The sky may be grey and drab but that doesn’t mean your workwear has to be. If you’ve been feeling underwhelmed by your office attire lately, why not bring some life to the boardroom with a new purchase for the next big pitch. 

An abundance of colourful suits and separates are available this season in rich jewel tones, soft sea foams, punchy scarlets and more. Find shades that make you feel your most content, confident or powerful and incorporate them into your wardrobe. A pop of colour from one standout piece is a great way to start.

Karen Walker magmatic trench coat, $695
A full-bodied burgundy in a three-quarter length and flattering double-breasted shape, this coat would look great worn open on top of a bone, ecru or navy base or equally cinched in with the belt at the waist. Shop

Kate Sylvester Marion shirt dress, $529
Have shirt dress, have options. Wear on its own with heeled boots or unbutton and hang open over cigarette trousers and a form-fitting top to create a soft longline jacket. When temperatures drop to their lowest, this would look great with a contrasting turtleneck worn underneath. Shop

Helen Cherry Rae blazer, $798, and classic cigarette pants, $429
This shade may appear high risk and niche, but the soft muted turquoise will look great on most. Wear the pieces together or separate to soften and dress down. This suit would look amazing paired with a bold red lip. Shop

Juliette Hogan cassie dress in bottle, $599
Classic form-fitting winter dress in a bold olive green. That’s a yes from me. It’s believed olive green brings peace, empathy and perception. Could this be the colour to don while you get your next big idea across the line? Shop

Adrienne Winkelmann yin jacket, $2799, and skirt, $899
Have you heard the saying, “Dress for the job you want”? In this royal-blue skirt suit from Adrienne Winkelmann you’ll be looking (and feeling) like the major shareholder and director of the board. Shop

Zambesi Huntress jacket, $850
Cropped jackets in this cut work well for those short in stature, not overpowering the wearer with excess fabric below the waist. The punchy red commands attention and feels authoritative. No wonder Zambesi named this piece the Huntress. Shop

Working Style charcoal texture suit, $1299
Consider forgoing the standard shirt-and-tie base layer and opt for a fine turtleneck when wearing trouser suits. Have fun with colour and reach for an aubergine or midnight blue. Shop

Hugo Boss Huge Genius suit, $1490
Good clothes don’t maketh the man, but they sure don’t hurt. Pair this suit with an elegantly cut classic black brogue and jewel-toned turtleneck for a million-dollar look. Shop

Gibson jacquard wool blazer in ionic plum paisley, $398 from Fifth Ave Store
Deep berry or plum are great options when embracing new colour. Both will tie in with most neutrals in your closet and play nicely against indigo denim for the weekend. Shop


Anthony Squires Kurt roll neck in navy, AU$249 from David Jones
Indigo navy and mid-greys are a match made in heaven. Wear alone with suit trousers or team with the full suit. Shop

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