One of the quintessential elements that defines fall is its rich colour palette. The top 5 colours for the season encapsulate its enchanting essence, bringing warmth, sophistication, and a sense of renewal to the forefront of our autumnal adventures. From cozy sweaters to warm beverages, autumn invites us to rediscover familiar traditions.
Eclipse
Part of Pantone’s seasonal trend report, Eclipse (Pantone 19-3810 TCX), a rich and deep shade of dark blue reminiscent of the night sky, embodies the timeless allure of navy that remains a steadfast classic in both fashion and design. As we transition to fall, there’s an inherent pull toward darker, more grounding colours, and navy effortlessly portrays this aesthetic. In the realm of colour psychology, blue – especially darker shades, like Eclipse – exudes a sense of reassurance, stability, and trustworthiness. Just as the moon graces the night with its calming presence, this hue envelops us in a sense of dependability, making it a staple choice for both casual and formal wear. Navy is a perennial favourite, an unwavering hue that conjures the timeless elegance we seek in our fall ensembles. Pair it with warm neutrals like sandy beige and off-white for a traditional look.
Vibrant Orange
What would fall be without a pop of exciting colour reminiscent of leaves changing hues? Vibrant Orange (16-1364 TCX) is a tantalizing colour that symbolizes the vibrant energy of this transitional season. As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, we crave the warmth and zest of life that orange brings. It’s like a burst of fire and light infused in our surroundings, keeping our energy levels high and our spirits lifted. It’s a hue that mirrors the shifting landscape, where nature gracefully adorns itself in shades that invigorate and electrify, making orange an essential palette choice to celebrate the vivacity of fall.
Viva Magenta
As we reach the end of 2023, the reign of Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta (18-1750 TCX), is coming to an end. However, it surely hasn’t said its final words yet! After a summer largely influenced by the Barbie craze and the domination of magenta, Viva Magenta offers a richer version of that colour, moving toward red and perfectly designed for making a statement this fall. Speaking of making a statement – just because summer’s over doesn’t mean we should stop exploring bolder combinations; being ourselves and showing our true colours is always trending!
Buckthorn Brown
Buckthorn Brown (18-0935 TCX) – a captivating hue straddling the glowing amber of a sunset and the grounding embrace of an earthy brown – checks all boxes. This unique colour harmoniously blends the warmth and vitality of amber yellow with the steadfast stability of brown. It carries within it the essence of nature’s most comforting elements, as if the golden rays of the setting sun kissed the earth, leaving behind a hue that grounds us in a soothing embrace. It perfectly embodies nostalgia and reminds us of cherished moments and familiar experiences. As autumn unfurls its splendour, enveloping us in a tapestry of golden memories, Buckthorn Brown becomes a beacon, inviting us to cozy up and embrace our favourite fall rituals.
Peach Nougat
Here’s the scoop: I’m predicting peach will be everywhere in 2024 as we crave human connections more than ever after the events of the past few years and the very dehumanizing news we’re confronted with every day. But why wait for next year when its benefits can already be of service? Peach Nougat (14-1220 TCX) is all about adding an energetic, soft, kind, and poetic touch to our lives right now. This delightful hue shines with a sense of gentle vitality, infusing spaces with a soft glow that beckons us to pause and reflect. Just like a warm embrace, peach exudes kindness and evokes feelings of comfort and understanding, providing solace in these challenging times. In its poetic essence, peach whispers of hope and renewal, a reminder that beauty and compassion endure, even in the face of adversity. Embracing peach in our surroundings is an ode to the human spirit, a tribute to the resilience and grace that we all carry within us.
But what about grey?!
Although I haven’t explicitly mentioned grey until now, you’ll find it in both my inspiration palettes and the fall guide, as it’s still trending – its timeless appeal brings it back into the mix multiple times every year, and fall is no different. Grey effortlessly complements the vibrant fall palette, adding a touch of sophistication and versatility to our seasonal ensembles.
In conclusion
As the autumn leaves adorn themselves in an array of vibrant hues, we too can embrace a bold palette and let our true colours shine. Fall is a time to resist blending into the background and to defy the encroaching darkness with our own light. Just as the trees proudly display their autumn attire, wearing colours with confidence helps us express our individuality and radiates the beauty that comes from embracing our true selves amid the season’s rich tapestry.
About the Author
Marie-Chantal Milette is one of the world’s very few colour experts. She’s a graphic design and advertising graduate of The Creative Circus, a world-class school and industry-leading creative incubator, and she also had the chance to pursue advanced colour training with Leatrice Eiseman, director of the Pantone Colour Institute and world leader in colour psychology and trend prediction. This experience allowed her to make the most of her talent by channeling it into many successful branding operations.
In both 2013, 2016, and 2021, she successfully predicted Pantone’s Colour of the Year months before the official announcement was made.