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

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

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collage of Sophie Lopez wearing color combinations
(Image credit: Sophie Lopez)

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.

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.

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.

Sophie Lopez
Sophie Lopez
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.