There’s something enchanting about the transition from summer to fall, the air turns crisp, the leaves begin to shift, and our style naturally follows suit. Summer has always been the season of pastels for me: soft pinks, airy blues, and breezy pieces that feel lighthearted and free. But as autumn approaches, I find myself reaching for richer tones like burgundy, caramel, forest green, that carry a moodier sophistication. It’s more than trading sandals for boots; it’s embracing an entirely new atmosphere, one that channels cozy Gilmore Girls bookstore afternoons or the polished chic of a Gossip Girl city stroll.
This year’s fall palette feels almost like its own soundtrack that’s warm, moody, and cinematic. Mustard offers a golden burst of vibrancy, deep purples add a romantic, mysterious edge, and maroon steps in as the season’s most sultry shade, made even more iconic by Taylor Swift’s “Maroon.” These colors aren’t just trends; they’re vibes to embody, moods to wear, and stories to tell through every layered look.
Fall Fashion Trends 2025: Seasonal Color Swaps That Make Every Outfit Pop
The shift from summer to fall isn’t just a wardrobe change, it’s a full sensory upgrade. Summer is playful, airy, and carefree, while fall invites deeper, cozier tones that feel cinematic, cozy, and a little romantic. Here’s how I’m evolving my favorite summer shades into rich, fall-ready colors this season.
Butter Yellow → Mustard
Butter yellow caught us completely off guard this summer, it was soft, cheerful, and everywhere on Instagram and TikTok. Dresses, nails, accessories, you name it, we saw it. But for fall, it’s time to trade that airy sweetness for something warmer and bolder: mustard. Mustard feels like the autumn version of sunshine, adding golden richness to cozy knits, tailored coats, and even handbags. It’s the kind of color that makes you want to order a chai latte and lean into the fall aesthetic fully.
Cherry Red → Maroon
Cherry red had us in a chokehold this year. It was the “it” color, bold, playful, and unmissable. I’ll admit, I almost went all in and dyed my hair cherry red at one point (I settled for a bag and heels instead which was less commitment, more impact). But as the season shifts, I’m swapping out the brightness for maroon. It’s sultry, romantic, and just the right amount of dramatic. And yes, Swifties, you know where I’m going with this. Taylor Swift’s “Maroon” makes it even more iconic. Slip into a maroon knit or coat, and suddenly your coffee run feels like a scene from a moody music video.
Sage Green → Forest Green
Sage was the soothing star of summer, light, calming, and easy to wear. But fall deserves a shade with more depth. Enter forest green: rich, earthy, and endlessly versatile. It’s the kind of color that mirrors autumn landscapes, grounding your outfits while still making a statement. Style it with caramel, beige, or even gold accents, and you instantly have that polished, woodland-cozy vibe. It’s like wearing a walk through Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls fans, you get it).
Lavender → Royal Purple
Okay I have a confession: lavender is one of my all-time favorite colors. It’s delicate, dreamy, and it was my go-to all summer. Which makes saying goodbye… painful. But fall makes the case for trading lavender’s sweetness for royal purple’s strength. This shade is bold, mysterious, and instantly elevates any outfit. Think of it as lavender’s older, more confident sibling, the one who walks into the room and effortlessly turns heads. Pair it with metallics or maroon for that extra dramatic edge.
Baby Pink → Orange
After Barbiecore had us all decked out in pink for months, it feels almost rebellious to put it aside. But fall isn’t about bubblegum pink, it’s about orange. And not just pumpkin spice orange, but the chic, retro shades of tangerine and burnt orange. They’re playful yet grown-up, bringing life into fall layers. Plus, for fellow Swifties, orange is having a moment with Life of a Showgirl and its the beginning of a whole new era.
Sky Blue → Deep Navy
Sky blue was the color of beach days, endless skies, and breezy outfits. But as the days get shorter, I’m leaning into navy instead. Deep, refined, and timeless, navy feels like a power color for fall. It pairs beautifully with plaids, camel coats, and knits and even doubles as an unexpected neutral in your wardrobe. If sky blue was your iced latte, navy is your hot cappuccino: grounded, comforting, and a little more serious.
Beige → Brown
Beige has been the darling of minimalism for years, clean, neutral, effortless. But this fall, beige is making room for its bolder cousin: brown. From hot chocolate tones to rich leather shades, brown is the ultimate grounding color. It’s giving classic 90s Friends coffeehouse vibes which is warm, comforting, and timelessly chic. A brown leather bag, a pair of boots, or even a chunky sweater can instantly pull an outfit together. Beige was about blending in; brown is about leaning into fall’s cozy mood.
Closing Thoughts
What I love about these swaps is that they don’t erase the joy of summer, they evolve it. Each new shade feels like a character in a new story: mustard is golden and bold, maroon is romantic and moody, forest green is earthy and grounded. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a small-town bookstore à la Gilmore Girls or strutting city streets in true Gossip Girl fashion, these fall colors are here to set the scene.