.

  • Coat: chocolate, olive or a deep rust.
  • Knitwear: mustard, burgundy, tan and oatmeal. Textured wools suit your earthiness.
  • Avoid at the face: icy pastels and stark optic white.

Summer: cool and soft

Summers look most composed in soft, cool, slightly greyed shades. Think of a misty winter morning.

  • Coat: soft navy or a cool mid-grey rather than black.
  • Knitwear: dusty blue, mauve and grey marl. Soft finishes suit you better than shiny ones.
  • Avoid at the face: orange, mustard and rust.

Winter: cool and striking

Winters can wear the season's strongest contrasts beautifully.

  • Coat: black, charcoal or a deep cool navy.
  • Knitwear: optic white, true red, emerald or a cool plum.
  • Avoid at the face: camel and dusty earth tones. Keep them for bags and boots.

Fabrics for the colder months

Whatever your season, fabric does half the work in winter. Wool and wool blends drape and keep their shape; cashmere and merino sit softly at the neck; corduroy and flannel add texture to a plain outfit. Fewer, warmer, better-made pieces will see you through more winters than a rail of this season's trends.

Love a trend that isn't in your palette?Wear it away from your face, in trousers, shoes or a bag, and keep one of your best colours at the collar. You get the trend and keep the glow.