In the ever-evolving world of fashion, where trends often flicker like the steam rising from a freshly brewed cup of coffee, this season calls for a palette that is as timeless as it is reassuring. Think the warm and comforting cuppa of hot steamy coffee, or a dollop of caramel, and melted chocolate on a balmy day, and be inspired by the rich cocoa shades that take centre stage this Autumn-Winter for quiet luxury lovers. Drawing inspiration from the muted tones of these delectable hues, our fashion experts explore the classic sophistication of the hot beverages for your winter essentials.
Classic Comfort
For winters, layers are the key to conquering the chill and the comfy coffee, caramel, and chocolate palette offers a delightful transition from the typical cold-weather colour schemes. Invest in a woolen earthy jumper or an understated elegant trench coat that emerges as the hero piece of the season.
Designer Yadvi Agarwal, founder of the fashion label Yavi, opines, “The warmth and richness of these hues create a timeless and versatile palette, allowing for effortless styling. Earthy jumpers and trench coats become essential canvas pieces, providing a perfect backdrop for the subtle elegance of these shades. For aficionados of understated luxury, navigating this hot beverage-inspired colour palette is a sartorial delight. To craft a polished look, consider layering different shades within the coffee, caramel, and chocolate spectrum. Mix textures for added depth, pairing a smooth caramel sweater with a textured chocolate coat. When it comes to accessories, opt for accents that mirror the richness of these hues, like leather or suede belts and handbags. Accessories such as scarves or gloves in complementary tones, add depth to the ensemble.”
Bundle Up
The beauty of this colour palette lies in its adaptability — whether it's a cozy coffee date or a professional meeting, these shades seamlessly transition from casual to formal, making them a must-have addition to your winter wardrobe.
Designer Yuv Bharat Ram, founder of fashion label Primal Gray, mentions muted tones are a hit this season and elaborates, “In winter, the need for multiple layers opens up a world of mix-and-match possibilities, making muted tones the perfect choice. Our collection features colors like brick, cream, and charcoal precisely for their seasonal warmth and versatility. Winter embodies coziness and unity, making neutrals like blacks, charcoals, burgundy, and caramel ideal choices. My go-to styling technique for these hues involves the 3-tone rule – a combination of light, mid, and dark tones.”
He adds, “Picture charcoal grey paired with jet black and white, or burgundy harmonizing with beige and cream. This rule not only brings out the essence of layering but also maintains a perfect tonal balance. For accessories, especially with earthy tones, opt for gold or vintage gold accents. When dealing with blacks and greys, silver or metallic accessories work best. Embrace the trend with larger accessories like big bags, oversized scarves, and fluffy wraps, as they beautifully complement the bundled-up aesthetic that defines this look.”
Sublime & Sustainable
With the subdued sunlight, people tend to dress in harmony with the season – embracing earthy tones or even adding a pop of brightness to complement the winter vibes.
According to Gunjan Jindal Poddar, founder of sustainable label Amala Earth, “Warm and luxuriant hues of coffee, caramel and chocolate are making waves on runways globally as muted, understated and elegant looks are most sought after. To make the most of it, layer a linen dress with a cotton or linen overlay or a bamboo cotton oversized jacket. Add a smart satin or cotton scarf that enhances your work or evening wear and embrace winter with style and panache. A bright hand-painted or printed scarf can accentuate a colour-blocked monotone look by adding an instant pop of energy. For all conscious fashion shoppers, opt for vegan leather bags, and shoes that are stylish and yet suitable for complementing your winter wardrobe. Pick shades like tan, brown, and beige to match with your coffee and caramel-coloured clothes but can be contrasted beautifully with jewel tones as well.”
Make it Haute
The hot beverage shades align seamlessly with the prevailing quiet luxury trend, thanks to their understated elegance. For a better look, think sleek gloves in deep mocha, a suede handbag in a warm latte shade, or ankle boots that mimic the rich darkness of a cup of cocoa. The rich earthy accessories can transform any classic outerwear into a sartorial statement, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.
Adding to the trend wagon, Umashan Naidoo, head of customer and beauty at Westside, highlights, “Winters are the perfect time for cocooning and comfort by embracing muted colours as essentials. The inclusion of winter pastels and tonal whites adds a touch of joy to the wardrobe. We love this quiet luxury-inspired trend as it suits our young consumers who value both style and quality. Smart dressing in this colour palette not only elevates fashion but also introduces Gen Z to the allure of natural fabrics, offering a subtle taste of luxury.”
For any fashion lover, the versatility that these muted tones bring to the table is hard to ignore. Whether you’re sipping a cappuccino at a chic cafe or strolling through the urban landscape, the coffee-inspired palette effortlessly transitions from day to night. It’s a celebration of sophistication without the need for extravagance, a nod to the beauty found in simplicity. After all, like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a well-curated winter wardrobe is an art form that transcends trends and speaks to the soul.
