One of the things I get asked every fall is, “What colors should I be buying this season?” It’s a great question because while there are always plenty of trends, not every color deserves a place in your closet. Some catch your eye on the runway, but don’t always look so great in real life.

For Fall 2026, designers have moved away from loud, bright colors and are embracing richer, more sophisticated shades that feel timeless, elegant, and easy to wear.

I love this direction and have narrowed down the top new colors I’m most excited about –  the ones I’d tell my best friend to buy! Let’s look.

The Colors Everyone Is Talking About: Moss & Olive Green

SHOP GREEN – click photo links above

If you’ve looked at any of the new fall collections, you’ve probably noticed one thing: moss and olive green are everywhere. You’ll see them in utility jackets, sweaters, suede handbags, trousers, loafers, dresses, and boots. These greens are definitely the biggest color story of the season.

But here’s something I want you to know before you rush out and buy an olive sweater or moss pair of pants.

These colors can be absolutely gorgeous on one woman and completely wash another woman out. Why? Because some are warm and golden. Others have cooler gray undertones. Finding the right shade makes all the difference.

And if green isn’t your best color near your face, don’t write it off completely. That’s where a little Tweak Your Chic® thinking comes in. Wear olive as pants, a skirt, a jacket, boots, or try a moss green handbag, but keep one of your best colors near your face.

What does it go with? One reason olive is so popular is that it behaves almost like a neutral. It mixes beautifully with cream, chocolate brown, camel, navy, denim, black, and even leopard print, making it surprisingly easy to work into your wardrobe.

 

 

The New Black: Chocolate Brown

SHOP BROWN – Click the photo links above

If there’s one color I think deserves a place in everyone’s fall wardrobe, it’s chocolate brown. I’ve always loved brown, so I’m thrilled to see it having such a big moment this season. While black will always be a classic, chocolate brown feels softer, richer, and often even more elegant.

One of the things I love most about chocolate is its depth. In suede, leather, cashmere, velvet, or a beautiful knit, it has a richness that’s hard to beat. It’s luxurious without being flashy, and it mixes beautifully with almost every other color we’re seeing this fall.

If we were shopping together, this is one of the first colors I’d have you try on. I’d probably hand you a chocolate sweater and a black one and ask you to look at yourself in the mirror. You might be surprised at how much softer and richer chocolate looks, especially if black has started to feel a little harsh against your complexion.

I especially love it with cream, olive, camel, navy, and this season’s gorgeous wine reds. It also looks fantastic with light-wash denim if you want something a little more casual.

If you’ve always reached for black out of habit, I’d encourage you to try chocolate brown this fall. You may discover it gives your wardrobe the same versatility but with a little more warmth and softness.

My Favorite Color Family This Season: Rich Deep Reds

SHOP RED – Click photo links above

Rich reds are trending this fall. Think about the beautiful colors of a glass of Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Bordeaux. These shades bring that feeling to your wardrobe. Some lean berry.

Some have a touch of plum. Others are darker and moodier. A few even have a soft, rosy undertone that makes them especially flattering. Whatever retailers call them—burgundy, merlot, Bordeaux, wine, or dark cherry—they all share the same rich, elegant feel. What I love is that they aren’t as bold as bright red. They’re softer, more sophisticated, but they still have life.

Wear them with cream for a gorgeous contrast, chocolate brown for a luxurious tonal look, camel for warmth, navy for a classic pairing, or even olive if you’re feeling adventurous.

A sweater, a handbag, loafers, or a beautiful coat in one of these shades will instantly make your wardrobe feel current.

 

 

The Hidden Gems: Plum and Aubergine

Click photo links above

If rich wine reds are the stars of the season, plum and aubergine are the quiet supporting cast. These deep purples have such a regal, elegant feel.

Warmer versions have a hint of red or yellow and look beautiful on women with warm coloring. Cooler plums, with more blue or black undertones, are stunning on cool complexions. That’s why it’s worth trying on a few different shades instead of assuming plum isn’t for you.

Whether it’s a satin blouse, a handbag, or a cozy sweater, plum adds richness without feeling loud.

 

 

The Timeless Classics: Caramel to Coganc

SHOP CARAMEL  – Click photo links above

Camel, in shades from caramel to coganc never seems to go out of style, and there’s a good reason why. It has a timeless elegance that instantly makes an outfit look expensive. A camel coat, beautiful knit, tailored trousers, or handbag can work for years.

If you have warm coloring, classic camel will look wonderful on you. If you’re cooler ( more pinky skin and ashy hair), don’t give up on camel altogether. Look instead for softer versions that lean more taupe, mushroom, or cool beige.

In fact, if I were helping you in the fitting room, I’d have you try on a few different shades before deciding. It’s amazing how one camel can make your skin glow while another leaves you looking washed out and tired. Finding the right version is what makes all the difference.

Camel also mixes beautifully with every color I’m writing about in this post, making it one of the smartest investments you can make.

 

The Investment Neutral I’ll Never Stop Recommending: Navy & Electric Blue

Shop Blue – Click photo links above

If someone asked me to build a wardrobe around one dark neutral, navy would always be near the top of my list.

It’s every bit as elegant as black but usually softer and easier to wear. As we get older, many women find black feels a little harsh against their skin. Navy gives you that same polished look without overwhelming your coloring.

It’s also very versatile. Pair it with cream, camel, rich wine reds, olive, or chocolate brown, and you’ll have outfits you’ll wear for years. A navy blazer, coat, knit dress, or trousers will never feel dated.

 

The Color I’ve Grown to Love for Fall: Cream & Ivory

Shop Cream – Click photo links above

I’ll admit it—I used to think of cream as more of a spring color. But over the last few years, I’ve completely changed my mind.

Now I look forward to wearing cream every fall. Something about a chunky cream sweater, winter white jeans, a beautiful wool coat, or a cozy knit dress instantly makes an outfit feel lighter, brighter, and more sophisticated.

I also love the contrast it creates with all of this season’s deeper colors. Pair cream with olive, chocolate brown, camel, navy, or one of this fall’s rich wine reds, and suddenly the whole outfit feels fresh and modern.

And yes, I still believe white jeans deserve a place in your fall wardrobe. Swap your sandals for loafers or ankle boots, add a cozy sweater, and they’re just as chic in October as they were in July.

Read next: How to Wear Cream and Winter White

My Favorite Color Combinations This Fall

One reason I’m enjoying this season’s palette so much is that these colors naturally work together. Here are a few combinations I’ll be wearing a lot this fall. They all read as instant sophistication:

• Olive + cream
• Chocolate brown + cream
• Rich wine reds + camel
• Navy + cream
• Olive + chocolate brown
• Camel + navy
• Plum + gray
• Chocolate brown + light-wash denim

When you’re shopping, don’t buy individual pieces. Think about outfits.

One question I always ask myself is, “Can I wear this at least three different ways with what’s already in my closet?”  If the answer is yes, it’s probably a smart buy.

Deb’s Take

One of the biggest mistakes I see women make is feeling like they have to wear every color trend that’s in style. Wrong!

The best colors aren’t necessarily the ones fashion editors are talking about. They are the ones that make you look healthy, rested, and confident.

I encourage you to experiment with color until you find what works for you. For example, choose a cooler olive instead of a warm one. Or, wear chocolate brown instead of black. It can also mean carrying this season’s “it” color as a handbag instead of wearing it next to your face. Those little tweaks are what make style personal.

To learn more about your best colors, read my post on color theory. I’m a big believer! Fashion color trends will come and go, but understanding your most flattering colors never goes out of style.