Smart Colors: 6 Must-Wear Hues for Fall/Winter ’09
There is one word that perfectly describes the hottest colors for fall and winter 2009: “smart.”
But what exactly does “smart” mean in a fashion context? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, smart, as it relates to fashion, means “stylish or elegant in dress or appearance…appealing to sophisticated tastes.”
Essentially, we are stepping away from the neon, 80′s-centric color palette of summer and embracing some really amazing, sophisticated hues for fall and winter.
Read on to find out what the top 6 “smart colors” are, as well as how to wear them. I hope you can find at least one color you’d like to try this fall/winter season!
1. Bronze
All metallics are timeless, but bronze is a big hit this fall and will continue to be throughout the winter.
Bronze is more subtle than other metallics, which goes with the subdued, sophisticated theme of this season’s color palette. Bronze is chic and toned-down, perfect for mixing with fall’s jewel tones and neutral shades.
From the runways to the sidewalks on campus, here’s a montage of bronze to get your inspiration flowing!
Information (clockwise from left): Audrina Patridge – TheInsider.com, C&C California V-Neck- Shopbop.com, Buddha Sedona Bag in Bronze- Endless.com, Bailmain RTW Spring 2010 – Style.com, Anne Klein Quilted Dress Flat- Endless.com, Barissa Earrings- Chico’s, Puma Speedcat High Top in Bronze/Silver- Nordstrom
2. Brick/Berry
Berry and brick tones are always hot for both autumn and winter. Brick is perfect for fall since it echos the colors of the leaves, while berry is a trademark Christmas color, reminiscent of holly berries.
These two shades are fabulous to wear in fall or winter because they play perfectly against the lightened skin tones most of us sport during the colder months. Want to see more? Here are some berry and brick-colored items you’re sure to love.
Information (clockwise from left): Louis Vuitton RTW Fall 2009- style.com, GF FERRE’ Full-length jacket- YOOX, Du Wop Lip Stain in Pure Berry- SkinStore.com, Leighton Meester at the Gossip Girl Premiere- TheInsider.com, Cable V-Neck Long Sleeve- Charlotte Russe, Silk Brick Red Skirt- Arden B, Dolman Tee in Berry- Alloy.com
3. Mauve
Mauve reminds me of an artistic accident, as if someone forgot to wash the gray paint off the brush before dipping into the lilac.
There are four “official” tones of mauve, at least according to the HEX database of colors: Mauve, Light Mauve, Opera Mauve, and Mauve Taupe. This season, be especially aware of the latter two. Regular mauve and “light mauve” will become more popular as spring rolls around.
Here’s a look at the four mauve tones, as well as some mauve fashion inspiration.
Left-to-Right: Mauve, Light Mauve, Opera Mauve, Mauve Taupe
Information (clockwise from left): Roland Mouret Fall 2009 RTW- style.com, Bobbi Brown Sheer Cheek Tint in Mauve- Bergdorf Goodman, Cinnamon Blossom Top in Mauve- Free People, Contour Lip Liner in Mauve- ULTA, Unisex Jersey Scarf in Mauve- American Apparel, Stefano Mortani Tank- YOOX
4. Dark Sage
Whether you call it forest green, dark olive, or dark sage, the fact is that these deep, “vegetative” greens are in!
Heading to a holiday festivity? Why not replace your LBD with a little GREEN dress for a change? In need of a new pea coat? Why not try on a few sage options? These tones are great choices for both fall and winter and are easy to wear if you consider your skin tone!
Not sure which shades of dark green would work best for you? Refer to Zephyr’s post on Finding Your Perfect Colors!
Information (clockwise from left): Gap RTW 2009- style.com, Dark Suede Demode Heels- Nine West at Zappos, Combobella Plaid Jacket- YOOX, Louis Vuitton RTW 2009- style.com, Pintelle Beret- Kohl’s, Cable Oversized Beanie- TopShop, Belted Green Dress- Charlotte Russe
5. Navy
Ah, navy, one of the most neglected neutrals. I’m personally a huge fan of navy blue worn year-round, however, I don’t see many other college girls rocking navy quite as much.
Navy was first used as a dye for British military coats and was originally so dark it was often mistaken for black. Fortunately, these days, modern dyes make it a lot easier to tell the two shades apart.
For winter 2009, be ready for navy coats, trousers, scarves, and everything in between! Here are some fabulous navy items I love.
Information (clockwise from left): Moschino Fall 2009 RTW- harpersbazzar.com, Wool Blend Coat- Old Navy, Navy Ladderweave Scarf and Lace Frill Lace Tunic- Top Shop, UO Opaque Tights in Navy- Urban Outfitters, Deux Lux Studded Clutch- Rumor, H81 Embroidered Cardigan- Forever 21
6. Cognac
Named after a town in France, cognac is arguably the most popular variety of brandy. However, in addition to being the name of a drink, cognac is now known as a hot color in fashion.
This orangey brown tone is a perfect manifestation of autumn and accompanies just about any other color with ease. The brightness draws attention, while the neutrality of the color makes it modest. In my opinion, cognac is best worn on footwear, outerwear, and bags. I just bought some cognac boots, and am in love!
Information (clockwise from left): Ellen Pompeo – instyle.com, Buckled Slouchy Boots- Charlotte Russe, Cognac Short Booties- Windsor, Bwarriort Cognac Le Bag- Steve Madden, Chinese Laundry Love Me Platforms- Piperlime, Ribbed Trim Leatherette Jacket- Arden B
More to Come!
Want to know more about what’s hot for fall and winter 2009? Don’t fret, CF is here for you!
Be sure to check back next week for the next article in this series, where I will be discussing the must-wear prints & fabrics for Fall/Winter 2009! Don’t miss it!
What Do YOU Think?
Now that you’ve become an expert on smart colors, what do you think? Do you wear any of these colors? Which is your favorite? How do you wear “smart colors” in your every day wardrobe? Tell me with a comment!
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Posted on on October 28, 2009 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: brick, bronze, cognac, Colors, Fall 2009, mauve, Trends, Winter 2009
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hannah
love all of these!!
Rose
I like these colors, but I prefer the minty green like the Chanel Jade nail polish color as a green. Its much more fresh and unexpected then the deep green color.
Diksha
I love navy too. Bronze, berry, and mauve are already in my wardrobe, and I just ordered some cognac colored boots. So I just need something in dark sage and I would be all set for the fall/winter :)
Awesome post
Luinae
I’m very excited from brick & berry, mauve, and dark sage! The others don’t really work so well with my colouring, so I’ll skip out on that.
Great post!
Jackie
Oh wow I love all these colors!!! Thanks so much, definitely going to go out and look for these
Cassandra
More fond of navy and cognac than I am of the others … I have some old clothes in those clothes from some years back and I’ve just realised how much they dont suit me.
That long trenchcoat/jacket over in the brick&berry section is devine, though :)
Cassandra
*those shades from some…
Tasnim
i love thiss :)
brick and berry’s a reaaally nice colour
not too keen on mauve though
dark sage would be interesting to try
and bronze is a yes!
cognac is niice too
and ive always looved navy :D
i think black would be considered “smart” too :)
Caroline
Wow…I’m not much of a color person but you did an amazing job here with the layout an coloring!
One color I DO love is Bronze/Gold (and that might be the only picture I’ve ever seen of Audrina where I thought she looked pretty, heh). The other I’m going to try now is the Brick&Berry.
Iris
I love these colors, especially for Fall, but does that mean we have to banish our brights/neons from our fall wardrobe? I have a killer neon dress that I love to layer, and I have a few other bright dresses, and I’m not willing to give them up!
Kristina - University of Arizona
Iris:
I don’t think so! I’m actually wearing a neon yellow t-shirt right now, but I have black skinny jeans with black boots and a gray motorcycle jacket with black lining and a black scarf…haha. I guess my objective was to try and have mostly dark, fall colors with a neon undergarment. My roommates and I always sport bright, floral dresses under black leather jackets in the winter, too!
la petite fashionista
loving mauve and sage green for fall! i think the color palette is very untraditional this year and i think it’s great!
Jane
really love the berry and brick red. mauve is ok, but everytime I go out to buy something in that color I change my mind and choose a soft gray… which I totally love paired with a berry color. I don’t think I’ve ever word anything in bronze, but I like it and am going to try that color out this year!
Jackie
I’m in love with the navy and bronze…
anita
AWESOME POST KRISTINA!
just as i was wondering what to wear to school today..
Julie
i looove this post, gjves me some really good ideas for the next time i go shopping!
i really love all the colors.
Paula ♥
I love navy and and sage! Awesome article ^_^
vanessa anne
Hi, I recently purchased a leather jacket from Target in a color very similar to Cognac. I choose it over black because the jacket was slightly bomber-esque in the cuffs and hem. Along with the white furry collar, it’s very Amelia Earhart. I love the color, but I was really torn when I was deciding between cognac and black. I finally ended up going with cognac because my hair’s black, and I wanted to mix things up, seeing as I have lots of black in my wardrobe already.
Please tell me this color will be versatile and good for another couple of seasons. I hope it wasn’t a stupid investment. =/
Ada
Awesome post and thanks for the tips–these are some of my favorite colors! Also, I saw this post on Belles and Bulls about adorable fall hats: http://bellesandbulls.com/bbblog/2009/10/28/top-it-off-with-a-cute-hat/ Def an easy way to complete the fall look the easy way. Anyway, you should check it out if you’re looking for fall fashion.
Little Miss Impatient
i love these colors! they so pretty and they have the cool effect: light enough to not feel gloomy but still deep enough to be fall/winter colors.
SupaWaifu
I love the deep green and bronze. I’m learning to love navy.
Mauve I could deal without it in my wardrobe. It’s so washed out next to the rich berry, sage and navy.
Reneé
I LOVE navy cognac and mauve ! This is a very useful article thanks !
Saiyidah
love all the colours. i have a cognac bag which i bought a few days actually, and u are right, it attracts attention of my friends and they like it, but it really is modest,
Milana
Love the stylings and the colours!
Milana
Paula ♥
I’m always worried that I’ll look weird in fall colors. Since there isn’t really Fall here in Florida.
Christie
My favorites have to be Sage and Mauve.
:)
Loving the colors this fall.
rozya
they are fantastic, i mean, all of the six colors are so chic and fab in girls. so
cuuuuuuute!
Stef
I LOVED this post.
You’ve got a great eye in spotting trendy colours that people actually wear.
I’ve always been a huge fan of navy and I love cognac… especially together. :)
Stephanie
i love those chinese laundry cagged heels! i have a pair! so cute/comfy! :)
Kristina - University of Arizona
vanessa anne: I definitely think cognac will be around for longer than just this season!! I know last year around this time I spotted a few cognac boots and coats around campus, but I think this year it will be more prominent. you’re already ahead of the game and I’m sure your jacket is a great investment! cognac is very close to a neutral, at least in my opinion, and as long as you can find versatile ways to wear it, it is surely a great investment!
Paula: I have a friend who moved from chilly northern Arizona to Florida a few years back and she says the same thing! I would suggest checking out Zephyr’s blog on finding your perfect colors (linked above) and maybe finding similar hues as these that are a tad richer and brighter. perhaps one of the berry tones would suit you? I noticed the berries seemed to be the brightest/richest, which can work for many seasons!
Breanna
I absolutely love those colors. I’m the Soft Summer type, so all of the colors above are perfect for me – maybe except the brick I don’t like that much and the cognac, but I’ve just bought cognac boots and I love them, shoes are pretty far away from the face anyway. I wear them with dark gray or navy blue, I especially like the second combination.
vanessa anne
thanks a lot Kristina! great article, by the ways.
Julia
Best post in weeks!!
Loved it.
Kim - Cal State
ooh i am definitely, definitely, loving the red hues as well as the mauve and greens. i love color, and i’m really glad that we’re finally moving away from those neons and 80s colors that you mentioned at the beginning of your blog. great post kristina!
Leah
Spot on! I’ve always loved navy, and I try to incorporate it into a lot of my outfits. I’m definitely digging the softer colors, too, like the mauves and sage green. They’re subtle, but classy!