Fall 2026 Color Trends: The Shades and Pairings to Wear This Season

Tired of your usual fall wardrobe colors? It's time to switch things up, with fresher palettes and interesting combinations appearing on this year's runways.

When we think of autumn, the colors that come to mind are earthy tones like browns and dark greens, warm oranges and rich reds. Many of us reach for clothes in shades of grays, browns, and blacks. This year, there’s a trend veering away from the usual, suggesting a pop of color and some surprising pairings to spice up this season’s wardrobe.

InStyle's Amanda Le says the fall palette this year is moodier, highlighting five combinations. Purple with red looked striking on the Dries Van Noten runway, and Dua Lipa has paired purple with red accessories.

She also points to the classic staple of tan and white, which Ciara wore to an event. Instead of black and brown, Le suggests switching things up with navy and burgundy. She also suggests combining yellow with brown, with brown grounding a brighter yellow. Chartreuse is also easier paired with black.

Who What Wear's Remy Farrell is all for swapping the usual fall colors for fresher shades that have appeared on the runways lately, such as spicy red in place of raspberry pink, turquoise instead of navy, lemon-sorbet yellow instead of deep green, bright royal purple instead of plum, black instead of grey, and rust or copper instead of beige.

You don't have to go head to toe. Le suggests a bag, shoes, a sweater or a coat in a contrasting color. Farrell suggests wearing one bold piece and keeping everything else simple.