By Lisa Miller with Ebony Benson
It’s that time of year again. Fall is in the air and the Pantone color report for autumn 2014 is in. (Pantone is a color forecasting company that holds a bi-annual “secret meeting of representatives from various nations’ color standards groups” to choose a color of the year (2014 = Radiant Orchid) and the colors that will dominate home decor and wardrobes each autumn and spring. See all of the fall 2014 hues in the photo above.) Clothing and accessories in the season’s hottest colors are now hitting the racks. How should you spend your wardrobe budget?
The Staples
This year there are a lot of staples in the selection (colors that are repeated year after year). Shades of grey (Aluminum and Sea Fog), blue (Royal and Cobalt), and brown (Cognac) are plentiful, and may already be in your closet. Before pulling out the debit card, check to see what you have.
An item in Carafe from Fall 2013 may pass for Cognac. There’s no need to run out and buy an Aluminum colored sweater if you already have one in a similar hue (perhaps Paloma from Spring 2014). Instead, save that money for some of the trendier shades.
That being said, if you do spot an amazing piece that you will want to wear for years – go for it! These are staple colors that work with most complexions, wardrobes and personalities. You can even splurge a bit, feeling secure that you will want to use that fabulous cross body bag often in the years to come.
The Flatterers
The next range of colors are the flattering hues. If you love them and they look good on you, feel free to purchase. They won’t be shunned from fall fashion altogether however, they tend to cycle in and out of style more often than the staples.
Colors in this category include Cypress and Aurora Red. Although Cypress itself may not appear in stores each fall, it often compliments the other colors in the array. Aurora Red doesn’t suit everyone, but a watch in this color is a statement piece most can pull off. Or, go bold with a red dress to give off an air of confidence and power.
The Trendy
Autumn’s trendy colors include Misted Yellow, Mauve Mist, and Sangria. Yellow is a tricky color; it looks amazing on darker skin tones but if that isn’t you, choose an accessory in the shade instead. Making a comeback is Mauve, a soft pastel that looks great with almost any neutral. Lastly, there’s sangria, a lovely blend of red and purple.
All three are big hits this season, and are unlikely to remain popular for long so shop for them at inexpensive stores like Target, Forever 21 and H&M. Then, next year when the trend has come and gone, you won’t feel bad for having spent a lot of money on them.
Shopping
Royal Blue
Quilted Wool Coat ($52.99/That’s Point) With its asymmetrical zip and faux leather collar details this wool coat is stylish and warm.
Bright Cobalt
Quilted Jacket ($49.94 + 30% off */Old Navy – free shipping over $50 and free returns on all orders!) Add a pop of color to the cloudy weathered days with this sporty cobalt Jacket. It is lined in Old Navy performance fleece for extra warmth.
*Purchase by October 4 and get an extra 30% off with code “supersave.”
Aurora Red
Watch ($32.00/QVC) This watch makes quite a statement. Wear it with some bangles for stunning arm candy.
Mauve Mist
Lace Dress ($69.99/ModCloth – free shipping over $50 and free exchanges!) This lacy mauve dress pairs well with stockings and mid-calf boots. Try layering on a cardigan, blazer, or this dolman sweater, also in mauve.
Sea Fog
Clutch ($28.95/Back Country – free shipping over $50!) Carry forward the tribal-style pieces added to your wardrobe in the spring with this Sea Fog clutch.
Cypress
Draped Dress ($20.00/H&M) This casual, yet elegant, draped dress is the perfect shade of Cypress green. Add a faux fur vest in Cognac, like this one.
Sangria
Skinny Jeans ($44.99/6PM – free shipping!) Going out with the girls? Switch out your everyday blue jeans for these a pair in this rich, sophisticated hue.
Lip Color ($7.99/ULTA) Instead of a red lip this season try something in Sangria.
Lace Edged Tank ($14.80/Forever 21 – free shipping over $50!) Toss on a faux leather moto jacket for instant style.
Misted Yellow
Citrine Ring ($62.00/ETSY) Lucky for November birthdays, Citrine is totally in this season.
Cognac
Saddle Shoe ($59.95/Midnight Velvet) These saddle shoes rekindle the feeling of love I felt for the shoes of my childhood. So chic!
Aluminum
Origami Sling Cross-Body Bag ($33.99/Macy’s – free shipping both ways!) The architectural appearance of this cross-body bag makes it a unique addition to any outfit.
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