How to wear fall's hero colors

our sad beige clothes need some time off

Happy Friday from NYC! It’s officially fashion month (starting off with NYFW!) and I can’t think of a better way to kick off September by diving into the season’s hero hues.

Last week,

Sarah Shapiro

dropped a trend report on fall’s key colors. She dives into why these shades are trending right now and dishes out some solid advice for retailers. I also stumbled upon

Jenny Officer

’s gorgeous fall color moodboards. I bet you’ve noticed these standout colors popping up everywhere, whether you’re browsing new arrivals or building your fall wishlist.

via Pinterest

This season’s color story boldly merges traditional autumnal hues with unexpected shades. Olive green and oxblood are emerging as key players, anchoring a diverse spectrum that spans from rich, moody neutrals (warm browns and camels, forest greens, midnight blues) to punchy hues (chili red, slime green, chartreuse) and even delicate winter pastels like butter yellow, soft pink, and sky blue.

On the FW ‘24 runways, we saw muted earth tones artfully paired with vivid pops of color, creating combinations that challenge long-standing conventions. This approach isn’t just about breaking rules — it’s about redefining personal expression through fashion. It invites us to reconsider our fall wardrobes, encouraging a more adventurous and individualized approach to style. Perhaps it’s time to explore beyond our typical fall repertoire of traditional neutrals and embrace unexpected colors that resonate on a more personal level.

As someone who mostly wears neutrals, I find myself craving more color this season. I don’t know about you, but I’m embracing this as a personal challenge, and hope I can inspire you to join me on this journey!

We’ll break it down into three comfort levels — whether you’re just starting to experiment with bright red accents or you’re eager to mix oxblood and sky blue, there’s a color strategy for everyone. You can ease in slowly or dive right into the deep end. Choose your own adventure.

Level 1: Dip your toes into color

Are you a serial neutral girlie who’s wanting to branch out? No problem. We’re starting with combinations that blend seamlessly with your comfort zone. These pairings are perfect for those who want to add a pop of color without feeling overwhelmed. Think of it as your test drive to a more vibrant wardrobe.

Level 2: Embrace bolder statements

Ready to take it up a notch? If you’ve been experimenting with color and like what you see, it’s time to dive deeper. These monochromatic looks are your next step. They’re bold and eye-catching, but still approachable. It’s all about owning a single hue from head to toe (I’m in-between level 1 & 2, tbh.)

Level 3: Master the art of color play

For those who live and breathe color, this one’s for you. You’ve mastered the basics and you’re ready for some serious color mixing. These combinations are for certified color enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to turn heads. Get ready to flex your (color) muscles and play with unexpected pairings.

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Level 1

sweater // jacket // pants // bag // shoes

Mixing red and brown is a gateway to wearing more color. To add a fresh twist, layer a crisp white crew neck tee under your sweater for a pop of contrast. Don’t be afraid to mix textures — a sturdy denim work jacket pairs surprisingly well with flowing silk trousers, adding structure to the look.