Being a True Autumn

True Autumn colors have a special quality of being soft and vivid at the same time. The vivid nature comes from the unabashed warmth of the colors. As with autumn in nature, though, the colors are softened like the fading leaves on trees: a red maple leaf is still certainly not as bright as a maraschino cherry.

True Autumn’s colors are not as crisp and intense as the Winter-influenced palettes’ are. They are warm, rich earth-toned colors. They appear solid, grounded, and natural. The warmth means that the Soft Autumn pink will be a soft, light coral or light copper. The black alternative will be chocolate or chestnut brown, or medium-dark teal. A little bit of black in an animal print or paisley can be perfect, especially if it’s a warm black with brown or green in it.

There is a richness to the colors of this true warm season, and they lend themselves well to substantial, luxurious fabrics. True Autumns wear contrasts in textures well, in natural, soft fabrics that can include tactile suede, velvet, tweed, or nubby cable-knit wool on one end to smooth linen, gaberdine, washable silk, and polished cotton on the other end.

The denim color that sets off these colors so well is a medium-dark color. It can have a little of the brown that comes in antiqued or aged finishes, but not greyed. That burnt orange stitching and copper buttons on some denim clothing are perfect for this warm season!

True Autumns look best if they avoid silver-colored jewelry. This is the season that wears dark, pure gold jewelry so well. Copper, bronze, and brass are other options. Brushed metals and ropes suit this season, as do warm gems such as topaz, coral, jade, and turquoise. This season can add boho chic flourishes well in accessories, such as turquoise on copper wire, or beads with suede strips or fringe. Leather goods are not black; they are brown with some dark orange in them: chestnut, and saddle brown. They are a worn pair of favorite cowboy boots, or a deep suede satchel.

In cosmetics, look to those earthy desert colors, but they can be slightly more vivid than the other Autumns’ makeup. On lips and cheeks try terracotta, deep salmon, and paprika. On eyes warm brown, soft gold, khaki green, and apricot are options. Use liner in warm brown or olive green penciled on, and dark brown—not black—mascara.