One of the best things about fall (aside from pumpkin-spice everything) is its inspiring color palette. The burnt orange gourds, the candy-apple reds, the stunning displays of rust, yellow, and brown foliage. And while Mother Nature doesn’t necessarily dictate which colors we should wear for the season, with shades this good, it’s no wonder her head-turning hues are showing up all over fall catwalks, and next stop, in your closet.
A major pro of updating your wardrobe with color for the season is that it leaves plenty of room for your personal style—maybe you’re asking your Stylist for your go-to skinny jean, but in a hunter green wash. Or a trusty little black dress…but in fire engine red (plot twist!) Not ready to commit to a closet full of new hues? That’s ok too, adding a fresh pop of color with a chic bag or shoe is still an impactful way to refresh your look for the season.
As for the colors to add to your wardrobe now? That’s where our expert Stylists come in with the hottest hues to try this fall (and plenty of tips for seamlessly weaving them into your everyday outfits). From soothing neutrals to saturated color schemes, scroll to discover four color trends that will complement your autumn attire, and help you mix things up this season.
Dial up the drama in saturated shades
When you think of fall, warm, dark hues likely come to mind. “Rich, saturated colors reflect the cozy vibes of the new season,” says Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia L., who loves sending her clients deep neutrals to add depth and dimension to their fall wardrobes.
From jet black to deep cocoa, burnt sienna and rich rust, these easily-wearable hues go hand in hand with virtually every style aesthetic. Dark tones give romantic floral dresses a moody spin, while edgier styles like leather boots and jackets look super-sleek in jet black or coffee brown. Into a boho vibe? Suede boots, billowy blouses and oversized sweaters rooted in golden ochres, deep umbers, and sepia tones are every free spirit’s delight.
Lighten up with airy pastels
Pastels…for fall? Your eyes aren’t deceiving you—super-soft shades are the subtle wash of color you didn’t know your autumnal closet needed (until now). Sky blue, clay pink, and soft cream may not be the usual suspects for cold-weather seasons, but these understated colors give weightier silhouettes like coats, corduroy pants and chunky knits a light-as-air lift.
If you’re looking to dip a toe in the pastel palette this season, taking a tonal approach is the way to go. A powdery sweater complements deep indigo pants without veering matchy-matchy. If you’re going all in on subtle shades, the monochrome look works best when you mix colors and textures: fleecy, printed outerwear breaks up pale separates, like baby pink corduroys and an oxford blue shirt.
Ground your look in down to earth tones
Get in touch with the great outdoors this season (with no travel required) through fall’s back-to-nature neutrals. Sure, “neutral” may sound like the antithesis of exciting, but endlessly-versatile earth tones are anything but boring. Mossy greens, warm camels, tawny taupes and chocolate browns up the warm-and-cozy factor of everyday styles (a honey-hued sweater is essentially a hug you can wear), plus they’re the perfect canvas for your brighter, bolder styles.
You’ll see the inviting palette everywhere from chunky knits, to cool utility styles and swishy printed dresses, so the options are endless when it comes to building a trusted collection of neutrals. Not sure where to start? A foundation of black, brown and tan sweaters will serve you well all season, while a sandy suede boot is primed for wear 24/7/365.
Rev up your look with red
After a summer spent in bubblegum, blush and magenta, it’s time to embrace a new viral color trend: bold red. A spicy red shade has the power to inspire confidence and passion, and more importantly, to enliven a cold-weather closet. While glossy cherry and vibrant scarlet are the color’s most iconic variations, there’s a whole spectrum beyond typical bright red to explore, too. “You can still get in on the trend if room-commanding crimson isn’t your vibe”, says Stitch Fix Stylist Alicia L. “Rust or cranberry are more muted, sophisticated colors to try.”
Ease into the trending tone with a brick red shoe or carryall for an unexpected pop of color. Lean in a little further by pairing a romantic red blouse with a neutral trouser or denim. Ready to go bold? Pull out all the stops with a chic burgundy dress or jumpsuit for date night. However you reach for red this fall, just don’t forget to tie it together with the ultimate accessory: a classic red lip.
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Get styled by Stitch Fix this fall
Let our Stylists help refresh your new-season style with fall’s color crushes. Take your style quiz, schedule a Fix and get ready to receive an array of autumnal styles that fit your unique taste. Try on your new colorful fall outfits in the comfort of your own home. Pay for what you love, and send back the rest. Shipping and returns are always free, and there’s no subscription required. You get ready for your boldest season yet, we’ll take care of the shopping.
