In the past, I’ve done a Fall Trends Week where I shared a new topic every day, but this year I thought I’d spread things out a bit. Every Tuesday in August (and maybe into September), we’ll cover a new trend topic or wardrobe category, and today’s focus is on the hottest 2025 fall color trends.
One of the best things about a color trend is that it rarely looks dated, so you can invest without worrying about longevity or cost per wear. Incorporating a trending shade into other current pieces is an easy way to keep your outfits feeling fresh and intentional. And when one of your favorite colors is having a moment, it’s the perfect time to stock up, while the selection is at its best.
A couple of weeks ago, I shared my 2025 Fall Fashion Trends Forecast, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how many people were excited about chocolate brown trending this year, but there are so many more colors worth discussing!
Some are already popping up in stores, while others are just starting to make their way from the runway into everyday style. It’s always a bit of a challenge this early in the season to find great examples of each, but I did my best.
These Are the Fall 2025 Colors Everyone’s Talking About
One of the most well-known sources for seasonal color direction is the Pantone Color Institute, which releases a Fashion Color Trend Report during New York Fashion Week each season with the top ten standout colors, as well as the five new seasonless shades we can expect to see as fashion designers introduce their new Autumn / Winter 2026 collections. The Fall/Winter 2025–26 report highlights a mix of rich neutrals and bold, saturated shades—like deep violet, fern green, and bright blues—that are expected to influence what we see in fashion, beauty, and even home décor.
In my experience, these forecasts don’t necessarily dictate everything that ends up in mainstream stores, but they do give us a good sense of the overall mood and direction for the season’s color palette. It’s a fun preview of what might be coming, even if the exact shades don’t all trickle down to the places we shop most often. Which brings us to the colors I’m seeing most for fall, and the ones I think will be easiest to wear…
Luxe Neutrals
Neutrals are never really out, but this year’s versions feel especially rich and elegant. Pantone even describes their “seasonless shades” as classic and luxurious neutrals that bring comfort and ease—which is exactly what makes them so wearable. These tones work beautifully in head-to-toe monochromatic outfits or as grounding pieces to balance more saturated shades. Either way, they’re easy to wear and give off a polished, elevated vibe.
Chocolate Brown
No surprise here, if you’ve been paying attention, but I certainly couldn’t leave it off this list! Deep, rich shades of brown are having a major moment this fall. I especially love chocolate brown because it leans cooler, it works well for Winters like me. It’s close to black, but softer and a little more unexpected.
You’ll see chocolate brown in everything from tailored pants and dresses to sweaters, handbags, and boots. I love pairing it with cream or camel for a tonal look, but it also plays surprisingly well with black. And if you’re feeling bold, try it with trending shades like green or dusty pink for a fresh twist.
Buttercream
This soft yellow-beige is a warmer alternative to white that still feels light and fresh for fall. It adds a subtle glow to your outfit and looks beautiful with brown, olive, and burgundy. I don’t typically wear buttercream near my face since it’s not the best shade for my coloring, but it’s a lovely option for those with warmer skin tones. I might incorporate it through handbags and accessories or look for pieces with this tone mixed into prints. If it works for you, it’s stunning in a cozy sweater or a wool coat.
Taupe
Cooler than camel, warmer than gray, taupe is one of those in-between neutrals that goes with just about everything. It’s understated and elegant, and it adds depth without stealing the show. We’re not seeing as much taupe in bags and shoes as we did a few seasons ago, but it’s still showing up in sweaters, jackets, and tailored separates. I especially love it layered with other neutrals for a tonal look or paired with plum, burgundy, or dusty blue for a soft contrast.
Shop luxe neutrals for Fall 2025:
Romantic Hues
If you tend to favor cooler tones in the fall, this section is for you. These moody, romantic shades are a little unexpected this time of year, but they still have a richness that feels seasonally appropriate, and they pair beautifully with the luxe neutrals we discussed above.
Plum
It’s not a shock to see plum in a fall color roundup, but I’m noticing more of it this year than I have in the past few seasons, which makes me very happy, because it’s one of my best colors. I especially like to wear plum near my face in cozy knits and silky blouses.
Plum pairs beautifully with taupe and shades of gray, but for a more modern take, try layering it with other similar tones for a chic tonal look.
Dusty Rose
This muted pink isn’t a traditional fall color, but it’s gaining momentum as a softer, more romantic alternative to the usual autumn palette. It’s subtle and feminine, and it works beautifully in flowy blouses, knitwear, or even casual tees.
Dusty rose looks lovely with other muted neutrals like taupe and buttercream, and it also creates a pleasing contrast when paired with deeper hues like brown or plum. If pink isn’t usually your thing, this is an easy, understated way to give it a try.
Burgundy
Burgundy is a fall classic that seems to return year after year, and it’s everywhere again this season, but I’m not mad about it! It’s a great option if you want something bold yet timeless and elegant.
Try wearing burgundy in trousers, midi dresses, or outerwear… and of course, it always makes a gorgeous knit. This rich shade pairs beautifully with pink and dusty rose, as well as neutrals like camel, gray, and navy. It also looks especially luxe when styled with gold accessories.
Shop romantic hues for Fall 2025:
Statement Shades
Bold, saturated hues are popping up in all the trend reports for fall, showing up in everything from outerwear to accessories. While they might not feel as classic as brown or taupe, they’re a fun way to add a little energy to your wardrobe, if you’re feeling bold. I’m not seeing these shades widely represented in mainstream retailers just yet, but I’m keeping an eye out to see how they start showing up in everyday style as the season goes on.
Vibrant Violet
This vivid, blue-toned purple keeps popping up in trend reports as one to watch for Fall 2025. It’s more saturated than plum, with a bold, almost electric quality that really stands out. So far, I haven’t seen much of it at the stores where I typically shop, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts trickling in as the season progresses.
Fern Green
Fern green is that perfect in-between shade, more vibrant than olive but softer than emerald. It feels earthy and natural, yet bold enough to stand on its own. This is one I am starting to see more of already, especially in tops, jackets, and soft tailoring. It pairs beautifully with chocolate brown and works equally well with warm neutrals like buttercream and camel.
Lyons Blue
This shade of blue is proving tricky to find in stores right now, but Pantone describes it as a “teal-leaning, richly tinted blue” that’s brighter and more energetic than classic navy (which is still widely available). It brings a fresh contrast to otherwise neutral looks and works especially well in denim-heavy wardrobes. I like it paired with camel, ivory, or even black for a high-impact finish. I haven’t seen much of this exact shade at mainstream retailers yet, so I’ll be curious to see if it shows up more as the season goes on.
Shop statement shades for Fall 2025:
Bonus Mention: Animal Print
While not technically a color, I wanted to include animal prints in this post. From leopard and cheetah to snake and zebra, these patterns are everywhere again for Fall 2025, and they tie in beautifully with the warm browns that are trending.
If you’ve got leopard pumps, a patterned blouse, or a statement bag tucked away in your closet, now’s the time to bring them out. This season, you’ll see animal motifs styled in fresh ways: layered with earthy tones like chocolate brown and camel, or paired with statement shades like red or cobalt for a fun, modern contrast.
If you’re new to animal print or just want to keep it low-key, start with a subtle accessory such as a belt, flats, or a bag. Feeling bold? Try a statement coat or a midi skirt for maximum impact.
Shop animal prints for Fall 2025:
And that wraps up our look at the top Fall 2025 color trends. I’ll be curious to see which shades take center stage once the weather cools down and more fall styles start hitting the stores. Are there any colors on this list you’re especially excited to wear this season? Let me know in the comments!
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