Colorful Fall Pieces: A Color Wheel Guide for a Neutral Closet
By Sergio Borda Published
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure.
We’ve curated 21 bright and colorful picks that will bring some much needed pep to a camel/gray/black-centric wardrobe. Shop your favorite shades, including amber, chartreuse, cobalt, red and burgundy, amongst an array of jackets, skirts, knits, shoes, bags and jewelry. Go bold and shop them all, or shop one piece to breathe some color back into your wardrobe.
Items are listed in color wheel fashion (starting with amber/ochre, working its way through greens, blues, reds, and landing back at a rich brown), which makes creating an outfit an easy task. We ended on brown, silver and black pieces to ground all those pretty colors.
Amber and Mustard
Warm golds are similar to brown, making them an easy entry point into color. The Dijon colored suede bomber jacket is a deeper mustard that can be worn with brown or bright colors (like Klein blue). The amber suede moccasins are almost neutral.
Talbots Parker Suede Moccasins in Amber Gold
The amber gold color will practically wear like a neutral, making it a great introduction into wearing color. The shade pairs well with denim and navy and all colors of brown. The suede material has a less shimmery finish which also makes these a perfect option for fall/winter.
We love to style with Everlane’s corduroy pants in coffee bean for a tonal look and texture perfect for the cooler days ahead. The shade is a perfect complement to browns and echoes the mustard color in our Dijon colored Frame suede jacket. If you’re looking to keep things more toned down, the moccasins look cute styled with a pair of straight leg jeans and an off white knit.
Frame The Suede Ace Jacket in Dijon
The Ace Jacket is the label’s spin on the classic bomber jacket. Crafted of supple goat suede with ribbed trims, a zip front closure, and flap pockets, the jacket keeps its utilitarian edge with a decidedly sporty shape. Opt for The Suede Ace Jacket in Dijon, which is a deeper mustard colored shade that pairs beautifully with fall browns.
Zipped up over an ochre green Boden jumper (think fall foliage), the mustard colored hue also looks great juxtaposed against other vibrant shades like this Klein blue sweater from Everlane. Finish off with these amber colored moccasins by Talbots or burgundy Sam Edelman boots.
Greens From Chartreuse to Pine
Green has the widest range on this list. It goes from the almost neutral to the loudest (the chartreuse pants; when wearing such a showstopper, stick to neutrals elsewhere). The pear colored Staud trouser is a softer option for the office. The earthier tones (the pine cardigan and ochre green jumper) are easy to wear, and the malachite green studs are a low risk way to test out the color, especially near the face.
Boden Marta Longline Merino Jumper in Ochre Green
We love Boden’s Marta Longline Merino Jumper in Ochre Green because it’s right on that yellow/olive boundary in a rich (not loud) way. Knitted of pure merino wool and cut with a high neck and relaxed shape (making layering with slim pants a breeze), this longline-style knit is generously cut to fully cover the hip.
Pair the knit with amber moccasins from Talbots and coffee bean colored corduroys from Everlane for an earthy and warm toned look that’s totally weekend worthy. Want to wear green by your face? Try these malachite studs from BaubleBar.
By Anthropologie Reverie Lace Trim Tapered Pants in Chartreuse
These By Anthropologie Reverie Lace Trim Tapered Pants in Chartreuse are one of the boldest options on this list. The fluid, woven blend and roominess through the leg (they taper at the ankle) feel relaxed and the gathered, drawstring waistband adds a laidback vibe. The sweet eyelash lace along the hem softens the loud hue.
We suggest making these the only statement piece in your look, and throw on a simple white tank and some sandals in warmer weather and switch it up for a knit and some flats in cooler weather. The black Steve Madden ballet flats we chose keep things streamlined. Then you could throw on a cashmere sweater (like this one by Everlane) for a daring color clash (the Klein blue shade is perfect).
Staud Mateo Pant in Pear
Described by Staud as the everyday trouser with a polished-yet-relaxed feel, this is a pair we agree with. The Pear color, sort of halfway between chartreuse and olive, is the perfect muted yellow green that injects some much needed color into your workday wardrobe (without seeming too costumey).
With a black turtleneck and black Steve Madden ballet flats for a clean and simple look. The Dijon Frame Suede Jacket adds another fall-friendly, warm tone. PS, there is a matching top if you are into the look.
BaubleBar Lydia Statement Stud Earrings in Malachite
Bright colors can be intimidating; earrings offer an easy and risk-free way to play. And these pack quite the punch despite their petite profile. Light enough to wear morning to night.
BaubleBar Lydia Statement Stud Earrings in Malachite would be a perfect addition to an ochre green Boden jumper. The glossy green enamel surrounding a semi-precious malachite stone, which itself is surrounded by a fine gold-tone border, would also go nicely with a pine Jenni Kayne cardigan or stand out against an all black ensemble. Keep hair pulled back to best complement their perfectly round shape.
Jenni Kayne Cropped Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan in Pine
It’s such a great earthy neutral, in that it totally could take the place of neutrals in your rotation, but is also a color. Add to that the fact that it’s cashmere, Mongolian cashmere no less, and its perfectly slightly-cropped and boxy silhouette (which will perch perfectly atop those high rise pants, say these pear-colored ones from Staud).
We were practically drooling over its contrasting faux-horn buttons (button them all up and then tuck it into a colorful skirt, like this corduroy number from Boden; green and red is such a fun fall/winter color combination). Throw it over denim and throw on some flats (love these woven ones from Dolce Vita) and you’re ready for an errand-filled weekend or a day of relaxing at home.
Cobalt and Electric Blue
Blue is a great contrast to gray, black and camel. The Klein blue sweater makes a statement while the cashmere scarf is a more subtle take. Layer the Zara trench over a neutral look for another option. Try one, two or even all three of these shades at once.
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Triangle Scarf in Electric Blue
An accessory close to your face is the perfect way to ease in. We like this scarf from Quince (in Electric Blue) made of 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere. The triangular shape offers some added coziness without bulk, and the skinny color-blocked trim along the hem is super polished.
Tie it around your neck or toss it over your shoulders. Try tonal by tying this around the neck of a blue Zara trench, or contrasting and crisp over a gray sweater and with white jeans.
Everlane Fine Cashmere Long-Sleeve U-Neck Sweater in Klein Blue
This sweater is such a perfect cobalt (think Klein blue); we think its intense tones offer a really fun counterpoint to neutrals like camel, black and gray. We also like that the U neck is a little more open than your traditional crew, great for a fun scarf or statement necklace. The piece de resistance: its feather light feel. It’s crafted from the lightest of cashmeres so expect nothing but softness.
Everlane suggests wearing with high waisted styles (even those chartreuse Reverie pants from Anthropologie if you’re feeling brave). And of course it’s always nice to stick with the cool tones. We love the Odette studs from BaubleBar. Worn layered under a jacket or coat, it will offer up the perfect blue/mustard combination (think Dijon Frame).
Zara ZW Collection Midi Trench Coat in Blue
Its blue color (a much-needed breath of fresh air away from khaki) would layer beautifully over your neutral-colored clothing. Its midi-length will also accommodate dresses, skirts and wide-leg pants with ease.
Tie an electric blue Quince scarf to your trench to take it over-the-top tonal. We also love the idea of layering it on top of a bright blue sweater like this Klein hue option from Everlane for a head-to-toe blue bona fide banger. During milder, warmer days, you can wear it open over B&W wardrobe staples.
Reds and Burgundy
Red flatters the complexion and darker shades of the color read almost like a neutral in fall. The COS cardigan is the brightest red here, while the burgundy boots and Syrah bag lean more wine. The brick toned Red Earth corduroy skirt from Boden can be worn with browns and brights alike.
COS Pleated Jacquard Cardigan in Red
We love this cozy cardigan’s pleated jacquard knit, which has a beautiful texture that can be seen from afar. Plus red is such a flattering color by your face.
COS’ red cardigan is incredibly wearable on its own (button it up to wear as a top), tucked into a pair of black trousers for a work appropriate look, in a head-to-toe red outfit (think our burgundy Sam Edelman boots), or layered over a dress like this Bambi shirt dress from Mango. Perfect for those cool evenings.
Boden Val Button Cord Midi Skirt in Red Earth
We like this skirt from Boden (Val Button Cord Midi Skirt in Red Earth) because Red Earth is a great in-between color (a brick red shade) which goes with both the brights and browns on this list. Bonus: this Boden skirt has pockets.
Try pairing with a pine colored knit like this Jenni Kayne cardigan (tucked in) for a great green/red color story. The cord fabric of the skirt will be warmer but still flowy which will extend the wear of this skirt into colder weather, and pair with opaques and these burgundy Sam Edelman boots. Or, go with a cream colored sweater and these Dolce Vita woven flats for a softer daytime option.
Staud Maude Shoulder Bag in Syrah
Its Syrah shade (a deep wine red) can go with virtually every color in the edit. Staud makes the Maude Shoulder Bag in polished leather. Its elongated east-west shape, shoulder-hugging straps and flap fastening make it as interesting to look at as it is to wear, plus there is an inside pocket.
Wear it with our red COS cardigan and burgundy Sam Edelman boots and you’ve got a wine-and-reds outfit sorted. The Staud provides a grown up, saturated counterpoint to our Klein blue Everlane sweater, and looks suitably warm and autumnal with our Dijon colored Frame jacket.
Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boot in French Burgundy
Burgundy is the perfect fall neutral, even better than black or brown because it’s deeper. The Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boot has a more slim-shafted construction and block heel, and so lends itself well to be worn with skirts and dresses as well as slimmer pants styles.
You can wear them underneath the Mango Bambi shirt dress, or paired with the Zara sarong skirt. Just echo the red hue with another piece (the COS cardigan and Staud Syrah bag both work wonderfully) and keep the rest of the ensemble simple to really let the color pop.
Prints and Neutrals to Ground the Color
Finally, we circle back to brown. Warm toned prints (the sarong skirt from Zara and Mango shirt dress) ground brights while the coffee bean colored corduroy pants and ginger henley add rich neutrals to your closet. The silver studs add a splash of cool, and brown and black ballet flats keep bright looks simple.
Mango Bambi Shirt Dress
We think busy patterns like this one work best with simple styles, and this one is perfect. The cut is wonderfully simple, midi in length, with a straight cut. It’s offset perfectly with the spotted print and some interesting details: the shirt collar, the belt buckle at the waist and the cuffs with buttons. The colors are great for fall, featuring warm browns with cream.
Throw on a pair of burgundy Sam Edelman boots and a pop of color (we like these BaubleBar green malachite studs) and you’re done. If it gets nippy, you can leave the buttons undone and wear as a jacket over a pair of coffee bean colored Everlane pants.
Zara Printed Ramie Sarong Skirt
Sarong skirts don’t have to just be a summer item. We like that it’s a wrap style, which is super easy to walk in and flattering, and love the fabric since ramie is a natural fiber with a lightly textured hand.
We think this Zara Printed Ramie Sarong Skirt is super cute worn with tights and those burgundy Sam Edelman boots we showed above, plus a chunky knit. We also love its warm palette, and it would look great with our ginger brown Lands’ End henley. On milder fall days it would be cute with a tank and sandals.
Lands' End Long Sleeve Waffle Button Up Henley in Rich Ginger Brown
A waffle knit henley is a casual essential. We especially like this one from Lands’ End because of the placket (wear it open or closed) and colorway, as the rich ginger brown shade is warmer and softer than the standard black or gray.
The shirt looks cute tucked in with our Zara sarong skirt, too.
BaubleBar Odette Hammered Statement Studs in Silver
The chunky discs are a perfect example of how big earrings don’t always have to be heavy. The texture will pick up light as you move and is the perfect complement to a simple knit.
We especially like the silver color’s cool complement to the warm ambers and browns in the edit, and they especially pop with the Klein blue Everlane sweater and electric blue Quince scarf. The hammered texture is gorgeous and begs to be showcased, so try a sleek bun or pony and let their statement silhouette shine.
Everlane The Way-High Corduroy Pant in Coffee Bean
The deep brown is a versatile neutral that pairs well with all of the edit’s bright colors. Cut from a stretchy, certified organic cotton corduroy in a fine wale, Everlane The Way-High Corduroy Pant has a high rise that smooths the tummy, which helps create a clean look with tucked-in sweaters.
Team the style with an ochre green Boden jumper for a cozy weekend outfit. Or, for something more polished, try them with a red COS cardigan and amber Talbots moccasins.
Dolce Vita Mycah Ballet Flats in Dark Brown Woven Suede
We love these in the dark brown woven suede, as the texture will add interest to simpler outfits. Plus the round toe is sweet, and the minimal block heel (as well as the rubber sole) make these the perfect everyday shoe.
We’d style them with this Zara sarong skirt, or this Mango Bambi shirt dress, or cropped pants and a pine Jenni Kayne cardigan. In general, ballet flats are a great option when you’re looking for something you can comfortably walk around in that isn’t necessarily super-casual, and we find that in a darker hue (easier to work into a warm color palette, as opposed to black), they can really go with everything.
Steve Madden Eleve Ballet Flat in Black Leather
Black shoes are the grounding component to really vibrant clothing choices and keep it all wearable. Leather upper, square toe and a cute bow on the vamp make this shoe fun and classic all at the same time. Plus, they’re still comfortable all day thanks to the quarter inch heel.
We also love them with a pop of color, from pear (think the Staud Mateo pants) to chartreuse (we’re thinking of the Anthropologie Reverie pants). Add some color with the Red Earth Boden corduroy skirt, wear with straight leg jeans or amp it up by pairing them with some ankle socks for a cute fall look.
How to Build an Outfit Around One Color
A bright piece paired with a neutral one or two can update a look. Try a bold item with black, white, cream or brown.
Analogous colors (ones that are next to each other on the color wheel) work well together, as do warm and cool color combinations. Try the Dijon colored jacket with the Klein blue sweater, amber with ochre green, red with burgundy, or the Red Earth skirt with the pine green cardigan.
Playing with texture (think suede, pleated knits, corduroy, cashmere) adds depth to a look, so even bold colors look rich rather than loud. Not feeling ready to commit to a head to toe colored look? Start small. Accessories are an easy way to dip your toe into color (think bags, scarves and studs).
You don’t need to incorporate every piece above. Just pick a few favorites that will work with the neutral pieces you already own.
How do you wear bold colors without looking overdone?
Choose one bright color for your outfit, and match it with neutrals like espresso, black or camel. If you prefer two hues, go with adjacent colors on the list above, like amber and ochre green, or red and burgundy. Begin with colorful fall pieces that feature darker tones, like pine green or wine red.
What colors go with burgundy for fall?
Burgundy pairs well with amber, olive, navy, camel and espresso. Try adding a little bit of electric blue to make it really pop, perhaps in the form of a scarf.
Is chartreuse hard to wear?
Chartreuse looks best when it’s the only bold color you wear; try it in a pair of pants, and match it with black, white or brown. Let the color shine by keeping jewelry and other accessories simple.
Keep building the look with 27 fall outfits for women, ankle boots for women and Thanksgiving outfits.
written by
Sergio Borda
I’m Sergio Borda, based in Bogotá, Colombia. I’m passionate about art, photography, fashion, and gastronomy. I love traveling, exploring new places, discovering different cultures, and sharing good food and experiences with others.
