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.

Max Mara – Saint Laurent – Elie Saab

J.Crew Madelyn Four-season Stretch Blazer – J.Crew Viscose Chiffon Shell Top – KUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Pants – Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder Bag – Karine 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.

Alberta Ferretti – Badgley Mischka – Dries 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.

Gabriela Hearst – Prada – Etro
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.

Victoria Beckham – Sacai – Ferragamo

MANGO Linen-blend Suit Vest – MANGO Linen-blend Ballon Suit Pants – Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder Bag – Melinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings – Karine 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.

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.

Chanel – COMME des GARÇONS – Fendi
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.

Simone Rocha – Louis Vuitton – Carolina Herrera

COS Sheer Shirt – J.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch Pants – Sam Edelman Althea Sneakers – MANGO Suede Eyelet Shopper Bag – Melinda 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.

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.

Louis Vuitton – Givenchy – Gucci

Favorite Daughter The Aurora Collarless Jacket – COS Twist-detail Top – Lands’ End Recover Denim High Rise Extra Wide Leg Jeans – Naturalizer Carla Ballet Flats – Radley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel Bag – Melinda 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.

Altuzarra – Ralph Lauren – Dries Van Noten
More Style Ideas

BCBGMAXAZRIA Double Breasted Bouclé Coat – MANGO Double-breasted Crinkled-effect Vest – KUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Pants – Sam Edelman Althea Sneakers – Radley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel Bag – Melinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

Caslon Sweater Shirt Jacket – J.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch Pants – Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder Bag – Kendra Scott Joelle Drop Earrings

COS Wide-collar Modal Blouse – Lands’ End Recover Denim High Rise Extra Wide Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Althea Sneakers – MANGO Suede Eyelet Shopper Bag – Karine Sultan Layered Chain Necklace – Melinda Maria She’s So Smooth Teardrop Earrings

J.Crew Madelyn Four-season Stretch Blazer – COS Twist-detail Top – J.Crew Natalia Four-season Stretch Pants – Sam Edelman Bianka Sling Pumps – Radley The Chancery Medium Flapover Satchel Bag – Kendra Scott Joelle Drop Earrings

Caslon Sweater Shirt Jacket – J.Crew Viscose Chiffon Shell Top – KUT from the Kloth Meg Seamed High Waist Ankle Wide Leg Pants – Naturalizer Carla Ballet Flats – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Top Zip Leather Shoulder Bag – Kendra 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.

Continue reading:
- From runway to real life: key fall 2025 trends and how to wear them
- Pretty in prints: all our favorite print pants outfits
- How to wear denim this fall
Like this article on fall color trends? Share it on Pinterest!

Images from Vogue
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!