The Colors of Fall

Posted by courtneygrace, Sep 2 2009, 06:39 AM in What to Wear

My personal belief is that the statement ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ can be perfectly applied to fashion; in the heat of summer adorned head to toe in crisp whites and vibrant shades of the season I’ve caught myself on more than one occasion longing for the darker, edgier shades of fall. Longing for a bit more- the ‘je ne sais quoi’ that can only be delivered through a black LBD, suede chocolate brown leather boots, or even say, a silk charcoal blouse. Perhaps it’s the cyclical change of seasonal collections that brings creative energy into both our wardrobes and lives, but I must say, the colors of this fall are worth the wait. The traditional blacks and grays of fall are updated with sumptuous fabrics like velvet, suede, silk and leather become quite non-traditional with detailing such as embellishments, studs, and cutouts. While some collections were almost exclusively grounded in black, the colors of fall offer wonderful contrasts with a neutral inspired palette and injections of rich hues like berry reds and jewel tones. So here are fall’s 5 standout colors, as well as some of my favorite items from our retailers in this season’s color trends…

Gunmetal Grey- The widespread influences of charcoal, metallic, slate and iron inspired hues makes gunmetal grey the new black of the season. Gunmetal grey is a strong yet understated color that can be both sophisticated and trendy all at the same time. What I love about grey is that although it is such a timeless neutral, this season it is shown in completely unconventional ways. Favorite Picks: My Shop's 'Roger Pants' @ Shopbop, Chloe's Silk Batwing Blouse @ Saks Fifth Avenue, James Perse Clean Drape tank with racer back @ Shopbop, LaROK Studded Pocket Cardigan @ Nordstrom

Nude- This season rich neutrals set the stage for designers to play with textures like a leather camel coat at Bottega Veneta, a timeless tweed suit at Ralph Lauren, or even a luxurious camel coat at MaxMara. Neutral skin and leather tones were a heavy influence on accessories and the ‘nude’ color trend ran the color spectrum varying from light beige all the way to a dark cognac. Favorite items: Donna Karan's Belted Double-Breasted Coat @ Saks Fifth Avenue, MICHAEL Michael Kors Drop Shoulder Sweater @ Nordstrom, Prada lace-up ankle boots @ Saks Fifth Avenue

American Beauty Red- American Beauty Red (ABR) blanketed the runways this season in crimson coats at Giambattista Valli and Prada and exquisite burgundy suits at Lanvin. ABR is a flattering ‘true’ red as I like it call it. The rich and deep hues of ABR are neither too severe nor too over the top to inject a sophisticated burst of color into your wardrobe this fall. Although I’d recommend saving ABR for a stand out items or an investment piece such as a coat. And don’t forget to consider a little rouge for your maquillage this fall. Top ABR picks: Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Stretch Charmeuse Sheath Dress @ Nordstrom, Tory Burch's Mathias Melton Split-Neck Coat @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Marc by Marc Jacobs Twisted Q Riz Bag @ Shopbop

Black- Failing to mention black as a stand out color this fall would literally be leaving you in the dark. While black exclusively prevailed on the runways with designers like Calvin Klein, Lanvin, and Vera Wang, this season it is all about the textures and fabrics. Embellishments, studs, and hardware for accessories- the theme is black re-invented via details. Top items: Vince's 3/4 Sleeve Boyfriend Blazer @ Shopbop, Just Cavalli Cut-Out Dress @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Diane von Furstenberg 'Nanni' Dress @ Nordstrom, Proenza Schouler Motorcycle Booties @ Shopbop

Majolica Blue- Out of all the jewel tones that painted this season’s grey, neutral, and mostly black canvas this fall, Majolica blue is a cross between teal blue, navy, and cobalt blue- it is a vibrant and exotic blue that adds a little more vibrancy than your traditional navy. Mixed with neutral colors or on its own, majolica blue evokes a sophisticated chic vibe with a unique factor that makes the color so attractive. Favorite picks: Isabel Lu 'Chloe' Ruffle top in Moroccan blue @ Nordstrom, Burberry's Packaway Coat @ Saks Fifth Avenue, Geren Ford's Ruffle neck top @ Shopbop