With every season, there’s a spinning of the color wheel. Fall is especially primed for a color reboot, which is fitting with the changing foliage and seasonal holidays.
The color trends for fall 2024 mix up the classics with some unexpected twists to give your wardrobe a potential refresh. What I love about color trends is that oftentimes, you already have pieces in the trending shades at hand, so no purchases are necessary. Just simply re-wearing or re-styling garments hanging in your closet. Here’s a rundown of the color palette for fall 2024!
First up, a holdover from spring that also reaches back to last autumn is red. Last year, the red trend was “Cherry Bomb.” This season it’s being touted as “Siren Red”; a rose by any other name, eh? Red is a bold color, no matter the nomenclature, and you can easily pick up a bright red sweater to wear with jeans or corduroys for autumn and into the holiday season. For myself, I’m styling red through shoes. During the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I snagged a pair of red flats from Chinese Laundry, while last winter, I picked up a red boot from Journee Signature. With spooky season upon us, I’ll be donning that red boot with some folksy midi dresses.
If big and bold is not really your style, there are more subtle shades to indulge in this season. Chocolatey browns are perfect for minimalists and neutral lovers. They shine in the form of luxurious leather. If you’re looking to up the ante to your outerwear, check out Lands’ End’s Women’s Leather Jacket in brown. Dark browns can be comfy/cozy in rich knits like Loft’s ribbed sleeve v-neck cardigan in iced espresso. To keep this tone sophisticated, pair with other neutrals like beige or light gray.
Another understated earth tone trending this fall is moss green. You can’t go wrong with any earthy color during autumn, but this year, mossier shades are standing out. Like with red, I’m leaning toward shoes and handbags in this color versus garments. Aerosoles has a tailored block heel loafer in “fir” green that hits on the mossy spectrum. While Journee Collection’s Bettie pump comes in green from DSW, both will fit nicely into an office setting when worn with button-ups and trousers.
On a whimsical note, Fable has the Chloe Giordani fawn embroidered saddle bag featuring a “resting fawn” design that is charming me to death, very suitable for festive fall activities slung over a shacket and cords. Also, look for mossy green bags and shoes at your local thrift shop, as this shade definitely leans toward a vintage vibe.
From darker hues, let’s turn toward the lighter and brighter. Last year saw a more neon-tinged yellow, but right now, pale yellow, typically a spring favorite, can turn heads in autumn for being both unexpected yet oddly suitable for the season. This versatile hue pairs beautifully with richer tones like the aforementioned chocolate brown and caramel while also styling nicely with sweeter shades of baby blue and pink. A pale-yellow dress like Everlane’s hammered satin shirt dress sings with brown boots and a cardigan. While a simple t-shirt like Easy Standard’s vintage relaxed crew neck freshens up the standard jeans and flannel uniform of fall.
Speaking of pink and blue, every season has a slightly updated take on these classic colors. For fall 2024, it’s sea blue and blush pink. Both shades come in various gradients as opposed to a specific hue, so you’ll be able to find the best versions to compliment your skin, hair, and eye color.
For me, for fall, a darker, almost navy blue is my preferred tone. But many may favor a more teal take like Banana Republic’s chino barrel pant in deep sea teal. The cool undertone of these pants pairs perfectly with a plaid button-up and a tweedy blazer.
On the pink side, check out Levi’s vintage chinos in shade pale mauve for a touch of femininity that doesn’t go overboard when worn with a chambray shirt and sneakers.
Lastly, we have wine red. This current iteration of burgundy in prior years has shown up as oxblood, deep auburn, pinot noir, and dark cherry. No matter the name, this is a quintessential color for autumn, and you probably already own several pieces from the burgundy family to build outfits around. If not, check out Quince’s washable stretch silk notch collar blouse in “wine tasting.” The silky texture can be dressed up for nights out or special occasions, while the unfussy silhouette lends itself towards standard office apparel. If I were outfitting around the pieces featured here, I’d wear this blouse with the Levi’s mauve chinos, Lands’ End leather jacket, red flats, and moss handbag as my go-to fall uniform for a tone-on-tone trending look.
Color trends are extremely cyclical and come back year after year in different saturations and names. They are also extremely accessible. If trends like fringe, high-waisted pants, or flapper style are all the rage but don’t appeal to or suit you, then you’re out of luck. However, with color, you can find the shades that best complement you and make it your own in any type of garment, accessory, or style. Don’t forget color in cosmetics. A wine-tined lip or a pinky polish gives a subtle nod to these trends without upending your wardrobe.
