Fall Color Palettes

There is no seasonal wardrobe transition more dramatic than summer to fall. From terry cloth to tweed, cotton to cashmere and linen to leather, fall’s rich aesthetic is a feast for the eyes — sumptuous fabrics, dynamic hues and tactile textures. It’s an explosion of the senses and welcome change from the lazy days of summer. The quickest way to get into the seasonal spirit is with these fall favorite color pairings:

1. Black & white
   Fall ushers in the official season of suiting and its menswear-inspired signature looks — black and white houndstooth, glen plaid, pinstripes and tuxedos. Try a houndstooth power suit for a statement look with accent colors chartreuse or fuchsia as a base layer for a bright, high drama look. Or, upgrade your corporate capsule with clean, black and white pinstripe suiting. Lean in to the season’s silhouette with either an exaggerated wide leg trouser and fitted blazer, or an oversized boyfriend blazer and slim ankle crop pants. Lighten the look with a pastel base layer — mint, lilac, ballet pink — and accessorize with a set of diamond stud earrings and a fresh blowout.

2. Chocolate & camel
   Fall is the season when rich neutrals reign supreme. Chocolate brown and camel is a seasonal staple, not to mention trend-proof and elevating. Chocolate brown is also universally flattering to all skin tones, making this a winning pairing for all. Try a chocolate sweater dress, brown suede corset belt and distressed brown engineer booties with a camel stadium coat. Add a crossbody bag and high ponytail and you’ll look straight off the fall runways.

3. Olive green & denim
   Fall activities call for a weekend uniform in seasonal colors. For a traditional look, try olive green and denim for a neutral, casual pairing that still looks sophisticated. Style an oversized olive green barn jacket with a skinny turtleneck base layer and classic bootcut jeans in light denim, dark wash or white. Accessorize with suede driving moccasins in a pop of color, then finish the look with a detachable faux fur collar for an unexpected touch of luxe. Voilà! Now you’re ready for apple picking, football games and leaf peeping.

4. Leopard & true red
   If you don’t consider leopard a neutral, you should. Its rich creams, tans, browns and blacks are the quintessential fall palette and, when matched with true red — a neutral red hue flattering to cool and warm skin tones alike — the pair is showstopping. Try a leopard tunic vest layered over a true red sheath dress for inside and outside monochromatic color columns that lengthen and strengthen. For a more subtle pairing, swap the tunic vest for a camel coat and accessorize with a red power lip and wide leopard headband that makes a quieter statement. Either way, this is a high-drama pairing that stays grounded thanks to leopard’s earth tones and true red’s neutrality.

5. Navy & silver
   For your dark neutral, consider swapping basic black for navy blue this fall season, then add a little bling with a splash of silver. The pairing is both classic and glamorous at once, keeping you super polished and super sophisticated with this simple, clean color combination. Try a dark wash, high-waisted trouser jean, white shirting with popped collar and a navy peacoat, then accessorize with mirrored pumps, a silver clutch and sparkly chandelier earrings. Pairing navy blue with metallic silver elevates denim and all other ho-hum wardrobe basics instantly.

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