FASHION

COLOUR LAB: THE FRESH NEW PALETTE TO SEE YOU THROUGH WINTER

By Ayis Stephen-Diver, 13 December 2024

Neutrals may be foolproof for layering, but the dark nights have us needing a boost. Enter: our Colour Lab collection – a fresh formula of unexpected shades to help you dopamine-dress your way from party season through to spring. Time to welcome burgundy, sage green, blue and terracotta in from the cold – here’s how we’ll be wearing them.

Model wearing sheer burgundy dress on a red background

ASOS DESIGN Curve asymmetric satin dress with ruffle detail in dark purple, £48

#1: COLOUR DRENCH YOUR LOOKS

Unlike colour blocking (wearing bold, contrasting colours together), colour drenching in fashion refers to stacking several tones of one colour in the same outfit. The effect? A more casual but refined finish compared to colour blocking – think a burgundy dress and oxblood heels, or layering shades of beige and cream to give dimension.

Model wearing cream knit jumper with green skirt and heels

ASOS DESIGN ruched bust cami godet maxi dress with scarf in ombre, £68

Model wearing orange dress on a green background

ASOS DESIGN organza sheer midi skirt in green, £22

#2: GET TO KNOW THE KEY SHADES

Go early on soft, spring-like greens and creams, and your winter wardrobe will thank you. There’s a timeless appeal to soft earthy tones that subtly elevate an outfit, whether it's done through a statement jacket or a sheer skirt and heels for a luxe date-night look. If you want more of a pop, choose burgundy and rich oranges to lift a wintry outfit.

Model wearing denim co-ord set on an orange background

Patchwork denim co-ord, coming soon.

Model wearing white long-sleeve plies top with suede trousers

ASOS DESIGN suedette flared tailored trouser in rust, £40

#3: TOP UP ON TEXTURE

Plissé, organza, suedette, leather and denim are the fabrics to note this season. 'The varying weights will add depth to your looks', says Thomas Robinson, Head of Womenswear Design. How to style them? Layer sheer pieces for another way to colour drench, clash textures by pairing a delicate plissé blouse with suedette trousers or go complementary with a patchworked denim co-ord.

Pictures: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN hoop earrings with multi ball detail in gold tone, £6

ASOS DESIGN blouson sleeve pleated maxi dress with twist back in rust, £70

#4: CHOOSE STATEMENT JEWELLERY

Bold jewellery is going to be big for 2025. Get ahead by layering your pieces and opt for heavier shapes – think bangles, hoop earrings and chunky chains – in rich gold tones that complement the palette and create a striking contrast with the softness of the fabrics.