Back to School Fashion: Top 5 Color Trends for Fall 2012
Jason Wu, Jil Sander, Milly by Michelle Smith, Narciso Rodriguez and Reed Krakoff Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Welcome to part two of CF’s annual back to school fashion guide! Last week, we told you all about the hottest fall 2012 fashion trends and this week we’ll be focusing on the season’s most popular color trends.
Color is a fantastic way to update your wardrobe, and from opulent jewel tones to light and airy hues, this season’s trendiest colors include something for everyone. Read on to discover the top 5 color trends for fall 2012, as well as some of our favorite clothes and accessories in each shade.
1. Oxblood
(L to R) Jason Wu, Peter Som and Rodarte Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Tangerine Tango may have ruled over spring, but this season’s new “it” color is darker and a whole lot moodier. Oxblood is a deep, rich, wine-colored hue that will be everywhere throughout the fall and winter. This color is strong enough to stand on its own, so simply pair oxblood with neutrals for a luxe autumn look.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Bag- Fred Flare, Nail Polish- Essie’s “Lacy Not Racy”, Hat- French Connection, Skirt- Miss Selfridge, Sweater- Dorothy Perkins, Jeans- Dorothy Perkins
2. Pink
(L to R) Christian Dior, Jil Sander and Nina Ricci Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
While pink is usually considered a springtime color, Pantone has listed two pink shades in their fall 2012 color trend report, thus making it a hot hue for fall. The colors — Pink Flambé (a vibrant, saturated pink) and Rose Smoke (a soft, muted pink) — offer something on both ends of the spectrum, so whether you want something bright or mellow, any of the pink-colored items below would be perfect for fall.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Earrings- Kate Spade, Top- J. Crew, Coat- Nordstrom, Dress- Charlotte Russe, Bag- Zara, Loafers- Gap
3. Cobalt
(L to R) Stella McCartney, Tadashi Shoji and Milly by Michelle Smith Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
In a similar vein to garnet-colored oxblood, another jewel-tone shade that will be popular for fall is cobalt. This bright royal blue is both refined and trendy, so wear it with black for a sophisticated vibe or pair cobalt with other bold colors (like fuchsia or yellow) for a fashion-forward look. Check out a few of our favorite fall-appropriate cobalt pieces below.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Dress- ModCloth, Cardigan- J. Crew, Blazer- Nasty Gal, Belt- J. Crew, Skirt- Piperlime, Shoes- DSW
4. Green
(L to R) Charlotte Ronson, Narciso Rodriguez and Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
As Caitlyn reported a few weeks ago, wearing mixed shades of green is very “in” right now, due to the fact that Pantone chose two green shades — Ultramarine Green and Bright Chartreuse — for their Fall 2012 color report. In addition, there are tons of olive-colored items popping up in stores right now, thanks to the military-inspired trend. Not sure which shade of green is right for you? Check out our guide to finding your perfect colors, then sneak a peek at some trendy green clothes and accessories below.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Blazer- Modcloth, Bag- Topshop, Skirt- Pink Mascara, Blouse- JCPenney, Jeans- Kohl’s, Vest- Old Navy
5. White
(L to R) Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang and Reed Krakoff Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Lastly, no list of color trends would be complete without some kind of neutral, and for fall 2012, stark white clothing and accessories will be uber-popular. Since we all know that it’s A-ok to wear white after Labor Day, rock some winter white this season with a LWD, structured outerwear or a cozy sweater, as seen below.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Dress- Delia’s, Pants- Mango, Sweater- Mango, Hat- H&M, Ankle Booties- Zara, Vest- Topshop, Coat- boohoo.com
Your thoughts?
What do you think of these color trends? Which hue is your favorite? Any shades you don’t like? Will you be rocking any of these colors on campus for fall? Remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!
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Posted on on August 12, 2012 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Back to School, cobalt, Color Trends, Colors, Fall 2012, fall trends, Featured, green, oxblood, Pink, Winter White
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Demmy
So much pretty colors. Love the pink flambe. It’s so loud.Excited about cobalt too; It’s a beautiful color. xoxo Demmy
Leah
In love with everything on this page!!
Camille
I love that the color pink is big for fall! Being the girly girl that I am, this makes me so excited to add even more of this girly shade to my wardrobe.
Joanne
I’m so excited that the oxblood and pink are hot this season – they already dominate my wardrobe!
Emma
I’m already thinking about the colors to complement these–warm cognac leather comes to mind, and bright but not flourescent yellow. I’m also favoring gold over silver this season and getting excited to wear lots of black. Especially black jeans and leggings and possibly black leather pants.
Electrik Sheep
The number 6 white outfits are the best ones from the selection.
Casey
I can’t help but think that oxblood is huge right now because of 50 Shades of Grey. I think a lot of people read that book saw the color “oxblood” and googled it, lol. Though it is a very gorgeous color.
Keshia
I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve wanted to follow color trends. Even the pink and white, two colors I hate, look tempting and classy.
Charlotte
Fabulous, especially as I have recently discovered that green actually does look very nice on me. Never thought it would as I am so pale. Plus with the oxblood colour it is very similar to the rusty red colour of last Autumn, just slightly updated, so very easy to add into my wardrobe.
Vonny
Why is it called oxblood? Hahah it’s a beautiful color but that’s such a gross name. They should stick to garnet or wine red. It’s gorgeous other than the name haha
Stefani
Every time I see cobalt I think of the scene in The Devil Wears Prada when Meryl Streep lectured Ann Hathaway about the color of her sweater haha.
Eilyah
Loved it, not 100% on the greenage but I can deal. First year in College for me I wanted to change my look and style a whole new me look on life. Glad I came to this page I have been expired by the different outfits now days….though I will admit some are a bit out there even for little old shy me…But what people do not know wont kill them….so count me in on styling these looks got to go shopping now. =)
chasovnici
I like everything except the Oxblood.. It’s just not my color :)
Emily
I really love that cobalt is in now. I just purchased a pair of cobalt Ked look-alikes from Target a few months back, and the color looks wonderful. It’s bright, but not too bright, and I like that :)
Ann
I’m thrilled about the oxblood comeback, its been awhile.