2015 Fall Color Tour

Sept. 3, 2015

Cool, liquid shades of blue and earthy browns were fashion hallmarks of spring. The former have washed out past the horizon now that autumn is on the way, and those earth tones have returned with a more subtle, faded look, adding tints of green and gold.

The most interesting point of this fall’s fashion scene is brought to you by Lee Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. She said this is the first time we’re seeing a “truly unisex” color palette entering a fashion season.

We got the scoop from Style.com, Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily and, of course, Pantone, fashion’s color authority, to learn what trendy Michiganians – women and men – will be wearing throughout fall and winter.

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

The ’60s hippies of spring and summer have evolved into the more bohemian color sensibilities of the early ’70s; many of the same tones are carrying through into the cooler season, now echoing the range of the falling leaves.

Oak Buff is a foundation color of this look, the golden end of the brown spectrum, and was used amply by John Galliano, who darkened the color and applied it to light jackets and skirts, as well as on other pieces; a similar shade closer to mustard yellow is also creeping into current designs.

Marsala adds red to brown, like transitioning maple leaves, to bring a lower end to Oak Buff 's brightness, as demonstrated by just about everyone. A glittering lineup of designers from Pucci, Tibi, Tommy Hilfiger and Hermes showed off its maroon hues in their collections.

CLOUDY DAYS

While summer was all about colors found in water, fall looks to be all about colors found on overcast days. Beginning with the aptly-named Stormy Weather hue, shades of blue-toned gray were all over the runways, from Stella McCartney to Nicole Miller to Michael Kors, for a sleek, modern look less harsh than the typical business gray. Noon by Noor did some particularly interesting things with the color on dresses, one of which featured a billowing, cloudlike skirt.

Darker navy blues are in the forecast, most notably Reflecting Pond, further complemented by fall's favorite teal/turquoise shade, Biscay Bay, which pulls plenty of dark tropical green into its blue base.

ORCHIDS AND ORANGES

Two secondary colors on the artist’s wheel have surfaced for fall, one bright and one more subtle. The first, Cadmium Orange, takes its moniker from the oil paint of the same name and can either add plenty of drama on its own or serve as a splash of muted citrus on a cold November day. Victoria Beckham aimed at just that effect with her new raglan-sleeve winter coat.

The second, Amethyst Orchid, infuses the shifting purples of the flower with the more translucent look of the gemstone for a vibrant shade that’s several steps darker, for a more understated color approach.

Tadashi Shoji applied the shade to his Camine gown, a detailed tulle and embroidery confection lined in stretch jersey and reportedly inspired by airplane mechanics, as further evidenced by the gear-motif edging around the waist.

GREEN ACRES

Finally, a dusty mix of green and gray make up Pantone’s Desert Sage, a calming shade that's accompanied by several other green tones this season.

Close behind is Dried Herb, a darker olive green that will immediately strike the viewer as familiar from military wear; this season, it's almost used as a wardrobe staple, complementing everything from summer’s carry-over pastels to black, and giving either a more sophisticated view.

Roland Mouret’s bomber jackets are one of the many fall highlights utilizing this easy-to-incorporate color. Elsewhere, Elie Saab, in particular, made great use of Dried Herb on his jumpsuits and mini-dresses, with matching boots and gloves for a perfectly coordinated look.