Nothing better illustrates the link between fashion and food than a color trend. Soft, pastel yellow is now called butter. Creamy light brown goes by the Pantone-approved nickname mocha mousse. Bright, juicy red can be either cherry or part of "tomato girl summer," depending on the buyer’s choice and TikTok algorithm. The fall 2025 color trends—which will remind you of the fresh veggies growing in your neighbor's garden and your late-night chocolatey treat—are another example of the long-standing symbiotic relationship between the two industries.
Naturally, the most popular colors on the Fall 2025 runways also match what you'd expect from an autumn palette. Trench coats and thick cardigans were made in the ever-popular pumpkin-spice orange. Designers reimagined the warm maroons and yellows of falling leaves into leather jackets and jacquard suits, but with a richness that makes you think of a harvest feast rather than a maple tree in transition.
There's also the feeling that fall's color trends are irresistible because they seem familiar. You don't need to be intimidated by a grape purple pump or a blazer that looks like butter lettuce—you've seen these natural colors before, just now they'll be in your closet rather than on your plate.
Chili Flake
Pictured at Khaite, Etro, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Courrèges, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Chanel, Gabriela Hearst, Christopher John Rogers, and Chanel.
Warm, peppery reds appeared in shows and became conversation-starting blouses at Khaite and Christopher John Rogers, as well as weatherproof parkas at Louis Vuitton and leather trench coats at Gabriela Hearst. When you style the shade yourself, try pairing the chili-colored red with warm tones, like brown knee-high boots or a tan trouser.
Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory
Pictured at Emilia Wickstead, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Altuzarra, Burberry, Chloé, Tory Burch, Victoria Beckham, and Alaïa.
Admittedly, a chocolate brown trend has been emerging for some time. But as seen with Fall 2025's supple leather separates, faux fur coats, and ruffled going-out tops that resemble Hershey's bars, deep, rich brown is only going to grow in popularity. Treat the shade like its neutral sister, black, and consider a head-to-toe monochromatic look.
Eat Your Greens
Pictured at Erdem, Dries Van Noten, Saint Laurent, Marni, Gucci, Prada, Miu Miu, Hermès, Bally, Tory Burch.
Brat green had its moment in the spotlight last year, and now it's time for lush lettuce to get some attention. Featured in a variety of silhouettes, from front-pleat trousers to bold-shouldered cocktail dresses and snakeskin bags, the bright, saturated green works best as a standalone color accent.
Gourd Season
Pictured at Fendi, Dries Van Noten, Saint Laurent, Ferragamo, Hermès, Gucci, Miu Miu, Gabriela Hearst, Lanvin, and Ashlyn.
Spiced orange frequently appears on fall runways, but unexpected, intricate textures made the color seem worth trying for a new season. From chevron-printed velvet shirt dresses at Gucci to lace turtlenecks at Saint Laurent and sparkly party pants at Miu Miu, the pumpkin patch shade is a familiar yet fresh pop of color this time around.
French's Classic Yellow
Pictured at Miu Miu, Prada, Valentino, Alaïa, Etro, Gabriela Hearst, Saint Laurent, Altuzarra, and Burberry.
While summer 2025 introduced a mustard yellow color trend with golden beach cover-ups and snakeskin handbags, fall 2025 is when designers truly celebrate the Dijon hue. As midi skirts (Miu Miu and Alaïa), leather zip-up jackets, and rich jacquard suiting (Burberry) emerge, mustard yellow proves to be a comforting color with more impact than neutral-like butter yellow.
Grrrrrrrrrape
Pictured at Khaite, Ralph Lauren, Alaïa, Victoria Beckham, Valentino, McQueen, Miu Miu, Gucci, Dries Van Noten, Altuzarra, Michael Kors Collection, and Nina Ricci
Royal purple took on a more energetic and unavoidable presence on the Fall 2025 runways. The specific shade of purple has historically represented wealth—going back to the Byzantine era—and designers embraced its regal connections with brushed suede (Gucci), velvet (Ralph Lauren and Nina Ricci), and soft leather (Miu Miu and Khaite). A well-made trouser or a high-quality knit in royal purple can add a touch of luxury and nobility to your modern fall wardrobe.
