Although January is the beginning of the year, I have always felt the year really begins in September, especially when the 2016 Fall colors are announced.

September is the end of the sun filled, lazy days of summer and the beginning of a more serious, focused season. From kindergarten to college graduation, the year begins in September – kicked off with back to school shopping!  Fall is a favorite season; filled with a sense of newness, and possibilities.

Fall shopping is still a time of opportunity, it’s a great time to rethink your image and your wardrobe. 

Most of my clients are not fashionistas.  You are women who have busy lives;  you’re successful, and you know how you look is one of your most powerful communication tools.  You, like most people, might have little knowledge or interest in the fashion trends. But if you do wear the trends or the colors of the season you are among a small group of individuals who appreciate that same fine sense of fashion.

So why bother? Color speaks volumes to communicate who you are and showcase your best features. If you’ve had a color analysis you know what I mean.  When you know what colors best complement your skin, hair and eyes you see what a difference it makes.  By knowing what colors are on trend you know whether they are YOUR colors and it’s a time to shop. 

So what are the colors of the season? Leatice Wiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute™ put it this way, “Blue skies represent constancy as they are always above us. Grays give a feeling of stability, Red tones invite confidence and warmth, while the hot Pinkish Purples and Spicy Mustard Yellows suggest a touch of the exotic.” 

Here are the Pantone 2016 Fall Fashion Color specifics:

1. Riverside Blue: a warm blue that can be worn if you have warm skin tones.  Works well with most eye colors.  It’s a calming color that connotes stability.

2. Airy Blue: A cooler blue that is softer in tone.  Very light and airy as the name depicts.

3. Sharkskin: A beautiful gray, great for those of you with cool skin tone.

4. AuroraRed: Is bold, sensual, exciting, dynamic and exudes confidence.

5. Warm Taupe: Suggests reassurance and stability, a timeless color.  A great neutral this season.

6. Dusty Cedar: A fall and winter version of the Pinks we’re used to seeing in spring. Exudes warmth and welcome.

7. Lush Meadow: A beautiful rich emerald gem color, elegant, vibrant and sophisticated.

8. Spicy Mustard: Adds another splash of vibrancy with gold undertones.

9. Potter’s Clay: a beautiful subtle shade of orange that is perfect for fall a color that connotes substance and strength.

10. Bodacious: A bright, rich purple, with pink undertones. A color that lends itself to expressive color combinations and projects creativity as well as loyalty.

If these are colors that resonate with you and they are in your color palette (they complement your skin, hair, eyes and personality), then now might be a time to shop.  This is a reason to follow trends.  If you look amazing in blue for example, 50% of all fall fashions are said to have blue hues.

However, keep in mind this is not the time of year for the best deals (more on that here). If you don’t need clothes now,  or if you are a budget shopper, wait until December when fall fashion is on sale.

My advice, do both.  If you LOVE the hot fall colors add a few select items now.  Do it with intention, make sure they are perfect for you. You can still value shop at the end of the season 🙂