Fall 2025 Color Guide for Women Over 50: Flattering Shades by Seasonal Palette

Pantone may annoint the official “color trends,” but those don’t always correspond to what we actually see on store racks and websites. And if you’re refreshing or updating your wardrobe, a “trend” is only as good as what’s available. I love the rich, saturated hues that return every fall, but I’ve heard from many of you (especially Winters and Summers) that it can be tricky to find shades that flatter your palette. So today I’m sharing the fall color trends popping up in shops and online, along with my seasonal color recommendations to help you zero in on your best options.

Of course there are plenty of neutrals: black, brown, navy, grey. (My recent post, Haute Chocolate: The Neutral That’s Having a Moment explains how to find the best brown shades for your seasonal palette.) But when we can’t live by neutrals alone, adding color can liven up our look (and lift our mood), so here are some of the color trends I’m seeing most often this fall.

Burgundy

Best for: Winters and most Summers
Wear with: navy, black, grey, pink, blue, brown, white, denim

Burgundy is another of those color “trends” that seems to cycle back every fall, especially in the last few years. It’s a sophisticated shade that can be a more flattering alternative to black, and is included in both the Winter and Summer palettes. Winters, you’ll want to stick to rich and saturated hues. Summers, you can wear the softer and slightly muted versions (like the cardigan in the upper left, above).

More in Burgundy

Cool Pinks & Purples

Best for: Winters & Summers
Wear with: navy, black, white, grey, white, burgundy, brown, denim

While we may think of earth tones when we think of fall color trends, for cool seasonal palettes a pop of pink can breathe life into your neutrals. Winters, your best pinks & purples will be cool, saturated, and bright, and deep or icy. (Think: Fuchsia, Magenta, Shocking Pink, Royal Purple, Eggplant, Blackberry.) Summers, your best pink and purple shades will be softer and more muted. (Think: Rose, Dusty Pink, Orchid, Plum shades.)

More Cool Pinks & Purples

Emerald & Spruce Green

Best for: Winters, some Autumns (Spruce)
Wear with: black, navy, white, grey, blue, brown, denim

Winters, your best greens will have a blue undertone. (Think Emerald, Pine, Holly.) Again, look for clear, saturated versions of these greens. Autumns, there’s a “Spruce” (close to Chico’s jacket and Alex Mill cardigan above) in your palette, which can be another black alternative. (Blue Autumns are often best suited to this shade near the face.)

More Emerald & Evergreen

Lime & Avocado Greens

Best for: most Springs & Autumns
Wear with: brown, camel, navy, ivory, denim, olive (Autumns), and leopard print, of course!

Susan B. wears a lime green cashmere cardigan over a leopard print tee, with dark wash barrel leg jeans, dark brown loafers, carries a dark brown suede bag.
CARDIGAN | TEE | JEANS | BRACELETS (SIMILAR) | BAG | LOAFERS (SIMILAR)
My sizes: Cardigan – Small, Tee – Small, Jeans – 8 Petite

While less prevalent than some of the fall 2025 color trends, I have been seeing these shades included in several brands’ new collections. I love this bright, happy green, though some may prefer the softer versions below. I’ve styled it here with a leopard tee and dark wash barrel jeans. The cardigan from Tuckernuck is lightweight cashmere, and the fabric-covered buttons give a more refined look. It’s available in several other colors, sizes XS-XXL (runs true-to-size).

Lime and avocado greens have been trending for the last few seasons. From softer shades to almost neon brights (like the one I’m wearing above) they can definitely add some zing to your fall outfits. Springs will look best in lime or apple green shades, while Autumn’s “Pistachio” green can have a slightly olive or avocado undertone.

Autumns, your olive, moss, and khaki greens are abundant this time of year. These shades are great neutrals for you, and look smashing with the brighter colors in your palette. Look to nature for inspiration, and add a bit of color!

More Limes & Avocados

Fall is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with a few new shades, but remember, your best colors will always outshine any passing trend. Whether you gravitate toward rich jewel tones, soft neutrals, or a pop of vibrant green, choosing hues that flatter your seasonal palette will make every outfit feel effortless. If you’d like help discovering the colors that bring out your best, I offer in-person Color Analysis and Style Consulting in the Los Angeles area. Visit my Color & Style Services page or email me at [email protected] for more details.

What fall shades are you excited to wear this year?

Susan B. sits on a wooden bench wearing a brown knit jacket, blue jeans and colorful bracelets.

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23 Comments

  1. Great post today! I had my colors done this past spring and happily found that my wardrobe was about 80% in tact. Loved all the choices and options you’ve shared.

  2. Hi Susan,
    Thank you for this color update. I’m loving the greens and still eyeing that Pressed Avocado lightweight cashmere at J Crew. I can’t tell if it’s good for Springs. Have you had a chance to assess?

    1. Hi Linda, I haven’t seen that one in person yet. I’ll be stopping by our local J.Crew tomorrow and will check it out.

    2. Hi Linda, to update, that colors is a very bright acid yellow. I think it would be a bit intense for most Springs.

      1. Thank you for checking back in–most appreciated! You just saved me from a probable (costly) return! I’ll check out the other greens.
        Linda

  3. Thanks Susan for all your suggestions to brighten a wintery day. It’s great to see so many winter palette options. I’ve even found a shade of lime green that goes well with jeans. I didn’t realize I could wear that colour until I received many compliments.

  4. Thank you Susan! I appreciate the pieces you’ve chosen along with the distinction in their saturation (and ‘names’ that the retailers chose for the colors!). I like how you’ve given us choices in how we pair the colors. I’ve chosen neutrals that aren’t really in my warm soft autumn palette — choosing by the name but not really the color! I’m trying to be more discerning. 😉

  5. Thanks for your great fashion articles…they are so helpful for ideas styles where to buy and the look were trying to achieve.
    LOVE your blog.
    Wendy

  6. Thank you so much for this post! Many merchants seem to think autumn colors are all about shades of brown and gold, which do not work well for me (a winter). Always appreciate your recommendations.

  7. Thank you for this guide today. I love the Burgundy and Evergreen choices. I do love the oranges and browns of fall, but not good colors next to my face.

  8. I need lime and neon green like your lovely cardigan to brighten up the brown. Emerald and burgundy are not my colours. Neither is brown but I can liven that up with lime or chartreuse.
    Greetje

  9. Thank you Susan! Yes, it can be hard for winters in fall, especially this year with all the lovely brown. Boden has a color out called Wisteria. Do you think this is rich enough for Winters? I’m Deep Winter rather than True or Bright if that helps. I do think the fabric can change the color too.