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    1. Fashion
    2. Fall fashion

    3 Fall Color Combinations to Test-Drive This Season, According to a Fashion Stylist

    These unexpected mash-ups will instantly elevate your autumn wardrobe.

    Sophie Lopez's avatar
    By Sophie Lopez
    Published 27 August 2025 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    collage of Sophie Lopez wearing color combinations
    (Image credit: Sophie Lopez)
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    Welcome to my very first column! I’ve been a fashion and celebrity stylist for over 15 years, and in that time, I’ve collected plenty of style nuggets, lessons, and little tricks that I’m excited to finally share with you here. Think of this space as part inspiration, part conversation. You’ll discover my take on personal style and the trends that I’m coveting. I’ll also teach you how to make your wardrobe feel more like you.

    For those who don’t know me, I’ve always believed in wearing what sparks joy. Sometimes that's a bold color, a maximal accessory, or even a quirky silhouette. I like to describe my style as optimistic and eclectic—a blend of high fashion and playful twists.

    I’m beyond thrilled to have a platform to explore that with you, and I hope that each month, you’ll leave with a fresh idea, a new perspective, or simply the reminder that fashion should always be fun.


    Dressing for September can be tricky: it’s technically a fall month, but temperatures aren’t exactly cold enough to make you pull out a heavy knit. And while summer brights suddenly feel too loud, going straight into head-to-toe black can feel like a style crash.

    While splitting my time between New York and Los Angeles—with 11 LA winters under my belt—I’ve honed the skill of dressing for that awkward transitional season. My clever trick? Sneaking in color combinations in a way that’s effortless, chic, and just a little unexpected.

    Chocolate Brown + Lime Green + Khaki Brown

    Sophie Lopez wearing a green shirt, a brown coat, and khaki pants

    (Image credit: Sophie Lopez)

    This season, discover the magic of mixing earthy tones with vibrant hues. Start with soft neutrals, like rich chocolate brown, then throw in something offbeat, like lime green.

    J.Crew, Featherweight Cashmere-Blend Cropped Sweater Shell

    J.Crew
    Featherweight Cashmere-Blend Cropped Sweater Shell
    $100
    $158 AT J.CREW

    Guest In Residence, Cable Shrunken Cashmere Crew Sweater

    Guest In Residence
    Cable Shrunken Cashmere Crew Sweater
    $152
    $152 AT REVOLVE

    The Frankie Shop , Daytona Pleated Grain De Poudre Wide-Leg Pants

    The Frankie Shop
    Daytona Pleated Grain De Poudre Wide-Leg Pants
    $257
    $257 AT NET-A-PORTER

    Joe's, The Dani Michelle Madeline Coat

    Joe's
    The Madeline Coat
    $449
    $449 AT NORDSTROM

    Burnt Orange + Oatmeal Beige + Pale Pink + Chocolate Brown

    Sophie Lopez wearing a pink jacket, oatmeal sweater, brown skirt, and orange shirt

    (Image credit: Sophie Lopez)

    An oatmeal sweater suddenly comes alive with a touch of burnt orange. It’s those clever layers and surprising color combos that make a look feel pulled-together and stylish, without ever slipping into the ordinary territory. My latest purchase is Prada’s Old Gabardine jacket in the most delicious shade of pale pink. And guess what? It goes with everything.

    Prada, Old Gabardine Blouson Jacket

    Prada
    Old Gabardine Blouson Jacket
    $2450
    $2,450 AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

    Loro Piana, Neo André Linen Shirt

    Loro Piana
    Neo André Linen Shirt
    $850
    $850 AT MYTHERESA

    Nour Hammour, Avery Suede Miniskirt

    Nour Hammour
    Avery Suede Miniskirt
    $945
    $945 AT MYTHERESA

    Uniqlo, 100% Cashmere V Neck Jumper

    Uniqlo
    100% Cashmere V Neck Jumper
    £80
    $100 AT UNIQLO

    Cherry Red + Royal Purple

    Sophie Lopez wearing a cherry red trench coat, a purple shirt, and cherry red pants

    (Image credit: Sophie Lopez)

    Among a sea of neutral collections, I was thrilled to see bursts of color on the Fall 2025 runways of Gucci, Miu Miu, and Prada. Saint Laurent also co-signed saturated hues, pairing gorgeous mustards with deep shades of burgundy. Consider coordinating cherry red with royal purple for an equally appealing pairing.

    Apparis, Lauren Overcoat

    Apparis
    Lauren Overcoat
    $224
    $224 AT REVOLVE

    Miu Miu , Cashmere and Silk Crew-Neck Sweater

    Miu Miu
    Cashmere and Silk Crew-Neck Sweater
    $2,600 AT MIU MIU

    Banana Republic, High-Rise Wide-Leg Everywhere Ponte Pull-On Pant

    Banana Republic
    High-Rise Wide-Leg Everywhere Ponte Pull-On Pant
    $100
    $100 AT BANANA REPUBLIC

    Tony Bianco, Drax Pump

    Tony Bianco
    Drax Pump
    $77
    $77 AT REVOLVE

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    Style At Large
    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
    Sophie Lopez
    Sophie Lopez
    Social Links Navigation
    Stylist and Digital Creator

    Sophie Lopez is a bi-coastal fashion stylist between New York and Los Angeles. Her career began at British GQ with a focus on menswear; after landing numerous “Men of The Year” covers, she graduated into styling womenswear, working with names like Jessica Alba, Zoe Saldana, Sofia Vergara, and Shakira. Today, Lopez’s celebrity clientele includes Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn, Ella Purnell, Ashley Madekwe, and more.

    She has collaborated on major advertising campaigns with brands such as La Mer, QUAY, ALDO, New York & Company, Campari, Fabletics, Weight Watchers, Infiniti, Bebe, Polo, and Bulgari. Additionally, Lopez has contributed to publications including Vogue Mexico, Glamour UK, GQ, i-D Magazine, V Magazine, Nylon, Grazia, Rolling Stone, NME, Empire, and Sunday Times Style.

    Read more
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    Fashion 3 Summer Color Combinations I’m Not Ready to Retire Inspired by the runways, these mash-ups are guaranteed to brighten up your warm-weather wardrobe.
    By Lauren Tappan
    fall 2026 color trends on the runways of kallmeyer, dior, alaia, sergio hudson, and balenciaga
    Fall fashion Introducing Fall 2026’s Most Coveted Color Trends From magenta to aqua blue, these aren’t your ordinary autumn shades.
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