How to Incorporate Fall Color Trends into Your Winter Wardrobe

Fall is still upon us (thank god), but winter is right around the corner and will last for several months. I know I am not the only one who can never leave a good color palette behind, even when transitioning into a new season. This season’s color trends are very universal and can still be implemented into all of your winter looks.

From chartreuse to mellow yellow, here are the fall color trends that you can style up for a winter-appropriate wardrobe, and some pieces you can grab to achieve the looks.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway & Pinterest

Bright Chartreuse was one of Pantone’s colors for A/W 2021, as reported in our Runway Report for our A/W 2021 issue. This color is absolutely perfect for the fall because it keeps the bright hues from spring and summer alive while bringing in a deeper shade at the same time. This color can be worn in the winter as well, but if you are unsure about how to wear it, keep reading.

You can take baby steps and try wearing chartreuse accessories such as beanies, gloves, and handbags. For their 2023 resort collection, Fendi showcased the color in some of their looks through accessories like fluffy bags, ruffled socks, satin dresses, and more. If you want to go big, try investing in a chartreuse winter jacket, similar to the one showcased in Diesel’s A/W 2022 collection.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway, H&M & Pinterest

There is no need to explain Barbiecore pink's chokehold on all of us since Valentino debuted their iconic Pink PP F/W 22-23 collection. This bright color has been everybody’s go-to for this fall season. Of course, hot pink is not the color you might automatically think of when you are deciding on a color palette to base your new fall wardrobe on. However, this season’s color trends are absolutely changing the whole “neutrals for fall” statement and bringing out the bold.

Vogue mention’s the color’s popularity is thanks to the news of the upcoming Barbie film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. If you want to bring the glitz and pink glam to pay homage to the iconic character, try wearing the color this winter. From puffer coats, knit sweaters, fur boots, and power suits (for all my business people who love to make a statement even in the colder weather) make hot pink your wardrobe warrior.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway & Pinterest

Blue is definitely a staple color for the winter, but for this fall season, cobalt/pacific ocean blue has been everywhere from the runway to the shelves of your favorite retail stores. This shade can be perfectly paired with other winter colors such as white, black, red, and silver—especially for any holiday outfits you might still be on the fence about. You can style a cobalt blue turtleneck with some flashy metallic silver pants and matching heels for a holiday party look. To get your feet wet in pacific ocean blue, try starting slow with a thick cozy knit sweater, trench coat, and basic long-sleeve shirt. Or, you can even accessorize with a cobalt blue bag, sunglasses, or a pair of statement shoes.

Who What Wear editor Anna LaPlaca defines the color as striking and timeless—two keywords we could not agree on more. If you need some runway inspiration, check out F/W’22 shows such as Dion Lee, Christian Siriano, and LaQuan Smith.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway & Pinterest

Lava Falls is a major color trend for this F/W season, as we discussed in a previous article. However, some people dissociate warm tones like reds, oranges, and yellows with the winter season and instead opt for cool tones like blue, periwinkle, purple, and grey. While this is totally ok, it would be super fun to mix this shade of red with these cooler tones. You can wear a ribbed scarlet top with a grey suit set, or even do a little color-blocking and mix up your purple and red pieces.

This shade has been featured everywhere and on everything from bags, shoes, trench coats, and even other accessories like arm warmers and sunglasses. Red is a great color to play around with, especially during the winter season since. After all, red is a key Christmas color!

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway, H&M, & Pinterest

Arguably, one of the most wearable colors for fall is orange because of its versatility. We were seeing it a ton during the summertime as well with Pantone’s Team Coco Orange completely taking over the fashion scene. An article from Vogue France reports “we are not pretending that this shade is easy to wear, of course, but when it is styled correctly, orange can become a real fashion asset.” If you aren’t a huge fan of orange but still want to try to invest in some for the winter, the easiest way to do so is by purchasing some high quality pieces that will stay in your closet for longer than you think.

Long sleeves and knits are staples for winter as well, so a statement orange long-sleeve or knit would be the perfect way to implement the color trend for your winter looks. You can also try orange bags, shoes, hats, scarves, and even fur belts (if you want to get really into it).

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway & Pinterest

This pastel shade has surprisingly been in for this fall season, and it is actually one of the most perfect shades to transition into your winter color palette because of its frosty hue. Balletcore has been trending bringing everything from leg warmers and ballet flats to slick-back ballerina buns to the scene. Pale pink is definitely a Balletcore color, and if worn in the winter, it will fit right into your wardrobe—right along with the Barbiecore pink to create a beautiful monochrome look. If you have not already tried wearing the color for fall, it’s not too late.

But, if you also want to wear it in the winter, try investing in some super chunky pale pink fur knits, coats, hats, and bags. If fur is not really your thing, try out some mohair or wool pieces to bring in that cozy comfort for the winter. You can also try sporting some sunglasses and other accessories to get your pale pink fix.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway, H&M, & Pinterest

Kelly Green is another fall color that was a hit during the S/S’21 season. This was because of Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Fall 2021 collection, giving the shade the nickname “Bottega green.” From chunky knit scarfs to furry hats and feathered pants, this color for fall has been all the rage and can definitely be translated into your winter wardrobe. The great thing about Kelly Green color is that it can be mixed with both warm and cool tones. If you want to go for a Barney-chic vibe, try styling Barbiecore pink or magenta with the green shade, or even pastels to bring in that winter feel.

Trench coats, leather pants, slingback heels, tote bags, sunglasses, balaclavas, and more accessories with this color are the perfect way to start implementing the color into your winter closets.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway, SSENSE, & Pinterest

This deep purple shade is another easy color trend for fall that can be transitioned into your winter color palette. Purple is a cool tone after all, so it makes sense to wear it in the winter as much as you may or may not be wearing it this fall. According to an article from InStyle, “aside from wardrobe staples being among the hottest styles, purple clothing and accessories are having a major moment, possibly even replacing Barbiecore pink.” Purple is absolutely essential, so why not start with the basic winter staples first when choosing which purple pieces you want to invest in for the colder weather?

A purple fur coat, some furry gloves, a statement bag, or even a statement top like the ones featured in F/W’22 collections such as Coach, Tory Burch, Prabal Gurung, and Blumarine are bound to bring on all the purple vibes this winter.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue Runway, THE REAL REAL, & Pinterest

Grey is a staple color that is versatile for any season. Being that it can be considered both a warm and a cool tone, grey is perfect for the fall as well as the wintertime. “Present in the recent runways of Ottolinger, Dior, Burberry, and others, slate grey is the sophisticated wardrobe addition we’re tipping to be huge this year,” An article by Refinery29 Australia states. “Always the handy go-to for those of us all-black-everything wearers looking to expand their horizons ever so slightly, grey is a classic option for suiting or tailoring, as demonstrated by a host of ready-to-wear ‘23 collections.”

While this is definitely true, grey is also a perfect neutral to pair with statement colors such as deep purple, Bottega green, bright/burnt orange, and pastel shades such as baby blue and pale pink. If you do not already have any grey pieces lying around, start off with basics such as ribbed tops, turtlenecks, bulky blazers, and even a cute pair of grey heels for any business babes out there.

SOURCES: Collage created by the author, pictures sourced from Vogue RunwaY & Pinterest

The last fall color trend that can be worn throughout winter is yellow. Although it might be a bit bright for some people, it is actually worn best when paired with other cooler tones such as blue, green, white, and even metallics. Similar to grey, it can be paired with complimentary warm tones like orange, pink, red, and even chartreuse. Marie Claire editor Sara Holzman notes, “often linked to feelings of joy, a punchy yellow or marigold color helps evoke optimism and cheer.” This makes yellow the perfect color to wear into the winter season because of the holidays, of course.

Whether you are sporting yellow in cozy comfortable outerwear, a statement accessory, or even going full-out sunshine with a monochromatic look, yellow is definitely a color to add to your winter color mood board.