Autumn is a beautiful time of year when the leaves start to change color and the weather becomes crisp and cool. This seasonal transition brings with it changes in fashion as we switch out our summer clothes for warmer autumn attire. Choosing the right colors for fall clothing is key to creating stylish seasonal outfits. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular color palettes and styling tips for autumn wardrobes.
Earth Tones
Earth tones are quintessential autumn colors. These are neutral shades inspired by the natural colors found in the fall landscape. Earth tones include variations of brown, tan, olive green, rust red, and mustard yellow. Clothing in these muted, organic hues instantly gives off an autumnal vibe. Some key earth tone colors for fall fashion include:
– Khaki – This light brown is a fall staple and pairs well with darker neutrals. Khaki pants, jackets, and accessories add a casual earthiness.
– Camel – From sandy light browns to richer mid-range tones, camel is sophisticated for autumn. It works for coats, knits, and shoes.
– Olive Green – Inspired by autumn foliage, olive green flatters most complexions. It can be dressed up or down easily.
– Rust – With hints of red and brown, rust has an earthy feel that’s warm and inviting for fall. It pops nicely against black.
– Mustard – From bright golden yellows to muted tan mustard shades, this color is trending for fall fashion. It adds visual interest and warmth.
Jewel Tones
Deep, saturated jewel tones are dramatic for autumnal dressing. Sapphire blue, emerald green, rich purple, and ruby red all make bold statements in cooler weather. These colors stand out against neutral earth tones. Some key jewel tones for fall include:
– Royal Blue – This regal shade has universal appeal and sophistication. It’s perfect for coats, denim, and accessories.
– Plum – With wine-colored undertones, plum adds intrigue to autumn looks. It pairs nicely with charcoal, black, and gold.
– Eggplant – A shade darker than plum, eggplant purple is a stylish choice for sweaters, tops, and accessories this fall.
– Cranberry – This gorgeous red is more muted than true ruby but makes a stunning impact. It’s ideal for blazers, shoes, and purses.
– Forest Green – A lush emerald green that resembles evergreen foliage, forest green is bold yet easy to integrate in fall fashion.
Neutrals
While autumn color palettes tend to be more earthy and saturated, neutrals still have a place in fall wardrobes. They anchor outfits and provide balance when combined with bold hues. Key neutral shades for fall include:
– Black – This classic neutral works year-round and pairs well with bright jewel tones. Black boots, pants, coats and accessories instantly pull looks together.
– Gray – From heathered charcoal to steel blue-grays, this sophisticated neutral elevates autumn style. It works for sweaters, coats, and denim.
– White – Crisp white helps transition summer pieces into fall. It lightens up earth tones and grounds jewel tones.
– Beige – As a softer neutral, beige is perfect for trousers, skirts, shirts and accessories this autumn.
– Cream – With a warm undertone, cream bridges the seasons well. It adds subtle contrast without being too stark.
Cozy Texture
Beyond color, texture is important for autumnal dressing. This is the season for breaking out cozy knits, fuzzy fabrics, and textured accents. Some ways to incorporate pleasing textures into fall fashion include:
– Knit sweaters – From cables to character knits, textured sweaters in autumnal hues are a must for fall. They provide warmth and visual interest.
– Faux fur – Jackets, vests, purses, and even shoes with fuzzy faux fur add softness and style. This texture epitomizes autumn coziness.
– Tweed – The nubby weave of tweed makes it perfect for blazers, pants, and coats this fall. It has sophistication and warmth.
– Corduroy – Wide wale corduroy in rich fall colors like olive, mustard, and rust add retro texture. This fabric works for a variety of garments and accessories.
– Chunky knits – From blankets scarves to oversized sweaters, chunky yarns in autumnal palettes feel special. They provide satisfying depth and bold texture.
Conclusion
Autumn’s color palette is rich and varied, ranging from muted earth tones to bold jewel tones with plenty of neutrals mixed in. Texture also grows in importance, as chunky knits and fuzzy fabrics provide literal and visual warmth. Key colors to integrate this fall include olive green, mustard, camel, khaki, ruby red, plum, sapphire blue, charcoal gray, cream and black. With an array of hues and fabrics to work with, the possibilities are endless for creating stylish seasonal looks. Use these essential shades and textures as a guide when shopping for and styling your autumn wardrobe.
| Color Palette | Specific Colors |
|---|---|
| Earth Tones | Khaki, Camel, Olive Green, Rust, Mustard |
| Jewel Tones | Royal Blue, Plum, Eggplant, Cranberry, Forest Green |
| Neutrals | Black, Gray, White, Beige, Cream |
