Back to School Shopping Guide: Fall 2011 Color Trends
Although the smoldering heat suggests otherwise, it’s almost time for fashion’s favorite season– fall! Soon enough, it will be time to break out some boots, throw on a comfy cardigan and layer, layer, layer. So, in order to prepare you for the upcoming change in season, we’re putting together the ultimate fall shopping guide.
Earlier this week we briefed you on some hot fashion trends for back-to-school shopping and now we’ll be discussing fall 2011 color trends. Color is a super-simple way to update your wardrobe, so rest assured that adding just a few cool-weather pieces in a popular hue will help you stay on-trend throughout the fall and winter.
Want to get the scoop on fall’s hottest colors? Read on to discover the top five shades you’ll see everywhere this season as well as some fall-appropriate clothes and accessories for inspiration:
Taupe
L to R: Dennis Basso, The Row, & Jo No Fui Fall 2011 RTW | Elle
If you love neutrals, you’re in luck – taupe is going to be über popular this season. Taupe is a pretty mix between a cool gray and an earthy brown, so it’s pretty much the ultimate neutral color. Pick up a pair of sturdy boots or some cozy outerwear in this hue for a trendy, yet practical cold-weather look.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Skirt- Lulu’s, Blouse- Anthropologie, Coat- Dorothy Perkins, Cardigan- Forever 21, Boots- Target, Pants- Delia’s
Deep Plum
L to R: Badgley Mischka, J. Crew, & L’Wren Scott Fall 2011 RTW | Elle
This rich, gorgeous shade of purple practically screams “luxury”. A deep plum dress, skirt or coat will add a glam vibe to even the most casual of outfits, so invest in one of those pieces to make a bold impact.
Not quite ready to rock purple clothing? Try a plum-colored accessory – like the clutch or shoes pictured below – for a more subtle take on this trend.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Dress- Modcloth, Sweater- John Lewis, Clutch- Baker’s, Shoes- Modcloth, Coat- Debenhams, Tights- Revolve Clothing
Silver
L to R: Cynthia Steffe, Gianfranco Ferre, & Max Mara Fall 2011 RTW | Elle
Grays are always popular for fall, but this year it’s all about light, silvery-gray hues. This sophisticated color is a “goes with everything” type of shade, making it perfect for mixing-and-matching with other colors. Whether you buy a sharp silver blazer or a cozy sweater, you’ll have a versatile and stylish pick for autumn.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Socks- Net-a-Porter, Oxfords- DSW, Sweater- Old Navy, Blazer- H&M, Dress- All Saints, Bag- Net-a-Porter
Dark Teal
L to R: Marc Jacobs, Emilio Pucci, & Valentino Fall 2011 RTW | Elle
This pretty blue-green color is the perfect statement-making autumnal hue. Dark teal is a mysterious-looking color with cool undertones, which makes it a popular pick for fall. Wear it on its own if you’re feeling bold or pair it with neutrals to add a splash of color.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Blouse- Nordstrom, Vest- Buckle, Pumps- Alloy, Scarf- Nordstrom, Sweater- Forever 21, Skirt- Miss Selfridge
Mustard Yellow
L to R: Bottega Veneta, Chloé, & Jil Sander Fall 2011 RTW | Elle
Since this is one of my favorite shades to wear, I’m happy to report that mustard yellow is going to be huge throughout the fall and winter. This cheerful shade reminds me of the color of fallen leaves — perfect for autumn!
Not sure what other colors to pair this mustard yellow with? Believe it or not, this shade of yellow would actually look awesome with all of the fall hues mentioned above! You could wear it with plum or dark teal for a colorful autumn-themed look or combine it with taupe or silver for a chic, modern aesthetic.
Get the Look:
Product Info: Bag- H&M, Coat- Target, Scarf- Urban Outfitters, Tee- Forever 21, Wedges- Ruche, Blouse- Topshop
Your thoughts?
What do you think of these colors? Which one is your favorite? Do you follow color trends? How would you wear each color? Remember to leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Posted on on August 14, 2011 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Back to School Shopping, Colors, Designers, Fall 2011, Featured, Mustard Yellow, Purple, Silver, Taupe, Teal, Trends
Like this post?
Comment Rules: CF is a positive place and our comments section is no different. Constructive criticism is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your comment. Please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name and do not put your website in the comment text, as both come off like spam. For more info, see our 
Nina
These, except the plum, are literally ALL my favorite colors! Can’t wait for fall. This post made me feel really trendy because 90% of my wardrobe is already in these colors!
miah
I own practically all of these colors in ridiculous quantities…year round. haha. i love the mustard yellow and deep plum the most, and can’t wait to get into color blocking with these gorgeous fall colors.
Grace
love everything except for mustard yellow – it does look good on some people though!
anyway I can’t wait for fall shopping :D
Raven B.
Recently I’ve been doing my back to school shopping and have seen lots of mustard yellow, teal, and rust! I can’t wait to finish filling my closet with these colors!
Mina
This is why I love fall: most of the colours look amazing on me! Great post!
Danielle
I love all of these colors! I doubt I’ll be buying much of mustard yellow, but I might just try it out since I’ve been told it suits me. That pretty plum color looks great on a lot of skin tones, so I’ll love to see what clothes they make with that for this season.
Leslie
Love all of these.. especially mustard yellow and plum! Can’t wait until fall!
Paula*
All of these posts are making me upset since Florida doesn’t have a fall season :p
Noah
Not my favorite colour but mustard certainly seem to be hot at the moment. Dark teal is more to my liking.
cate
those teal pumps are amazing.
Heather
As much as I love summer I am really excited for fall fashion and all these colors are perfect. Another one of my favorite colors for fall is muted dusty rose. It works really well with most of these colors too.
Liz
I just bought those taupe boots from Target! Can you show us how to wear desert/chukka boots?
Tarynn
Love all of these except silver. Always been a gold person and being as blonde as I am, I hate to put anything gray too close to my face, I’m afraid it washes me out. :(
And I’m dying to get my hands on that cape coat. I’ve been searching around for them for a while now.
Cortney
Yes to Mustard Yellow! I’m especially excited about that shade. :) I seriously love all the fall colors. All of them work really well with my skin tone.
Vania
I was browsing the Target website last night and found two items that are really similar to the plum shoes and knit sweater you posted:
Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Handknit Cable Pullover Sweater – Plum http://tinyurl.com/4xee9dn
Women’s Merona® Marlis Suede Sliver Wedge Shoes – Purple
http://tinyurl.com/43ba9mz
The great thing about the shoes is that certain sizes are on clearance for just less than $8! I haven’t received mine in the mail yet, but they look like a super-affordable way to add a bit of plum to your wardrobe without going all-out. =)
Ashley - Flagler College
Vania- Great finds.. Thanks for sharing!
Jill - Benedictine College
OMG… All my favorite colors! This is going to be such a good season :)
Thanks for the great article!
Jill
B.
I find these colours very boring and just sad-looking, I’d definitely add some colour punch in those outfits.
Caroline
I hate this yellow, but other are great:)
Demmy
I love all the colours but I’m not digging the mustard yellow that much :)
Kate
Mustard yellow, plum, teal…anyone else thinking this year’s colors have been inspired by “Clue” characters?