There’s something about autumn that makes us want to retreat. The evenings get darker, the temperature drops and, almost without noticing, our wardrobes can start getting darker too.

But this year, I’d love you to resist the urge to disappear into black and grey.

As a chromotherapist and stylist, I’ve spent years looking at the connection between colour and how we feel. I believe our wardrobes can be one of the simplest wellbeing tools we have, because getting dressed is something we do every single day.

Colour is, quite literally, light, and light has a powerful effect on how we feel. As the days shorten and we spend more time indoors under grey skies, many of us notice our mood and energy dipping too. We can’t change the weather, but we can change what we see in the mirror each morning. Every shade we wear sends a small signal, both to the people around us and to ourselves.

And you don’t need to dress head-to-toe in rainbow brights to feel the benefits.

The colours of the season

This autumn, we’re seeing some gorgeous, wearable colours. Rich burgundy and deep reds bring warmth, strength and grounding, perfect when you need a little more confidence or motivation. Chocolate brown gives us that earthy, comforting feeling we naturally crave as the seasons change, while forest and olive greens connect us back to nature and can bring a sense of balance and calm.

Then there are the unexpected mood-lifters. Mustard and golden yellow bring warmth and optimism to darker days, while plum, aubergine and violet add depth and creativity without feeling overly bright.

And if you love your neutrals, you don’t have to give them up. Camel, navy and cream make a beautiful backdrop for colour. Try a burgundy knit with camel trousers, an olive coat over a mustard roll-neck, or chocolate brown with a flash of plum. These rich, autumnal pairings feel polished and grown-up, and far more uplifting than yet another all-black outfit.

How do you want to feel today?

The secret is to stop choosing colour simply because it’s “in fashion” and start asking yourself: how do I want to feel today?

Need energy? Try red. Craving calm? Reach for green or blue. Feeling flat? Add a little yellow. Want to feel more creative? Bring in orange, with some high vibe purple for connection.

Where to start

Start small. A colourful jumper, scarf, pair of socks or even your underwear counts.

If you’re nervous about colour, wear it closest to your face, where you’ll catch sight of it throughout the day. A bold lipstick, a pair of statement earrings or a silk scarf knotted at the neck can lift your whole complexion, and your mood along with it. Or keep it private. Colour you wear just for yourself still counts, and sometimes it’s that secret flash of red that gives you the quiet confidence to walk into a difficult meeting.

It’s also worth paying attention to how you feel. For one week, jot down what you wore each day and how the day went. Did you feel more sociable in orange? Calmer in blue? Most of my clients are surprised by how quickly patterns emerge, and by how often they’ve been reaching for the same safe shades out of habit rather than choice.

This autumn, rather than allowing your wardrobe to slip into greyscale, use it intentionally.

Open those wardrobe doors, look beyond what simply goes together and ask a different question:

What colour do I need today?

Your wardrobe might just become the easiest wellbeing tool you own.

Find your colour for today with Kate’s quiz: What Colour Do You Need Today?

Kate’s stylist picks

• Balenciaga Rodeo handbag, medium, in pine green
• Zara ZW Collection satin lace dress in caramel
• Reiss Petite ruched-detail boat-neck midi dress in teal
• Christian Louboutin Miss Z 60 patent-leather slingbacks

Kate Harrison is a colour expert, chromotherapist and stylist, and the founder of ChroME.