Dear Mattie:
What colours are in fashion this fall?
Curious in Capilano
Dear Curious:
There are new colours that are in fashion this season and the way you wear them makes them trendy. The colours are casual and modern. They fall into the category of elements. The elements are air, earth, fire and water. Not only are the colours of the elements in fashion, each element has its own style. These colours create a mood with a contrast colour that cinches it. The contrast colour is usually within the range of the theme. There is a light and dark sense of style.
I find this season to be very exciting as many colours are in fashion and you can explore your personal expression. Pastels have an airy look to them. The colours are soft and the fabrics flow. Pastels range mostly in the pink family, from pale to apricot undertones. Other pastels included this season are lilac, mint and aquamarine. The contrast colours are wild fuchsia and conservative grey.
Grey ranges from silver to charcoal. Pastels work with every lifestyle need, from professional to casual. There is a lot of wiggle room here.
Earth tones are my favourite. These classic colours are warm and cosy. Oatmeal, bone, ivory and nude are enhanced with textures like knit and silk. The contrast colours are camel, khaki and cranberry. This is not a colour block look.
A third piece should bring the colours together. Sweaters have Fair Isle patterns and bottoms can be one colour or a few in the name of plaid. Tweed blazers also pull this look together. Earth tones are not necessarily subtle. This look can be quite bold with a bit of equestrian mixed with punk.
The element of fire infused with red, yellow and orange tones is self-explanatory. These colours are bold and dramatic.
Many of the floral and graphic patterns include these colours. Florals include poppies, tulips and daisies. Graphics include the outline of flowers as well as circles and squares. The best contrast colour is black. Any other colour would diminish the impact of the pattern, not to mention the fiery colours.
The soothing blue colours of the sea are the most popular fashion colours this season. Purple is an extension of this mood. Although blue tends to be calm, the colour blocking style that I am seeing is very cool and modern. Cobalt and navy blue are in everything, from single pieces to stripes. Blue is the new black. The easiest way to incorporate blue and the colour block style is with pieces, especially if you don't feel comfortable with prints and patterns.
The best contrasting colour is white. Two colours (one of which is blue) plus white creates a Piet Mondrian-inspired look.
The accent colour that works best with every theme and mood is gold. Gold accessories create a chic gypsy look. From piping to threading in the fabric and buttons, you can easily add gold chic to your outfit. Your choice of the size and the amount of chain links in your jewelry expresses how much of the trend you want to portray.
Hopefully you are not too overwhelmed by the abundance of colour options. Pick a theme you like and don't forget the contrast. There is mood and depth in fashion this season.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie à la Mode is a monthly fashion advice column. Mattie is a freelance fashion writer and personal stylist. Reach her on her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest at Mattie a la Mode.
