Get stylish with these seasonal shades for September and beyond
Hard as it may be to believe, fall is hovering just on the horizon—and the change in seasons calls for a change in wardrobe. Autumnal celebrations give you plenty of opportunity to make bold fashion statements, whether you’re going casual or aiming to dress it up a little. But if you’re looking for inspiration, here are some ideas that will get you excited for fall style.
Let’s start by talking about how warm, earthy colors are always a go-to in the fall. It makes sense: The leaves around us are starting to change to shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown, which creates a warm, inviting ambiance we can’t help but want to recreate with our own fashion. Putting together an outfit with warm colors lets you embrace this natural color palette and match your surroundings.
If it sometimes feels like there’s something deeper going on here with the appeal of warm colors in the fall, you’re not wrong. Warm colors have a psychological effect, making us think of coziness and comfort. Wearing those colors can make us—and those around us—just feel a little bit warmer in this cooler fall weather, even if we aren’t.
Go for clothing pieces in colors like…
Burnt orange. Is it an obvious choice? Maybe. But there’s a reason people opt for orange in the fall—it’s the color of the season, reminiscent of leaves and bonfires and pumpkins.
Varying shades of brown, like caramel and chestnut. These colors evoke a cozy, rustic feel that’s perfect for autumn. A light brown, such as camel, pairs well with olive green for a timelessly classic look. You can also wear brown with orange for the perfect combination of fall colors.
Dark shades of red, such as burgundy or wine. These will give your outfit a touch of sophistication (without feeling too summery or too Christmassy—two times of the year when you’ll likely be wearing brighter, flashier shades of red). A brownish shade of red is another great choice for fall that will bring depth and dimension to your outfit. Try pairing rust with cream or off-white for a subtle but sophisticated look, or burgundy with navy for something bolder.
Dark yellow, such as mustard or flax, will exude warmth without being overly bright. Pairing mustard yellow with a cooler neutral gray will create a striking contrast that will make a big impression.
Of course, there’s something to be said for cool colors, too. Don’t rule them out completely in the fall. Blues, greens, and purples can be great options, depending on the shade and how you incorporate them into your outfit. They will bring a refreshing and balanced touch to your wardrobe, especially when you use them to complement some of the warmer colors you’ll likely be wearing. Remember that fall fashion often involves layering and incorporating different textures, so cool colors can serve as a base or a contrasting element when you’re working with so many elements, even if it is something as simple as a blue denim jacket or a pine green cardigan.
Great cool color options include…
Olive green, which comes across as earthy and outdoorsy without being overly bold. Try pairing green with another neutral, such as tan or cream, or with a pop of another cool color, such as blue or purple.
Navy blue, even though it seems like a color suited for the summertime, works well year-round. It serves as a great base for a layered outfit, especially if you have contrasting fall tones in lighter shades.
Dark purple, such as eggplant or plum, are elegant and versatile. Pair them with a dark yellow like mustard for a more casual look, but go for gold accents if you want to dress it up for a special occasion.
Finally, don’t forget about fabrics—these can make or break the appearance of the colors you’re choosing and the appropriate fall vibe they give off. Wool and cashmere are both known for their warmth, making them go-to fabrics for fall. Flannel is perfect for casual occasions, especially when paired with the ribbed texture of heavy corduroy. If you want durability and texture that will work well for fall, especially when you’re trying to achieve a more classic aesthetic, go for tweed. On the other hand, denim and leather look trendier, and you can either dress them up or dress them down depending on the occasion.
So, pour yourself a glass of cider and raise a toast to looking stylish this fall!
