With summer heat still upon us, fall clothing is the last thing on our minds. But the season will be here soon enough, and now is a good time to think about how your wardrobe can reflect the beauty of the season. Fall is a time of change, not just in nature but also in fashion. We’ll review the best fall colors for men, as well as ways to incorporate this rich palette of shades into your lineup.
In addition to a welcome cool-off after a long summer, fall offers a great opportunity to elevate your style game with a completely different color palette. From earthy tones to bold pops of color, you can embrace the charm of fall and take advantage of the rich seasonal colors.
Be careful not to overdo it, however. Usually one, maybe two, of these colors at a time, paired with other neutrals will give you the fall color you need without over-saturating your look.
Rustic earth tones
Fall is synonymous with earthy shades that reflect the changing foliage. Think warm browns, deep olives, and muted or burnt oranges. These are great fall colors for men, as they evoke a sense of comfort and coziness, making them perfect for both casual and dressier outfits.
More neutral earth tones, like dark brown or camel, can provide the base color of your outfit. Think brown chinos or trousers, a brown jacket, or a chunky brown sweater. Other bolder earth tones, like olive or muted orange, can provide a pop of fall color in your outfit when paired with neutral colored pieces.
For example, olive trousers or chinos are a great fall option, especially when paired with a navy or grey sweater and a dark overcoat or pea coat. A burnt orange or brown sweater works well over a white or light blue button down, paired with some dark denim and brown chukka boots. A camel overcoat can give your fall wardrobe a foundational piece.
These colors will work best for men with darker tones. For those with paler skin, try a brighter orange from this color category.
Vibrant mustards
Mustard hues add a touch of vibrancy to your fall wardrobe. You don’t see many men sporting this color, which can work in your favor to stand out against the crowd. This bold color can be incorporated through your main pieces like sweaters or even pants, and also works well for accessories like scarves, ties, or pocket squares.
If sporting this bold color, it’s important to keep the rest of your outfit neutral. This allows the mustard color to stand out and keeps your outfit from drowning in too much fall color. Mustard is perfect for adding boldness to your fall outfits, but only if you execute it properly.
A mustard-colored sweater can work as a bold, standout piece when layered over a crisp white shirt and paired with grey chinos or flannel trousers. Or you could pair a navy sweater, blazer, or overshirt with some mustard chinos. Incorporating this color can bring pop of color that fits the season perfectly.
For more info on prioritizing colors for your fall sweater lineup, check out this article.
Rich burgundy
Burgundy is one of the classic fall colors for men. It also matches most skin types and colors and looks refined and classic at the same time. If you need an easy, low-risk way to integrate fall color into your wardrobe, you should start with burgundy.
Whether it’s a burgundy turtleneck, a classic v-neck or chunky sweater, or a pair of burgundy chinos or corduroys, this color adds depth and a subtle boldness to your look. It pairs exceptionally well with navy and gray, creating a harmonious balance of sophistication and warmth.
If your personal style leans a little bolder and you have the sauce for it, a burgundy patterned jacket or overcoat can provide a statement seasonal piece.
Autumnal plaids
Plaid patterns are a staple of fall fashion. Incorporate them into your wardrobe through flannel shirts, scarves, or even tailored attire like a sport coat or suit.
The easy play for your casual wear is matching a flannel shirt with some dark denim and casual chukka boots. Especially if your style leans more rugged or casual. Experiment with different patterns to see what works best. A flannel shirt jacket is an underrated piece. It offers a lot of versatility and covers the cooler mornings while allowing you to remove the jacket during the heat of the day.
To take it up a notch for the fall, you can go with some fall-patterned tailored attire. A well-fitted plaid blazer worn with neutral-colored trousers and a pair of brown leather dress boots can create a smart casual outfit that seamlessly transitions from day to night.
Natural greens
Green remains an underrated menswear color and is a great fall color for men. It looks good on most men, goes well with neutrals and some bolder tones, and can add a bit of color to your look without overwhelming the rest of your outfit.
For fall, embrace the hues of evergreen forests with natural green shades. These green shades work well with most skin types, but really complement those with paler skin.
Green works well for outerwear like jackets and coats. A military-inspired green jacket or a green chore coat can be a rugged yet stylish addition to your fall ensemble. Pair it with jeans and desert boots for a casual weekend look that’s both functional and fashionable.
Green sweaters will make a reliable option for fall. Something you’ll reach for more often than you think, as it gives color to any outfit without overwhelming things.
Other style guidelines for fall
Fall is a great time to add some texture to your outfits. A tweed jacket or pants, a Shetland wool sweater, canvas chinos, suede boots, or a wool pea coat are great options for some additional texture. These pieces can add some visual depth and warmth to your look, which enhances any fall outfit and keeps your look from falling flat.
How you layer your outfit can also add some visual interest to your look. Layering for fall works best by choosing one of the seasonal colors mentioned in this article, and mixing it with mostly neutral pieces. For instance, you could go with a bold mustard sweater over a white OCBD, dark denim jeans, brown suede chukka boots, and a charcoal pea coat.
As for footwear, boots will treat you best in the fall. It’s best to have a casual pair (Clark’s Desert Boots work well here), a dressier pair for business casual or dressier affairs, and a pair of more rugged boots that can function in the rain or snow. Brown suede gives a perfect fall vibe for either your casual or dressy pair.
Conclusion
In the world of men’s fashion, fall is a season of creativity and versatility. The fall colors for men in this article will allow you to experiment with different styles and combinations, showcasing your personal style. Whether you opt for rustic earth tones, vibrant mustards, rich burgundies, autumnal plaids, or natural greens, each choice reflects your personality and your appreciation for the beauty of the season.
As always, stick to your personal style so that you feel comfortable and confident. At the same time, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone every now and then and experiment with some of these fall colors that resonate with you. It will expand your attire choices and give your wardrobe some more versatility.
Mix and match, layer and accessorize – let your style fit the attitude and vibe of the season. When you feel great in what you’re wearing it will allow your personality to shine, which is what great style should do.
