Women's Fashion Colors for Fall Winter 2009

Cool Blue Hues, Schiaparelli Pink and Classic Camel for Autumn

Sep 22, 2009

From classic black and camel, chilli red and Schiaparelli pink, or neon brights of the '80s, colors for Fall 2009 cover the whole fashion spectrum.

The traditional fall hues of russet brown, ochre and gray are accompanied this year by camel, a color which is one of the main wardrobe staples of the season.

Showstopping ‘80s metallics and neon brights provide a welcome diversion from the normal fall somber palette along with a passion for pink, Schiaparelli style.

Rich Browns

Whilst “brown” has always been a winter color staple, the variation of sophisticated bronzes, tans, coppers, caramels, mustards and chocolate provides enough choice for those who do not normally warm to the color. Choose shades which flatter skin tones; rich rusty browns for blondes and softer caramel hues for darker skins.

The rusty hue seen on the runways of Salvatore Ferragamo, Maxmara and Akris is proving a chic rival to black. Go head-to-toe brown for a modern luxe look, but break-up the color-block by mixing hard and soft textures and compliment the color with gilded jewelry. For eveningwear, find dazzling shades of copper and bronze in cocktail dresses and evening gowns, in rich brocades and velvets.

Think Pink

This ‘40s trend embraces pre-war Schiaparelli styles in chilli red, pink and crimson. Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli championed hot pink in the 1930s and early '40s. This show-stopping shade sees a revival in color blocks (Versace, Michael Kors) or as bright accessories such as this season's thigh-high boots and textured bags. Find this electrifying shade in everything from shift dresses to capes to lacey pencil skirts.

Blue Hues

Cool blues reign on the runways for Fall 2009, from Carolina Herrera, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney, Missoni to Versace. Indigo tones of smokey teal give a luxurious feel to this winter’s palette. Mix with earthy shades of taupe or mushroom for a sophisticated look. For eveningwear, light reflecting silks and dévoré velvets in intense shades of blue flatter almost any skintone.

Monochrome

Classic houndstooth checks and sophisticated-yet-sexy French glamour make strong statements in black and white. Fall’s Parisienne trend embraces chic black pencil skirts and white blouses whilst an urban-meets-country look sees oversized houndstooth checks reinvented in sharp suits and dresses from the runways of Alexander McQueen. Choose a black leather jacket in butter soft leather as a wardrobe staple which will transcend seasons or a statement jacket or oversized blazer in a monochrome print.

'80s Metallics and Neon Brights

Gold and silver metallics and neon brights represent the disco-diva era of the 1980s with Grace Jones-esque sequins. Contrast coral red or bright yellow against a backdrop of black and keep makeup soft and peachy.

Pantones Top Fashion Colors for Fall 2009

Industry color guru, Pantone (the most recognized color institute in the world) has put together its Fall 2009 Color report, featuring its top 10 colors. These include Majolica Blue, a cross between teal and navy, Burnt Sienna, a terracotta earthy orange, and Rapture Rose a cross between vibrant fuschia and a soft pink.

Whether it’s blue or red, this season's colors are surprisingly flattering to most skintones and provide a welcome pop of color to the winter palette. Rich browns are the way to go for some investment dressing, whilst neon brights combined with rich luxurious fabrics (á la Marc Jacobs) will bring a wardrobe bang up-to-date.

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