Color is a great way to get the inspiration you need to refresh your wardrobe, and Fall 2025 brings a mix of bold brights, grounding neutrals, and rich jewel tones that feel modern and wearable. Below is our guide to the shades you’ll be seeing everywhere – and how to make them work in a 40+ wardrobe. Let’s dig into the fall color trends.

Fall and winter 2025 color trends

What’s striking about this season’s palette is the mix of familiar fall shades with some unexpected newcomers. Deep brown, mustard, and damson purple feel classic for cooler weather and may already be in your wardrobe – making them easy to refresh with modern cuts or new accessories. But hues like mint, butter, and sky blue are more surprising for autumn, offering a lightness that balances fall’s heavier textures. Then there are the bold accents – cobalt, poppy red, and even neon brights – that inject instant energy into an outfit. Together, fall’s colors are about embracing contrast and finding fresh ways to combine what you already own with statement shades that keep your style current.

deep brown

Brown is the new black for the fall and winter seasons. This season, choose brown that is deeper, darker, and more luxurious. Think chocolate leather, tailored coats, or sleek knitwear. For a polished look, pair deep brown with cream or camel – or go tonal with lighter shades of beige for a sophisticated head-to-toe palette. You can also contrast your brown with bright shades like poppy red or pink.

Wearing brown for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Max MaraSaint LaurentElie Saab

Fall color trends - deep brown and cream outfit | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Madelyn Four-season Stretch BlazerJ.Crew Viscose Chiffon Shell TopKUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg PantsSam Edelman Bianka Sling PumpsRebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder BagKarine Sultan Layered Chain Necklace

cobalt

Electric but elegant, cobalt adds energy without being overwhelming. It looks stunning in tailored silhouettes – a blazer or sheath dress – and pairs seamlessly with crisp white or grey. For evening, cobalt satin or silk brings drama in a way that feels modern but not fussy. You could also wear with the neon shade we look at next.

Cobalt for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Alberta FerrettiBadgley MischkaDries Van Noten

mustard

Warm and autumnal, mustard feels sophisticated during the cooler months. It works well in cozy knits, tailored trousers, or a statement scarf. Pair with navy or grey for a chic office look, or with denim for relaxed weekends.

Mustard outfits for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Gabriela HearstPradaEtro

poppy red

This is the season’s power color. Vibrant and energetic, poppy red works beautifully as a statement piece – a coat, wide-leg trousers, or a simple cashmere sweater. If head-to-toe feels bold, anchor it with neutrals like navy or black – or, of course, the deep brown from above. For a fashion-forward twist, pair red with pink for a striking contrast.

Take a look at our article on how to wear red for more inspiration.

Poppy red for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Victoria BeckhamSacaiFerragamo

Red suit  | 40plusstyle.com

MANGO Linen-blend Suit VestMANGO Linen-blend Ballon Suit PantsSam Edelman Bianka Sling PumpsRebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder BagMelinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop EarringsKarine Sultan Layered Chain Necklace

Neon brights

For those of you who want a touch of the unexpected, neon brights are making a comeback. The key is balance: try a neon knit under a neutral blazer, or add a neon accessory like a bag or shoe to elevate a classic outfit. One piece is enough to make a statement.

Also look at how to wear yellow to brighten up your day.

Neon for fall | 40plusstyle.com

MarniGivenchyElie Saab

Any shade of pink

Pink continues to be very much on trend, in shades from soft blush to vibrant fuchsia. Pink pairs beautifully with browns, reds, and purples this season – and, of course, your neutrals – making it surprisingly versatile. A pink coat or structured bag is an easy way to nod to the trend.

We have more pink outfit ideas in this article.

Fall color trends - pink | 40plusstyle.com

ChanelCOMME des GARÇONSFendi

Sky blue

This soft yet striking shade is ideal for those who prefer cooler tones. A sky-blue blouse or oversized knit looks crisp with dark denim or grey trousers. For a bolder take, try it in outerwear – a coat in this shade feels fresh and modern while still timeless.

Pale blue outfits for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Simone RochaLouis VuittonCarolina Herrera

Sky blue and brown outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Sheer ShirtJ.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch PantsSam Edelman Althea SneakersMANGO Suede Eyelet Shopper BagMelinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

mint

Unexpected for fall, mint brings a refreshing lift to darker seasonal wardrobes. It’s especially striking in coats or silk blouses. Pair mint with brown or butter for an updated take on neutrals, or mix with other pastels for a softer, layered look.

Mint outfits for fall | 40plusstyle.com

McQueenPradaChanel

butter

Butter yellow adds warmth and softness to fall’s palette. Think knitwear, blouses, or even tailored skirts in this pale, creamy shade. It pairs elegantly with browns, greys, and even damson purple for a sophisticated combination. Think about switching from white and cream to butter for the new season.

Pale yellow outfits for fall | 40plusstyle.com

Louis VuittonGivenchyGucci

Fall color trends - butter yellow and denim outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Favorite Daughter The Aurora Collarless JacketCOS Twist-detail TopLands’ End Recover Denim High Rise Extra Wide Leg JeansNaturalizer Carla Ballet FlatsRadley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel BagMelinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

Damson purple

Deep, moody, and elegant, damson purple is a perfect evening color but also works in the daytime for chic separates. Pair it with black for drama, with pink for playfulness, or with butter yellow for a softer, unexpected twist. Wear a velvet jacket with your jeans, or switch out your little black dress for dark purple.

Check out how to wear purple in every shade for more ideas.

Purple outfits for fall | 40plusstyle.com

AltuzarraRalph LaurenDries Van Noten

More Style Ideas

Fall color trends - blue and brown outfit for fall | 40plusstyle.com

BCBGMAXAZRIA Double Breasted Bouclé CoatMANGO Double-breasted Crinkled-effect VestKUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg PantsSam Edelman Althea SneakersRadley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel BagMelinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

Fall color trends - red and brown outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Sweater Shirt JacketJ.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch PantsSam Edelman Bianka Sling PumpsRebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder BagKendra Scott Joelle Drop Earrings

Cream shirt and jeans outfit | 40plusstyle.com

COS Wide-collar Modal BlouseLands’ End Recover Denim High Rise Extra Wide Leg JeansSam Edelman Althea SneakersMANGO Suede Eyelet Shopper BagKarine Sultan Layered Chain NecklaceMelinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

Blazer set outfit | 40plusstyle.com

J.Crew Madelyn Four-season Stretch BlazerCOS Twist-detail TopJ.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch PantsSam Edelman Bianka Sling PumpsRadley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel BagKendra Scott Joelle Drop Earrings

Red cardigan with cream jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Sweater Shirt JacketJ.Crew Viscose Chiffon Shell TopKUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg PantsNaturalizer Carla Ballet FlatsRebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder BagKendra Scott Joelle Drop Earrings

Your fall 2025 colors together in one capsule

We’ve been inspired to create a new capsule for fall using some of the key color trends for fall 2025. We’ve picked out deep brown, butter, poppy red, and sky blue to put together the nine outfits below. You can easily mix and match the different looks to create different outfits.

What are your favorite colors from the fall color trends? What shades will you be adding to your closet? Let us know in the comments below.

Fall/Winter 2025 color trends - capsule wardrobe | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. From runway to real life: key fall 2025 trends and how to wear them
  2. Pretty in prints: all our favorite print pants outfits
  3. How to wear denim this fall

Like this article on fall color trends? Share it on Pinterest!

Fall and Winter 2025 color trends to embrace this season | 40plusstyle.com

Images from Vogue

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