5 It Girl-Approved Color Trends That Will Be Everywhere Come Fall
Our take
The prevailing mood in fashion is shifting, and the recent declaration that neutrals are out and vibrant color trends are in for Fall signals a decisive move away from the understated minimalism that has largely defined the last few years. While a sophisticated palette still holds merit, the runways and “it” girls alike are embracing a bolder approach, suggesting a desire for expressive dressing and a rejection of the purely functional. This isn't merely about swapping beige for fuchsia; it's a reflection of a broader cultural shift towards optimism and a willingness to experiment after a period of relative constraint. The return to color echoes the maximalism seen in previous decades, albeit filtered through a modern, curated lens. It’s about strategic pops and considered combinations, not a chaotic explosion. For those seeking a deeper dive into current runway directions, our recent piece, My Top Picks: Miu Mitu Fall/Winter 2026 Ready to Wear by Miuccia Prada | Luxury Shopping Vlog, offers a detailed look at one designer’s approach to this evolving aesthetic.
The specific color trends gaining traction – think saturated reds, deep greens, and unexpected shades of blue – aren't entirely new, but their prominence and the confidence with which they're being styled mark a significant change. This move away from neutral foundations allows for greater creativity in layering and accessorizing. The key is to avoid feeling overwhelmed; thoughtful styling and a focus on quality pieces will ensure that these bold colors feel elevated rather than jarring. Consider the impact of these shades on denim, a wardrobe staple. Our recent exploration of Barrel-Leg Jeans Are Back for Autumn—5 Ways Fashion People Will Be Styling Them This Autumn demonstrates how even a traditionally casual item can be reimagined within a more vibrant color story. The rise of these trends also intersects with a broader emphasis on experiences and self-expression, mirroring the growing popularity of curated travel and immersive activities, as exemplified in our story about I Went to Adult Summer Camp — and Loved It. Dressing with intention, embracing color, and seeking out enriching experiences are all facets of a lifestyle that prioritizes authenticity and joy.
The shift toward color doesn’t necessarily signify the complete demise of neutrals, but rather a recalibration of their role. Neutrals will likely remain foundational, providing a grounding base for these bolder hues to shine. The savvy dresser will understand how to integrate these trends into their existing wardrobe, choosing pieces that can be mixed and matched with both vibrant colors and classic staples. It's about creating a versatile collection that allows for both understated elegance and moments of playful expression. This is not a fleeting fad, but a reflection of a deeper desire for visual richness and a rejection of the increasingly homogenous aesthetic that has permeated the fashion landscape. The focus now is on individuality and the confident articulation of personal style.
Ultimately, the rise of these “it girl-approved” color trends is an invitation to embrace a more expressive and optimistic approach to dressing. The question now is: how will these trends evolve as we move further into the season? Will we see a narrowing of the color palette, or will the experimentation continue to broaden? And perhaps more importantly, how will individuals adapt these trends to reflect their own unique style and personality, ensuring that these vibrant colors feel authentic and effortless rather than forced or contrived? The coming months will undoubtedly reveal the long-term impact of this colorful revolution.
Goodbye, summer...Okay, so it's not exactly fall yet. But with only a few weeks left on the calendar until its official start, it's natural to feel excited about a new season, especially if you've been itching to update your wardrobe. While there are plenty of ways to transition your closet—including adopting new trends, styling formulas, or timeless staples—one of the simplest ways to micro-dose fall is to embrace a new color palette. No, friends, we're not talking about going back to only wearing black! Fall can be just as vibrant as summer, or at least, that's what you can take away from recent runway shows, which featured unexpected shades like royal purple and pool blue. Considering that we've seen so many bright tones crop up in collections, it's only a matter of time before these color trends take over your closet, too.
But if you're shaking your head in disbelief over the idea of wearing anything but your beloved shades of black, beige, or brown this fall, you'll want to keep reading. We know it's challenging for some to ditch their neutrals (no shade intended), so we've compiled our version of receipts, aka recent street style photos of stylish it-girls and some must-shop new arrivals that prove embracing color can be easier than you think. From Dua Lipa to Zendaya, countless celebrities have shown that vibrant hues can not only be as versatile as any other neutral, but can be, dare we say, a far chicer choice for fall. If these celebrity looks can't make you excited to embrace color this fall, then nothing will.
Celebrity-Approved Color Trends for Fall
1. Purple Reign
WHO: Dua Lipa
WHAT: Cannes Film Festival
WEAR: Ferragamo F/W 26
One color trend that's sure to reign supreme this fall? Royal purple. While this darker shade of purple was once the color of choice among royal insiders centuries ago, it's recently recaptured the fashion crowd's attention thanks to its presence in the F/W 26 collections of Prada, Celine, and Miu Miu. Since then, we've seen countless styling examples and even more shopping picks, but our favorite example of this color trend in the wild was at the Cannes Film Festival. Dua Lipa dialed up the innate decadence of this shade by styling it with a contrasting pop of pink, proving that this color trend's supremacy will continue well into the fall.
2. Fresh Mint
WHO: Sarah Pidgeon
WHAT: Chanel and Charles Finch Annual Pre-Oscar Dinner
WEAR: Chanel Pre-Fall 2026
If you're looking for a color trend that feels, well, a little fresher, then look no further than mint green. Over the last few months, we've seen the fashion crowd gravitate toward variations of green and blue, from aquamarine to turquoise to pool blue, so it was only a matter of time before mint came back onto the menu. But this color's triumphant return can be attributed to two things: Matthieu Blazy’s Métiers d’art 2026 collection for Chanel and chic red carpet looks from celebrities like Sarah Pidgeon. Whether worn as a slinky slip dress or two-tone pumps, this color has never felt more refreshing, making it the perfect shade to adopt this fall.
3. Tomato Red
WHO: Kaia Gerber
WEAR: Alaïa Dress; The Row Sandals
Beyond shades of mint, there's another color trend that seems to be making fashion people expand their taste buds, or at least, that's what we can infer from the overwhelming presence of tomato red. Over the past few seasons, we've seen variations of wine-and saffron-inspired colors dominate, so it only makes sense that this juicy shade would also surface in the S/S 26 and F/W 26 collections. But what's kept this color in the pantry—we mean, in conversation—is how it's been spotted on countless celebrities, including Emmy Rossum, Tracee Ellis Ross, and even Kaia Gerber. Whether worn as a bodycon knit dress or a crescent bag, celebrities have shown you can embrace this shade in a way that suits your taste.
4. Fall Foliage
WHO: Zendaya
WHAT: Louis Vuitton Cruise 2027 Show
WEAR: Louis Vuitton Resort Look; Tiffany & Co. Jewelry
We know what you're thinking... mint green and tomato red don't exactly feel, well, fall-coded. For those who want to adopt a more traditional color trend, consider referencing one of fall's most visually ubiquitous elements: foliage. What better way to transition your wardrobe than by embracing a variation of dark ochre or burnt butterscotch that's reminiscent of the changing leaves outside? By embracing dark yellow, you'll not only make your closet feel more fall-forward, but you can also recreate iconic runway looks from Alaïa, Sergio Hudson, and Dior. If you're worried this color will come off as "cliché," consider taking styling notes from Zendaya's street style look by pairing the shade with other neutrals.
5. Dusty Pink
WHO: Olivia Rodrigo
WHAT: Chloé F/W 26 show
WEAR: Chloé Head-to-Toe
Hopefully by now, you've realized fall's biggest color trends won't necessarily be considered "traditional", but that's the whole point. The coolest people are looking for shades that add an element of surprise-and-delight to their closet, and for so many celebrities (Olivia Rodrigo included), dusty pink seems to be achieving that aim. Although we've seen variations of light pink pop up in the past, rosier shades dominated the F/W 26 collections of Chloé and Chanel. The presence of this softer, semi-romantic, dusty pink proves that if you love a color enough, even those you might consider "summer" adjacent, you can transition it into any season.
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