There are so many flat-shoe options on the market right now; it can be hard to pick between the countless pairs when shopping for your next style. But I'm here to tell you that the best option if you want your shoes to look expensive and polished with every outfit is to avoid classic colors like black and brown and instead opt for a navy blue pair. Don't just take my word for it, though. Kendall Jenner is backing the flat-shoe color, too.

This week, when the supermodel went on a dinner date at Sushi Park in Los Angeles with Hailey Bieber, she chose a satin pair of flat mules from The Row, called the June Mules, which—you guessed it—were navy blue. She styled the flats with a matching knee-length skirt and a black boatneck T-shirt, adding a mustard-colored leather shoulder bag for a pop of color. Black or brown flats would have looked fine with the ensemble, but her choice to wear navy made the outfit appear infinitely more elegant and expensive. No added effort required.

On Kendall Jenner: The Row June Mules ($1000) and Terrasse Bag ($3500)

Sadly, Jenner's specific mules are currently sold out, though if you want to join the waitlist for a pair, I wouldn't argue against you. They're gorgeous and will surely restock at some point given their popularity among the celeb set. That being said, her June Mules aren't the only option out there. The Row even has another navy-blue satin slide, the Tilda Mules ($1050), that make for a great alternative. For a more affordable swap, you can't go wrong with Reformation's Buffy Ruched Ballet Flats ($228). Even more price-conscious shoppers could go with Old Navy's V-Cut Ballet Flats ($18), which are currently on sale.

Shop all the best navy-blue flats on the market right now below.

Shop Navy Flats

As per usual, Jennifer Lawrence, who has been out and about a lot this week, is bringing the outfit ideas. She's one of those celebrities who doesn't usually wear head-to-toe looks by one designer when she has an event or occasion to dress up for. Anyone with a stylist can wear an off-the-runway look. Lawrence mixes things up, and sure, she wears designer pieces regularly, but many of her eclectic outfits can be recreated using similar pieces. So, let's take a look at one she wore in NYC this week, because it's particularly chic.

Lawrence's outfit consisted of the basic outfit formula of a blazer, skirt, and heels, but the trends she chose are what made it special. For starters, she opted for a black straight-button blazer. The single-breasted, often fitted style is becoming more popular by the day this season, with stylish dressers buttoning them all the way up and wearing them in place of a top. The skirt color trend she chose was smoky lavender, and Lawrence's chiffon skirt by on-the-rise London designer Pauline Dujancourt couldn't be more stunning. As for the heel trend, she wore closed-toe satin mules (an upcoming Chloé style) that served as the perfect finishing touch to the pretty outfit.

Keep scrolling to see Lawrence's chic look for yourself and to shop similar pieces.

The 3-Piece Outfit on Jennifer Lawrence

On Jennifer Lawrence: Dior sunglasses; DISSH Ryker Black Oversized Blazer ($68); Pauline Dujancourt Najia Silk-Blend Chiffon Midi Skirt ($1630); Phoebe Philo Gig Bag ($3900); Chloé resort 2027 shoes

Shop Straight-Button Blazers

Shop Lavender Skirts

Shop Satin High-Heel Mules

It feels impossible, I know, but 2027 will be here before we know it, and if you want to enter the New Year feeling sartorially prepared, look to one person for dressing inspiration: Zoë Kravitz. Cool, casual, and effortless—Kravitz epitomizes all three, especially in the chillier months. She has plenty of styling tricks up her sleeve, but there's one in particular that I'm predicting will be her most copy-worthy in 2027. She just wore it, and I've already heard from multiple sources that they immediately began shopping for the color trend she wore with an otherwise simple, all-black outfit. What is it? Purple—regal purple, to be exact.

This week, the Batman actress was spotted in New York City, where fall weather is finally kicking in. For one of the season's first days of 50-ish-degree weather, Kravitz wore a black, knee-length coat with matching tall boots, as well as a black leather tote and black sunglasses. The accessory that pulled the entire outfit together? Her regal purple scarf. Just like that, her look became an instant hit, ready to be copied again and again from now until spring.

WHO: Zoë Kravitz

The best part is that you don't need a purple scarf, specifically. Any pop of the trending color will do, whether it's a handbag, a sweater, or a pair of shoes. Even a hat or pair of socks would work. The trend isn't about any specific item but the color itself, especially when you style it with an all-black ensemble. The two colors just click.

Shop the best purple accent pieces below.

Shop the Purple Color Trend

There's a new denim color quietly taking over the streets of New York and Los Angeles, and it's a refreshing departure from the usual lineup of blue, black, and white. Green denim is emerging as one of fall 2026's coolest ways to update an everyday jeans outfit, with shades ranging from deep moss and muted olive to dusty, almost-tan khaki green. It's subtle enough to style like a neutral but unexpected enough to make even the simplest outfit feel decidedly current.

The appeal is in how easy the trend is to wear. Mossy and olive-green jeans look especially chic paired with fall staples like fitted knits, leather jackets, button-down shirts, and simple tees, while slightly faded and washed-out versions give denim a more relaxed feel. Rather than reading as a bold pop of color, these earthy shades blend seamlessly with black, brown, cream, gray, and even more denim, making them surprisingly effortless to work into an existing wardrobe.

It's not just jeans getting the green treatment. Denim jackets, shirts, and matching sets in muted shades of olive and khaki are starting to feel like a natural progression of the trend, especially when styled tonally or with understated basics. Consider green denim the low-key update that makes a familiar fall uniform look new again. Judging by the outfits already popping up in NYC and L.A., it's one to keep an eye on this season.

Green-Denim Trend

Get the look: Oversize shirt + Green jeans + Flats

Get the look: Plaid button-down shirt + Green jeans + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Bright top + Green jeans + Black boots

Get the look: Collared sweater + Green jeans + Boots + Silver jewelry

Get the look: Tank + Green jeans + Belt + Animal-print heels

Get the look: Crewneck sweatshirt + T-shirt + Green jeans + Flip-flops

Get the look: Funnel jacket + Green jeans + Ballet flats

Get the look: Cropped sweater + Green jeans + Studded belt + Block heels

Get the look: Boatneck top + Sweater + Green jeans + Flip-flops

If you’re thinking that the topic of an airport-pant-color trend seems a bit random and specific, I can’t say that I disagree with you. But think about it. Especially as the weather cools and outfit-covering coats become part of our daily lives, the pants we wear are pretty important and become the focal point of an outfit. And if looking cool at the airport is something you strive for, I just spotted the pant-color trend you’re going to want to wear for your next flight.

While arriving at JFK last week, Cara Delevingne opted to forgo neutral pants for something much more memorable: cobalt blue pants. Given that cobalt has quickly been identified as 2027’s biggest color trend, thanks to the S/S 27 runways we’ve seen it on thus far, you can fully expect its popularity to keep growing.

Delevingne paired her casual pants with a polished camel coat, cream turtleneck, and black suede mules. While she wore them with neutral basics, I can confirm that the bright hue goes with more colors than you may realize—purple and red being two of them.

Scroll on to see Delevingne's airport outfit and shop cool cobalt blue pants for your next travel day.

Spotted on Cara Delevingne at JFK

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After I looked through hundreds of new arrivals for fall 2026, one thing became clear: Color is doing a lot of the heavy lifting this season. While classic autumnal shades are still in the mix, they're being joined by a few unexpected hues that make even the simplest outfit feel current. The result is a palette that is rich, wearable, and surprisingly easy to incorporate into an existing wardrobe.

Brown and burgundy are naturally leading the charge, but green, purple, and red are bringing a little more personality to the season. Meanwhile, blue and cream offer a softer counterpoint to fall's deeper shades, showing up across everything from knits and outerwear to shoes, bags, and everyday basics. Even adding one of these colors to an otherwise neutral look is enough to make it feel distinctly fall 2026.

The best part is that there isn't one specific shade within each color family that matters. Greens range from earthy olive to moss, blues span icy tones to deeper navy, and brown continues to appear in every iteration from camel to chocolate. Below, find the seven color trends worth knowing now and the pieces that make the strongest case for wearing each one this fall.

The 7 Colors That Matter for Fall 2026

1. Brown

Brown has officially moved beyond being a seasonal neutral and become one of the defining colors of fall 2026. Rich chocolate, espresso, caramel, and warm tan are appearing across everything from suede accessories to knitwear and trousers. The deeper tones feel especially luxurious when worn head to toe, but brown also looks just as current paired with cream, denim, or black. Consider it the new foundation shade to build a fall wardrobe around.

2. Green

Green is taking on an earthy feel this season, with olive, moss, khaki, and muted army green dominating new arrivals. These soft, slightly muddy greens almost function like neutrals, making them incredibly easy to work into everyday outfits. A green knit or pair of trousers adds interest without feeling overly colorful. For an especially current combination, pair earthy green with chocolate brown or cream.

3. Purple

Purple is the unexpected pop of color making fall wardrobes feel fresh again. Rather than sticking to one shade, designers and retailers are embracing everything from deep plum and aubergine to brighter violet and softer lilac. It works well as an accent against a neutral outfit, whether through a knit, a bag, or shoes. A small dose is all it takes to make familiar fall pieces feel new.

4. Red

Red isn’t disappearing anytime soon, but for fall 2026, it feels impactful when used strategically. A bright-red sweater, pair of shoe, or bag can completely transform an outfit built around denim, black, brown, or cream. The shade brings just enough energy to the season's subdued palette without requiring an overly complicated look. Think of it as the easiest way to make basics feel intentional.

5. Blue

Blue is offering an unexpectedly cool contrast to fall's traditionally warm palette. From powdery and icy blue to saturated cobalt and classic navy, the color is appearing in far more than denim this season. Lighter shades look fresh styled alongside chocolate brown, while deeper blues are an easy alternative to black. It's proof that fall color doesn't always have to be earthy or dark.

6. Cream

Cream is the quiet color trend tying practically everything together this fall. Softer than stark white but lighter than beige, it brings a clean, expensive-looking quality to knits, trousers, dresses, and outerwear. Wearing shades of ivory, ecru, and cream together creates an especially polished tonal effect. It's also the perfect base for every bolder color on this list, from burgundy and brown to purple and red.

7. Burgundy

If there's one shade practically made for fall, it's burgundy. Deep wine, oxblood, and merlot are showing up everywhere, giving classic autumn dressing a richer, more polished feel. Burgundy accessories are an easy entry point, but tonal looks featuring the shade are equally compelling. It also pairs beautifully with the season's other key colors, particularly cream, brown, and blue.

Fall is here. You can feel it in the crisp air, the earthy scent of the leaves, the return of woody perfumes, and, naturally, pumpkin spice in almost every coffee shop. That can only mean one thing: it's time to stop thinking about your fall wardrobe and actually start shopping for it. Most importantly, it's time to focus on the shoes that will carry you through the season. Loafers are quintessential fall shoes, but I want to talk about boots—the color and silhouette you should prioritize. I don't make the rules, but Bella Hadid does, and this week she declared that chocolate-brown knee-high boots are a must in an It girl's fall 2026 rotation.

In true Hadid fashion, she was photographed in NYC wearing a chic outfit that has fashion people buzzing. While shopping in Tribeca, she wore a tan single-breasted, mid-length jacket over an orange quarter-sleeve minidress, paired with chocolate-brown knee-high boots. She accessorized with a red check-print headscarf, oversize sunglasses, and a large brown tote bag.

While the boots may have been chosen to complement the bag so the rest of the look would stand out, for me, it did quite the opposite. My eyes went straight to the shoes. There's something undeniably sleek about the pointed toe, stiletto heel, and close-to-the-leg fit—a combination that's timeless yet of-the-moment. But what really sold me was the simplicity around the top of the boot. Without any gold or silver hardware, the buckle details felt refined and subtly vintage, giving the boots a worn-in, old-school appeal without looking dated.

Hadid has a knack for turning any fashion item into the next thing everyone wants to wear, and this look is no exception. Between the chocolate-brown color, sleek knee-high silhouette, and effortless styling, she's making a convincing case for the boot trend that will define fall 2026. That said, keep scrolling to shop the best chocolate-brown knee-high boots to get the Hadid-approved look.

The Boot Trend on Bella Hadid

On Bella Hadid: Sergio Rossi boots; Staud Maude Leather Carryall Bag ($695); Side Eye NYC 1225 Madison Ave Sunglasses ($290)

Get Bella Hadid's Look

Shop Chocolate Brown Knee-High Boots

I don't know about you, but I have a plethora of neutral-colored shoes in my closet and routinely desire some variety in the form of a saturated color. The beauty of present-day shoe color trends is that they don't really need to match what you're wearing, per se. In fact, it's even cooler if they don't, making your shoes a statement piece that people will notice rather than just blending in with your outfit. Right now, the shoe color trend stylish people are gravitating toward is bold and pretty. Yes, it's purple, and Lili Reinhart is the latest It girl to endorse it.

Reinhart, who has been out promoting her new film The Love Hypothesis this week, was just spotted in New York wearing a lace-trimmed slip minidress in rich plum under a polka-dot jacket, paired with purple satin shoes. Brown, black, or nude shoes may be the more obvious choice, but the royal purple shoes she opted for clashed a bit, making the outfit exponentially cooler. See for yourself below, and shop an assortment of chic purple shoes.

The Trend on Lili Reinhart

On Lili Reinhart: vintage Nanette Lepore jacket; Fleur du Mal Juliet Lace Mini Slip ($348); vintage Jimmy Choo shoes; Elisa Johnson Dakota Sunglasses ($135)

More Chic Purple-Shoe Examples

Pictured: Alexa Chung

Pictured: Elsa Hosk

Pictured: Julie Sergent Ferreri

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Something that 2026 will go down in history for—when it comes to fashion, at least—is bold color pairings. The tonal neutrals of the quiet luxury era have been set aside for primary colors that you may not have even considered pairing a few years ago. Now, it's become the norm among the fashion crowd, and one of those trending color pairings was just worn by the ultra-stylish Daisy Edgar-Jones.

Edgar-Jones, who has been busy promoting her upcoming film Sense and Sensibility, was photographed in London this week wearing the color combination that's a true sign of a fashion person in 2026: red and cobalt blue. The contrasting colors are eye-catching and unexpected, but not without elegance. One of the first signs that the pairing was going to be a thing came via the Celine resort 2026 collection by Michael Rider, which launched more than a few trends. Loewe's and Prada's runway collections also featured the pairing this year. Edgar-Jones wore the colors in the form of a ruffled red corset-inspired top and a ruched cobalt-blue pencil skirt, and I think we can all agree that she looked exceptionally chic.

Scroll on to see Edgar-Jones's look and shop red and cobalt pieces that will look quite cool together.

The Color Pairing on Daisy Edgar-Jones

The Red-and-Cobalt Reference Point

Celine Resort 2026

Shop Tomato-Red Pieces

Shop Cobalt-Blue Pieces

Traditional fall colors have their perks. Burgundy is reliably chic, chocolate brown goes with everything, and camel somehow makes even the simplest outfit look expensive. But are these hues exciting? Not exactly. After seeing the same deep reds and earthy neutrals cycle through my feeds, I'm ready for fall color to have a little more fun.

Fortunately, Zara, Reformation, and J.Crew appear to be on the same page. This season, all three brands are making a case for shades that feel decidedly more unexpected: citrine, royal purple, and burnt orange. They make sense for fall but are bold enough to break up the usual parade of burgundy and brown. In other words, if you're looking to inject some personality into your cold-weather wardrobe, these are the three color trends to know. Scroll down to shop my selections.

1. Citrine

2. Royal Purple

3. Rusted Orange

Ask any fashion person how they feel about pairing black shoes with black pants, and they're likely to tell you that it's fine, but that there are far more interesting choices. In fact, the easiest way to look more "in" for any given season is to pair basics with a current shoe color trend. And that's exactly what It girl Olivia Jade just did for an outing in NYC this week.

With her oversized graphic T-shirt and cropped black pants, Jade wisely chose to wear olive green shoes (in the form of Miu Miu satin ballerinas). As I predict, you'll notice once you take a look at her outfit that the low-key look was made far more forward by pairing it with olive shoes. Olive is one of those colors that isn't technically a neutral in the way that, say, black, brown, white, or tan is, but it functions as a neutral thanks to its versatility. Prepare to see plenty of chic dressers in black pants and olive green shoes this fall. Perhaps you'll be one of them.

Keep scrolling to see Jade's look for yourself and to shop a handful of olive green shoes I chose for you.

Black Pants + Olive Green Shoes on Olivia Jade

On Olivia Jade: Miu Miu Satin Ballerinas ($1070)

Shop Olive Green Shoes

Burgundy has been the color of fall for a few seasons now and most of us reach for the same color to pair it with every time: black. It's a safe, foolproof combination, but it's too easy to be the only thing you pair it with. Burgundy deserves a wider rotation than that. After some serious scrolling on my IG, I found so much inspiration. We have plenty of colors to choose from.

I'm not saying retire the black pants or the black boots, they're still doing their job. But there are quite a few colors and prints that all bring out something different in burgundy, from a little more warmth to a little more edge, and they're worth working into your closet alongside it. From leopard print to yellow, try these colorways next time.

Brown

Here’s to an easy tonal pairing since both colors are rooted in the same warm, earthy family. This one feels especially right once the weather actually turns cold.

Grey

This is the color pairing for when you want burgundy to look put together without any real effort. The two never compete, so a grey knit or trouser just lets the burgundy piece carry the look. It's an easy pairing to build a whole capsule around.

Leopard Print

I know, I know, leopard print isn’t exactly a color. But lately, it feels like a neutral. Pairing it with burgundy leans into the moodier, richer side of fall dressing instead of fighting it. Think a leopard coat over a burgundy dress, or a leopard bag against burgundy separates.

Yellow

Would you have guessed yellow and burgundy work together? The two sit on opposite ends of the color wheel, which is exactly why the combination feels so unexpected next to the black-and-burgundy default. But this color combo brings out a retro vibe I’m all about.

Denim

Burgundy and denim might be the lowest-effort pairing on this list, and that's exactly the point. Instantly, you've got a fall outfit without overthinking it. It's the combination for days when you want the color payoff without the fuss.

But Yes, Black Never Fails

It's polished, it works for basically any occasion, and it never asks you to think too hard about getting dressed. This isn't an argument to retire it, just a reminder that it's not the only option in your closet. Rotate in a few of the pairings above and black will still be there waiting for you.

If you've ever visited L.A., you probably noticed that fashion there leans heavily on chic athleisure. Whether walking around Malibu Park at Cross Creek, hiking Runyon Canyon, or grabbing lunch at the hot bar at Erewhon, even the chicest dressers wear leggings. On the other hand, if you're in Paris, there's a lesser chance you'll see stylish Parisians donning leggings outside the Pilates studio. However, if they were to walk around in leggings like it girls in L.A., they'd choose the leggings color trend that Jennifer Lopez was just spotted in: burgundy.

This week, while heading to a workout in Santa Monica, J.Lo was spotted wearing burgundy leggings with a matching sports bra. She paired the monochromatic set with a Yankees baseball cap, oversized sunglasses, slouchy socks, and Nike sneakers.

Whether it's leggings, a chunky sweater, or leather knee-high boots, burgundy fashion items always look expensive. Plus, they're just as versatile as black ones but can make everyday staples feel more elegant with minimal effort. That's why French women, whose style is built on luxury and elegance, would be quick to add burgundy leggings to their everyday rotation.

If you want to refresh your leggings drawer for fall without buying another pair of black leggings, keep scrolling to see J.Lo's outfit and shop a selection of burgundy leggings.

Jennifer Lopez's Leggings Outfit

On Jennifer Lopez: Nike x Off-White sneakers

Recreate the Look

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Goodbye, summer. Okay, it's not exactly fall yet, but with only a few weeks left on the calendar until its official start, it's natural to feel excited about a new season, especially if you've been itching to update your wardrobe. While there are plenty of ways to transition your closet—including adopting new trends, trying styling formulas, and buying timeless staples—one of the simplest ways to ease into fall is to embrace a new color palette. No, friends, we're not talking about going back to only wearing black! Fall can be just as vibrant as summer, or at least, that's what you can take away from the recent runway shows, which featured unexpected shades like royal purple and pool blue. Considering that we've seen so many bright tones crop up in the collections, it's only a matter of time before these color trends take over your closet too.

If you're shaking your head in disbelief over the idea of wearing anything but your beloved shades of black, beige, and brown this fall, you'll want to keep reading. We know it's challenging to ditch your neutrals (no shade intended), so we've compiled our receipts—aka recent street style photos of stylish It girls and must-shop new arrivals—that prove embracing color can be easier than you think. From Dua Lipa to Zendaya, countless celebrities have shown that vibrant hues can be as versatile as any neutral and, dare we say, a far chicer choice for fall. If these celebrity looks can't make you excited to embrace color this fall, then nothing will.

Celebrity-Approved Color Trends for Fall

1. Purple Reign

WHO: Dua Lipa

WHAT: Cannes Film Festival

WEAR: Ferragamo F/W 26 outfit

One color trend that's sure to reign supreme this fall? Royal purple. While this darker shade of purple was once the color of choice among royal insiders centuries ago, it's recently recaptured the fashion crowd's attention thanks to its presence in the fall/winter 2026 collections of Prada, Celine, and Miu Miu. Since then, we've seen countless styling examples and even more shopping picks, but our favorite example in the wild was at the Cannes Film Festival. Dua Lipa dialed up the decadence of this shade by styling it with a contrasting pop of pink.

2. Fresh Mint

WHO: Sarah Pidgeon

WHAT: Chanel and Charles Finch Pre-Oscar Dinner

WEAR: Chanel pre-fall 2026 dress

If you're looking for a color trend that feels a little fresher, then look no further than mint green. Over the last few months, we've seen the fashion crowd gravitate toward variations of green and blue, from aquamarine to turquoise to pool blue, so it was only a matter of time before mint came back onto the menu. This color's triumphant return can be attributed to two things: Matthieu Blazy's Métiers d'Art 2026 collection for Chanel and chic red carpet looks from celebrities like Sarah Pidgeon. Whether worn as a slinky slip dress or two-tone pumps, this color has never felt so refreshing.

3. Tomato Red

WHO: Kaia Gerber

WEAR: Alaïa dress; The Row sandals

Beyond mint, there's another color trend that seems to be making fashion people expand their taste buds, or at least, that's what we can infer from the overwhelming presence of tomato red. Over the past few seasons, we've seen variations of wine- and saffron-inspired colors dominate, so it only makes sense that this juicy shade would also surface in the spring/summer 2026 and fall/winter 2026 collections. But what's kept this color in the pantry—er, in the conversation—is how it's been spotted on countless celebrities, including Emmy Rossum, Tracee Ellis Ross, and even Kaia Gerber. Whether wearing it as a body-con knit dress or a crescent bag, celebrities have shown you can embrace this shade in any way that suits your taste.

4. Fall Foliage

WHO: Zendaya

WHAT: Louis Vuitton cruise 2027 show

WEAR: Louis Vuitton resort look; Tiffany & Co. jewelry

We know what you're thinking… Mint green and tomato red don't exactly feel fall coded. For those looking for a more traditional color trend, consider referencing one of fall's most visually ubiquitous elements: foliage. What better way to transition your wardrobe than wearing a variation of dark ochre or burnt butterscotch that's reminiscent of the changing leaves outside? With dark yellow, you'll not only make your closet feel more fall-forward, but you can also re-create iconic runway looks from Alaïa, Sergio Hudson, and Dior. If you're worried this color will come off as cliché, consider taking styling notes from Zendaya's street style look by pairing the shade with other neutrals.

5. Dusty Pink

WHO: Olivia Rodrigo

WHAT: Chloé F/W 26 show

WEAR: Chloé outfit

Hopefully by now, you've realized fall's biggest color trends won't necessarily be considered traditional, but that's the whole point. The coolest people are looking for shades that add an element of surprise and delight to their closet, and for so many celebrities (Olivia Rodrigo included), dusty pink seems to be achieving that aim. Although we've seen light pink pop up in the past, rosier shades dominated the fall/winter 2026 collections of Chloé and Chanel. The presence of this softer, more romantic pink proves that if you love a color enough, even those you might consider summer-adjacent, you can transition it into any season.

Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

I have a dear friend I met in the industry who has been praising butter yellow since I met her, but for some reason, the full allure of it finally hit me this year. I always believed yellow was too bright or didn't complement my pale skin tone (shout-out SPF 50 year-round!), but I've come to love it as the perfect neutral or pop of color—depending on what day it is.

It's been one of my favorites to rely on this season, and when I travel for work in warmer weather, it makes an outfit feel special without any bold prints necessary. Butter yellow pairs well with all colors of footwear, and I look forward to throwing it underneath a denim jacket and pairing it with jeans all fall.

If you needed a push to try the color finally, here it is.

Butter-Yellow Dresses

Sticking true to summer, this color in dress form makes everything more cheerful and enjoyable and looks great with a denim jacket when you have to emerge into freezing air conditioning.

Butter-Yellow Sweaters

You know I love a sweater, especially one that I can throw on over an all-white outfit or transition seamlessly to the fall.

Butter-Yellow Bags

I was already obsessed with this clutch from The Horse, but it also being in this perfect hue makes it even more fun.

Butter-Yellow Pants

You know I love drawstring pants, and yellow is perfect all spring and summer long for work or weekends.

Butter-Yellow Blazers

I love a classic blazer, but sometimes, you want to feel a little elevated but not too loud for a meeting or client dinner. This elevated color stands out but is not too dramatic.

Butter-Yellow T-Shirts

Why not elevate your favorite basic T-shirt with this color?

With autumn less than a month away, it’s time to start thinking about the new clothing I’ll be adding to my seasonal capsule wardrobe. We can all probably agree that choosing the right colour can make or break an outfit. And even though darker neutrals typically dominate the autumn season, for 2026 specifically I’m determined to find elegant, easy-to-wear shades that are different from my typical black and brown wardrobe. My first port of call for inspiration? The runway, of course.

Designers across the globe, from London to New York, showcased a number of sophisticated but effortless colour trends on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, and it was clear that the shades we opt for will very much do the heavy lifting when it comes to taking an outfit from simple to elevated this season. So after hours spent scrolling through ready-to-wear lookbooks, as well as plucking the brains of my fellow editors who attended the shows earlier this year, I was able to narrow my attention down to five key colour trends set to dominate autumn 2026. And you'll be pleased to know that from refined carbon greys to bold plum hues, there’s something to suit both minimalists and maximalists alike.

So if you, like me, have been feeling that urge for a new-season colour palette refresh, keep scrolling to discover the five easy but elegant colour trends that are set to be everywhere in autumn 2026.

5 Elegant But Easy-to-Wear Colour Trends That Will Dominate Autumn 2026

1. Midnight

Style Notes: Arguably the closest shade to black, midnight hues dominated the autumn/winter 2026 runways. Effortlessly elegant, expensive-looking. any price point and just as versatile as any neutral, it's the perfect colour for minimalists like me to invest in this season. And don’t just take it from me: the likes of Ferragamo, Gucci, Burberry and Victorita Bekcham are all backing this shade for the new season.

Shop the Colour Trend:

2. Plum

Style Notes: Whilst the deep burgundy hues that dominated last autumn were undoubtedly sophisticated, for 2026, I’m looking for something that feels just a tad more elevated. And the bold plum ensembles that were showcased on the runway from brands such as Miu Miu and Hermès feel like the perfect fit for my personal style. It feels equally as grown-up as it is fun, and also surprisingly versatile, pairing well with creams, black and even chocolate brown. To me, it adds just the right amount of colour to my minimalist wardrobe without feeling overbearing.

Shop the Colour Trend:

3. Carbon

Style Notes: Versatile, grown-up, and effortlessly cool, carbon grey has long been a part of my capsule colour palette. And luckily for me, designers are also placing this colour at the forefront for autumn 2026, with brands such as Prada, Bottega Veneta and Sportmax showing head-to-toe looks in this chic hue. From outerwear to heels, I’m very ready to embrace the “groutfit” this season.

Shop the Colour Trend:

4. Moss

Style Notes: Green has been trending on and off for a few years now, but instead of the warmer, olive-y iterations we saw last year, muted moss green is at the forefront of designers’ minds for the new year. But never fear, as it’s proving to be no less versatile. Seen on the runway on the likes of Fendi and Emporio Armani, moss green will pair effortlessly with black, white, and brown alike, proving its easy-styling ability. Me personally? I’d wear this elegant hue head-to-toe with pops of cream to break it up.

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5. Scarlet

Style Notes: Practically a neutral in the wardrobes of fashion people, it should come as no surprise that scarlet red is back for yet another season. From Chanel to Chloé, it seemed like luxury fashion houses couldn't get enough of this eye-catching shade. And the best part? It’s a foolproof way to earn you compliments no matter the price point you decide to invest in.

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Black leggings are timeless and versatile, but with summer here, it's no surprise they are taking a back seat to brighter, fresher colors and lighter styles. A perfect example of this seasonal shift is the go-to activewear alternative that fashion insiders—including Hailey Bieber—are continuously spotted in right now: baby-pink shorts.

Earlier this week in L.A., while grabbing coffee prior to a workout session, Bieber turned heads in a look that felt polished and effortless. Her ensemble featured an oversize gray zip-up hoodie layered over a baby-pink sports bra, paired with matching baby-pink bike shorts from ALO. She completed the look with black retro sunglasses that, while small, offered just enough contrast to ground the pastel look.

On Hailey Bieber: ALO Biker Shorts ($84)

However, Bieber isn't the only fashion person who has noticeably swapped dark leggings for baby-pink shorts this week—Nina Dobrev has embraced the trend as well. While walking her dog through NYC, the actress was seen wearing the exact same pink ALO workout shorts. Dobrev opted for a monochromatic pastel look, styling her shorts with a matching long-sleeve wrap top, a baseball cap, and ALO's Trail Sneakers.

On Nina Dobrev: ALO Biker Shorts ($84) and Trail Sneakers ($295)

Even for those who typically avoid bright hues in favor of neutrals, like me, there is something undeniably refined and elevated about a muted baby-pink shade. If you are tempted to add Bieber and Dobrev's exact shorts to your late-summer wardrobe, keep scrolling to shop them, as well as other chic pink shorts.

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There's something about that first chill in the air that makes me cross my fingers for autumn. The sight of a singular tawny leaf on the pavement is enough to make my mind stray to the funnel-neck jacket sitting in one of my many open tabs and begin planning my next Gilmore Girls marathon. But as I'm a beauty editor, one question seldom fails to bubble up around this time of year when I catch my flat brown mane in the mirror: Should I go darker with my hair colour?

It's a blanket statement to say that people dye their strands blonder in the summer and deeper in the winter, but it's not inherently false. The sun lightens many people's hair, which presents the perfect opportunity to lean into bright, sun-warmed hues. But as summer heat gives way to a temperate autumn breeze, the attention shifts from golden hues toward rich chocolate, burnished brown, and inky espresso—making everyone wonder if brunettes have more fun.

"Dramatic, cool-toned, deep browns that give a sleek and polished look [are] perfect for the transition of seasons into the colder months," celebrity hairstylist and master colourist Dimitris Giannetos tells me. Fellow celeb hairstylist Marc Ballance agrees, spotlighting environmental changes and increased attention toward hair health as another catalyst. "After a summer of travel, sun exposure, salt water and chlorine, many clients come in saying their hair feels dry and overprocessed," he explains. "Deepening the tone with a rich brunette and adding shine instantly makes the hair look healthier and feel stronger, which is exactly what people are looking for going into autumn."

Between the burnished balayage sported by Anok Yai and the romantic honey-brown bob donned by Hailey Bieber, there's been no shortage of sleek brunette dye jobs on the internet recently. Keep scrolling to see which brunette trends the pros say are worth considering this autumn, from dimensional layers to sleek single shades.

5 Brunette Trends for Autumn 2026

Glacé Chocolate

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you're severely out of the loop if you didn't have at least one conversation about Zendaya's flowing chocolate braid at the New York City premiere of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey—not only because of her impossibly long locks fashioned by celebrity hairstylist Coree Moreno but also because of her supremely shiny brunette strands that flashed caramel in the light.

"I think we're moving into a season where healthy, shiny hair is the biggest trend," muses Ballance. "Rather than lots of high-contrast dimension, we're seeing richer, more polished brunettes that look expensive because of how healthy they appear." Ballance also singles out Zendaya's castmate Anne Hathaway and her uniform iced-chocolate waves: "It's not about obvious highlights anymore; it's about creating a luxurious, shiny finish that makes the hair look incredibly healthy."

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Inky Espresso

Brunette is a spectrum of umber shadows and golden streaks, but one of the most alluring shades of brown you can try this autumn is an inky espresso. Giannetos calls the hue "romantic and timeless," spotlighting how fabulous it looks when worn down or pinned up in a chic knot, as shown in this recent look sculpted on Demi Moore.

Whether you're opting for a monochromatic look like Moore's nearly black brunette tresses or playing with contrast like Yai's supermodel balayage (yes, I'm feeling compelled to ask for a chocolate-brown ombré into glossy espresso ombré—no, I won't pull it off like her), it's clear that the darkest browns should be on your radar this autumn. Giannetos recommends enhancing your colour at home with a hair gloss whenever your hair needs a touch-up.

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Caramel Glaze

Not all brunettes prefer their strands dark. If you're a blonde searching for a transitional brunette shade for autumn or a deep brunette looking to lighten their hair without losing that autumnal essence, allow me to point you in the direction of Jordyn Woods and Hailey Bieber. Woods has always been hair goals, but her caramel-streaked brown tresses are serving as extra hair inspo as we sidle into the new season. Bieber recently adopted the style as well, leaning into a cool-toned iteration of her dirty blonde with golden face-framing highlights.

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