Fall Color Palette

Each season has an iconic color palette, and autumn’s is one of the most exciting. Dark and stormy earth tones that are more dramatic than drab, fall’s signature hues are unique in their depth and saturation, giving the palette a regal, unforgettable quality. It has range too, covering a broad spectrum of neutral and accent colors of every stripe. If your fall wardrobe needs some zhuzhing, consider adding unexpected fall hues beyond the seasonal mainstays of brown, camel and mustard. Here are some quintessential yet unconventional autumn colors worth exploring:

1. Olive
   Often overlooked, olive presents as a pseudo-neutral that flatters cool, warm and neutral skin tones alike. It’s also chameleon-like in how it functions as an accent color when paired with neutrals. Consider anchoring your fall capsule with an olive wool coat for a neutral staple, or a statement barn jacket for a pop of color. Either way, olive’s rich, earthy hue will liven up your look.

2. Tobacco
   Tobacco is another unexpected yet season-appropriate fall neutral that’s often forgotten. Invest in a tobacco suede bomber jacket for a luxe statement, or wide-wale corduroy pant and blazer suiting that pairs seamlessly together or as separates. Tobacco makes a great accent color too, so try a statement corset belt, fringed handbag or knee-high boots in the toasty hue.

3. Teal
   For an unexpected fall accent color, try teal. It’s universally flattering to all undertones, plus pairs well with traditional autumn neutrals like brown, beige and charcoal. It’s slightly less bold than fall’s ubiquitous pops of color (burnt orange, aubergine, burgundy), striking the perfect balance in intensity (not too muted, not too bright) which gives it more versatility. For best results, wear teal close to the face to complement and pop features. Pair a slinky, silky teal blouse with cuffed jeans and pumps for date night, or a teal silk cami tank under a boyfriend blazer and leather leggings for a “cool-girl”, downtown vibe.

4. Sage
   If teal feels too bold, lighten the mood with sage. Its soft, muted and warm features lighten autumn’s palette without being insipid. Mix sage with tobacco or camel for a medium contrast pairing, or chocolate or charcoal for a high contrast mashup. And try it in heavier weight materials — melton wool, corduroy, merino wool — to give sage’s delicate quality more substance and heft.

5. Tortoiseshell
   To add dimension to your fall color palette, infuse tortoiseshell accents throughout. Tortoiseshell brings magic by adding texture, visual interest and an unexpected accent element at once, while still staying on palette. Try horn-rimmed specs, Havana-style sunglasses, a tortoiseshell statement necklace or acrylic evening clutch, and don’t be timid to mix and match it with prints, patterns and other tortoiseshell elements. Have fun with it!

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