How to Wear Fall 2025 Color Trends That Flatter Your Undertone
Fall 2025 color trends have started rolling in, and the industry treats them like a signal that it’s time to reinvent ourselves. New season, new palette, new you. In reality, most of us aren’t tossing last year’s sweaters just because Pantone crowned a new set of shades. My closet, and probably yours, doesn’t work that way.
Just last week, I held up a dusty plum scarf I’ve had for years and wondered if it still worked with my undertone… or if it just made me look like I’d missed a good night’s sleep. That little moment reminded me: trends come and go, but the colors that truly flatter us are the ones worth holding on to.
A First Look at Fall 2025 Color Trends
These colors are already showing up in stores, and I’ve had a chance to try a few in the dressing room. Some felt instantly wearable, others less so…but that’s the joy of experimenting.
Think of these shades as tools, not mandates. A few will ground your outfits, others add quiet interest, and the right ones can bring light to your face when you need it most.
If you’re unsure which colors will flatter you, the secret is your undertone. That’s why your friend’s fabulous oxblood coat may look perfect on her and terrible on you. If you’re not sure where you fall, you can read my simple guide on how to determine your undertone here.
Deep Teal: The New Navy?
Designers may be calling deep teal the new navy, but to me, it’s always been a favorite. It’s richer than navy, softer than black, and somehow looks polished without any effort.
I tried on Chico’s version…they’re calling it Darkest Spruce …and it reminded me why I keep coming back to this shade. It lights up my eyes, brightens my complexion, and slips easily into my wardrobe as a neutral.
Best for undertones: Stunning on cool and neutral skin (especially with blue or green eyes). Warm undertones can wear it too, as long as the teal has a warmer base rather than a cool, icy one.
Soft Olive: A Gentle Neutral
Soft olive is more muted than army green, which makes it less severe and more versatile. On the right woman, it adds a quiet sophistication and blends easily into a fall wardrobe.
Best for undertones: Warm and neutral undertones wear this shade beautifully because it echoes the golden tones in their skin. If your coloring is cool, soft olive is trickier. You may find it works better in trousers, outerwear, or a handbag rather than right under your face, and it looks best when paired with cooler shades like navy or charcoal.
Dusty Plum: Soft Drama
Dusty plum is a muted purple with a touch of gray that makes it more wearable than brighter shades of violet. It has enough depth to feel elegant, yet it’s soft enough not to overpower.
Best for undertones: This shade is especially flattering on cool and neutral undertones, where it can bring out natural rosiness in the skin. For warm undertones, look for versions with a hint of brown — those will feel richer and more harmonious.
Chocolate Brown
Chocolate brown continues to trend for fall, and it’s a versatile alternative to black. It adds warmth, depth, and pairs beautifully with many of this season’s colors. Think boots, handbags, or a knit sweater for an easy update.
Best for undertones: Chocolate brown is most flattering on warm and neutral undertones, where its richness complements golden or peachy skin. If you have cool undertones, look for browns with a cooler base…more espresso than caramel. These versions will harmonize better with your coloring and avoid looking too heavy.
Oxblood: Burgundy With Depth
Yes, it’s basically a deep, moody burgundy, but calling it oxblood makes it sound more glamorous in the fashion world 😉. It’s dramatic without being loud, and in the right undertone, it can be striking near the face or in statement pieces like coats and handbags.
Cool undertones: Oxblood is especially flattering because of its blue-red base. It brings brightness to the skin and works beautifully in tops, scarves, or lipstick.
Neutral undertones: Also a strong match, especially when paired with cool neutrals like gray or navy.
Warm undertones: This shade is more challenging. The blue base can feel harsh, but it can still work in accessories, bottoms, or handbags, especially when balanced with warm companions like camel or ivory.
Mushroom Gray: The Quiet Neutral
Mushroom gray is a soft taupe that sits somewhere between gray and brown, often with the faintest hint of mauve…and is one of my very favorite colors. It doesn’t shout for attention, but that’s what makes it so wearable. Depending on what you pair it with, it can lean warmer or cooler.
Best for undertones: Works across undertones, though in different ways. Cool undertones wear it best with icy blue, gray, or dusty plum. Warm undertones may find it more flattering alongside camel, cream, or warm browns, so it doesn’t look dull.
Burnished Copper: Warm and Rich
Burnished copper is a warm, golden brown with an orange undertone, the kind of color that often appears in suede shoes, handbags, and jackets each fall. It’s bold, so it tends to work best in smaller doses or statement pieces rather than head-to-toe.
Best for undertones: Flattering on warm and neutral undertones, where it echoes golden skin tones. For cool undertones, it can feel brassy or overpowering near the face, but it works well in accessories or as a contrast piece with cooler neutrals.
Icy Blue
Icy blue isn’t a typical fall shade, but that’s what makes it interesting. It adds lightness to darker autumn palettes and feels fresh against heavier fabrics like wool and cashmere.
Best for undertones: This color is ideal for cool undertones, where its blue base brings clarity to the skin. Neutral undertones can also wear it easily. For warm undertones, icy blue can look stark on its own — it’s more flattering when paired with ivory or camel to soften the contrast.
Building a Fall 2025 Color Palette
The easiest way to keep your wardrobe feeling cohesive is to pick just two or three of this year’s trending shades and build them around the neutrals you already own. That way, you’re not starting over — you’re simply giving what you have a fresh boost.
When you narrow your palette, shopping becomes simpler and more intentional. A single scarf, sweater, or handbag in the right color can make everything else in your closet feel updated — no overhaul required.
If you’re unsure which shades to try, start with your undertone. Once you know whether you’re warm, cool, or neutral, the best colors reveal themselves, and every new piece feels like it belongs.
Why This Matters
Color trends come and go, but choosing shades that flatter your undertone means every piece you add actually works for you. Instead of chasing what’s “in,” you’re building a wardrobe that feels cohesive, modern, and personal. That’s how style becomes less about rules and more about confidence.
Have you noticed certain fall colors brighten your complexion while others seem to dull it? Which of these 2025 shades do you think will work best with your undertone?
Thanks for reading, and be sure to wear what makes you feel confident.
I am so happy to see fall color trends! And I’m especially happy to see oxblood in the list. I tried to add some burgundy pieces last year, but found many of them tended to have brown or rust undertones rather than blue/red. I find the cool colors look best on me. I also love that teal! It’s so elegant and looks absolutely terrific on you, Jennifer.
Glad you provided the link to earlier post about warm/cool. That post along with this one …. Very helpful.
Just wondering…..if you look better in silver jewelry but wear makeup that’s peachy or warm, would you be cool? Maybe I misunderstood what you were saying about face makeup vs undertone??
Love all the examples you provided…thx!
If silver looks best on you I would suspect cool undertones. It’s possible to have a warm cast to your complexion and still have cool undertone. It’s best to match foundation to your skin tone.
Sorry I meant to ask whether you could recommend an oxblood or burgundy lipstick that won’t make me look like Morticia Addams. Finding lipsticks online is challenging. Thanks!
Lipsticks that dark can be very harsh on an older face. I would suggest lighter and/or brighter.
This is a great post, thank you! You said the other day that olive drains you out; as a “winter,” I find that some of the new fall greens with brown (and even black) look like pond scum on me. Talbots new fall clothes that just dropped include a bright red, so I’m going for these. The icy blue looks interesting, and I love the oxblood — so elegant!
Very informative in the way you explained colors for the different skin tones.
I have a cool undertone and love the cool teal, icy blue and the grey- violet trench coat. Brown only works if on the pants, shoes and bag. I have a dark cooler corduroy pair of wide leg pants from Chicos last year and brown jeans from Liz Claiborne at JCP that are older but straight leg and still wear with a light blue sweater. Great informative blog today!
I’m glad you liked it Sydney
I am planning a deep teal purchase, either pants or a midi skirt. From previous seasons, I already have a m jacket that I love and a hand knit sweater. Yarn colors always precede trends.
This is a fantastic post! So informative. Love how you helped us understand how to incorporate new pieces.
One thing surprised me: I thought that all pieces need to be in the same color tone ( warm or cool) to harmonize. They don’t need to?
Outfits don’t have to be all in one warmth zone, but keeping them close, or using neutrals as a buffer, usually feels more elegant and intentional. Contrast in warmth/coolness creates a striking and bold look. As always, it comes down to personal preference.
This is so great because I love all these colors this year! Sometimes it’s so hard just to find something that fits I don’t always worry about the color!
I think it’s refreshing to not obsess about the color. Being too prescriptive can destroy some of our fun with fashion and style.
Hi Jenifer,
I love the color advice. The Oxblood outfit is one of my favorites. I did like the cream turtle neck you were wearing I need a new one for this coming season.
I think it is warmer toned than is best for me but it goes well with my winter white pants. I throw on a beautiful teal burnout velvet poncho that dresses it up and off I go to any fall or winter evening affair. Unique and chic!
That brown outfit looks so so good on you!
You always do the best blogs! Love that you are so informative!
Good morning! I have been searching for anything in Chico’s darkest spruce color for years! It’s the one color that always gets me compliments and it’s been so, so hard to find! You made my day!
Chico’s has a lot of the popular colors for fall
Oohh, the fall colors! Love them all, the oxblood a favorite. The changing of the seasons energize me. Looking forward to cooler mornings.
Jennifer, I love the burgundy and icy blue outfits. Glad to see u showing Draper clothing-love the trench coat😊
This was great. I always have trouble with finding which colors go well with my cool under tones and you have steered me in the right direction to explore the various fall colors. This was extremely helpful.. thanks
It is tougher to find cool colors in the fall
Neutral cool, light olive skin tone. Burgundy and teal are great for me. Trying to avoid the chocolate brown trap again. I’ve gone a few rounds with it in the past and then given it all away, and that was when my hair was very dark brown. I’ve allowed myself one shirt that is truly a dark, cool brown this season.
This is the best post you’ve ever done! Well thought out, clearly presented and the most helpful information. I’m a cool undertone so fall colors don’t always work for me. You’ve shown us how to choose what’s best and how to make them work. I live in Florida so a nice change to see a fall/winter post that isn’t boots and trench coats, neither of which I need. Thank you so much! I’ll be referring back to this one any time I refresh my wardrobe.
Thank you for the advice and line up of the fall preview!
If I don’t look good in the icy blue bright sweater shown what is my
undertone?
Try the tests to find your undertone in the other post I linked to hereHow to Determine If You Have a Warm or Cool Undertone