By Lisa Miller

If you are not aware of color forecasting, let me acquaint you with Pantone. Pantone is a company, which among other things sets the standard for colors worldwide. Twice a year the company hosts “a secret meeting of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups” to choose a color of the year. For 2013, it’s emerald green – which was a common sight on the fall runways. Additionally, they identify the colors that will dominate home decor and wardrobes each autumn and spring. See all of the fall 2013 hues in the photo above.

Just like fashion trends, incorporating color trends into your wardrobe will help raise your style quotient and lower your perceived age. Some colors, like Turbulence and Carafe, seem to reappear in one shade or another year after year. You can consider them neutrals, which will match with just about anything. Others, like Acai, Mykonos Blue, Emerald, Vivacious, Koi, and Linden are complimented by those neutrals and are a great way to brighten up your outfits.

Additionally, use these hues to highlight your best features. Acai is attractive on most skin tones but Lindon Green – not so much. Try utilizing that color in an accessory. Does Emerald or Mykonos Blue make your eyes pop and your skin look flawless? If so, put a little more of your budget towards these colors. If you look stunning in it and it is a classic piece, it will remain wearable for years to come.

Shopping

Turbulence

Collarless Biker Jacket ($57.99/Wanelo.com)

Moto jackets are in this season. Layer over a nice dress to tone it down or wear with lace or florals to add an edge.

Sleeveless Grey Dress ($34.95/H&M)

Structured and flattering, this piece highlights the hourglass figure. Wear it: Date night, PTA meeting, work.

NARS Nail Polish- Storm Bird ($19/Beauty.com)

Mykonos Blue

Scotch Naturals Nail Polish- Seaboard ($14.99/Scotchnaturals.com)

Silver Forest Earrings ($18/Macy’s)

Whimsical and affordable.

Emerald

Craft Fair Flair Flat ($32.99/ModCloth)

Daily Adventure Top ($34.99/ModCloth)

This blouse is the perfect shape for the mommy figure – fitted on top with coverage for “the girls,” loose on the bottom to skim over the midriff.

Acai

Zig’s Rain Boot- Purple ($29.99/Target)

Who says rainy weather has to mean dull and boring? Not us. Check out our article on what to wear on a rainy day.

Purple Shell Necklace ($28/Macy’s)

Dressed up or down, easily add a touch of flattering purple to your outfit with a pretty necklace.

Deep Lichen Green

Pinch of Oregano Heel ($84.99/ModCloth)

Wear Deep Lichen Green as a neutral.

Dakar Scarf- Olive ($40/Rag & Bone)

Keep the brisk fall breeze off your neck in style with this simple, lovely scarf. Like scarves but out of creative ways to wear them? Try this video tutorial for ideas.

Koi

Koi crochet hat ($5.90/Uniqlo)

Fuchsia and Orange Jewel necklace ($29.50/Bella C)

Wear two color trends at once – Koi and Vivacious are both present in this jeweled necklace. Wear as a statement necklace with either a black tee, black skinnies, and sneakers or a tailored black or grey dress.

Vivacious

Pink cap sleeve dress ($69.00/Macy’s)

Flirty and perfect for date night. Nips in the waist, flows over the hips and creates some oomph up top.

Linden Green

Green Korean Sweet Earrings ($5.17/Max Nina)

With a price like that, who could say no to these trendy earrings?

Burn Lime Flat ($34.90/Style Tread)

Wear them indoors or on dry autumn days. Although I love a light-colored shoe, they show dirt quickly if you aren’t mindful.

Carafe

Owl knit cap ($26.00/ETSY)

Comfy, cozy and cute, but not too cutesy or trendy. Wear it jumping in leaves with the kids, chaperoning a field trip, running errands, etc.

Leather flower earrings- Latte ($14.00/ETSY)

Samba

Red three-tier necklace ($42.50/Macy’s)

I tried this necklace on the last time I was at Macy’s. It’s lightweight and the perfect length.

Garage Band Together Bootie ($54.99/ModCloth)

A bright pop of seasonal Samba red will get you ready for the upcoming holidays.

(Contact me @ lisa[dot]miller[at]mommystylist[dot]com with questions, suggestions, and requests. Did you like this article? If so, sign up for an email subscription to The Mommy Stylist – on the top right-hand side of the home page – so you don’t have to remember to check the site. We’ll just email you whenever we post something new.)