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,
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 ’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.
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.
Level 1
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.
Yellow might seem tricky to wear, but don’t let that stop you from brightening up your wardrobe. Try introducing this cheerful hue through accessories — it’s a low-risk way to experiment. Pairing yellow (or chartreuse or lime) with grey creates a balanced, eye-catching combo that’s surprisingly versatile. These colors play off each other nicely, with grey providing a calm backdrop for yellow’s sunny pop.
By the way, your shoes and bags don’t always have to match! I love how the white loafers brighten up the look and add contrast.
Navy and oxblood is a bold yet sophisticated color combo that’s easier to pull off than you might think. Start with a navy foundation — a flowing midi skirt paired with an oversized tee creates a sleek silhouette. Add some drama with glossy oxblood boots and a matching bucket bag. The deep, rich tones play off each other beautifully while silver statement jewelry adds a modern edge.
Level 2
If you love adding pops of color to your looks and want to take it up a notch, monochromatic dressing with bolder, unexpected ‘neutrals’ is your next challenge. This olive ensemble proves that single-color outfits can be striking. A sleek vest and trousers create a streamlined silhouette while neutral accessories add subtle contrast. Gold jewelry stands out against the olive and provides a touch of glam.
Oxblood on oxblood combo just screams fall. A striped shirt adds visual interest to this monochromatic ensemble. Silver accessories provide cool contrast while the matching oxblood shoulder bag maintains cohesion. This look is a great example of how varying textures and patterns within one color family creates depth.
Level 3
If you’re ready to make some heads turn this season, unexpected color combos are your best bet. A bold green and oxblood combo exudes confidence. The green sweater contrasts beautifully with the oxblood bermudas, creating a rich, autumnal palette. The suede bag ties the look together while the snake print mules add an edgy twist. Silver statement earrings provide a touch of shine.
Again, the mix of textures — soft knit, sleek leather, and textured accessories — adds sharpness and visual interest to this daring color duo.
Oxblood, olive, and sky blue is a color trio that pushes boundaries. The blue oversized shirt balances the rich oxblood trousers. The olive bag adds an earthy touch while the oxblood fisherman sandals help maintain cohesion. The silver pendant necklace offers a sleek finishing touch.
This is an expert level move in mixing cool and warm tones, proving that unusual color combinations can create strikingly modern looks.
Brown, yellow, and blue is another striking color trio that balances warmth and coolness. The rich brown jacket teamed with a soft yellow skirt creates an unexpected yet harmonious pairing. Sky blue accessories add a refreshing pop of color while the silver hoop earrings provide a sleek, modern touch. This ensemble showcases how to mix earthy tones with vibrant accents — who knew these colors could work so well together?
Which color combo(s) are you excited to try? I’d like to know — drop me a note in the comments!
xx, Angela
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Oh my goodness, I’m so honored for the shout out! These color combos are to die for and I cannot wait to implement 🐻🥀
Neutrals are definitely my comfort zone but you're inspiring me with these colour combos! LOVE them all, especially the navy and oxblood. I was wearing a lot of black and navy last year, and now I definitely want to add something oxblood to my wardrobe this season.