Specs+Spaces®

Specs+Spaces® Color

Fall 2016 Seasonal Color Trends to Inspire

09/12/2016 | davidcamacho |

The fall season is upon us. With this seasonal change, fresh color and design inspirations are on display across a multitude of industries — from fashion to interiors. This season’s color range is strong and optimistic, with a hint of a departure from traditional fall hues. Here are the color trends for fall 2016:

Earth Tones

This season, brown is everywhere and is reflected in Espresso Macchiato (DET680) and Outer Boundary (DE6021), as well as warmer hues such as Terra Rosa (DE5096), Burlap (DE6175) and Aged
Whisky (DET686). Cognac (DET464) and Crackled Leather (DET684) add depth to the warmer colors of the earth-tone palette. Honey Glow (DE5354), Russet Leather (DET440) and Spicy Tomato (DE5139) add spice. Greens are also highlighted and include Military Green (DE5530) and Wilderness (DE6236), a darker olive green with gray undertones.

A herd of sheep walking across a sunset in the background

Photo Credit: iStock

Shape, polygon

Key Hues

Terra Rosa (DE5096), a dusty, warm deep pink, is the darkening of Rose Quartz, Pantone’s 2016 Color
of the Year.
Honey Glow (DE5354), a spicy, golden yellow that is a perfect highlight to the earth-tone color
palette
Spicy Tomato (DE5139), a vibrant russet orange, leaning toward the red side. This hue is a perfect color, reminiscent of the fall foliage

A bed in a canyon

Photo Credit: iStock

Concept Korea New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ralph & Russo Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Marissa Web New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: iStock

Valentino Haute Couture Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Neutrals

Neutrals are noticeably darker this season, while blues play an integral role — ranging from the steel-blue of Postwar Boom (DET584), to teal-inspired San Gabriel Blue (DET557), as well as navy, which is noted in the color Tried & True Blue (DET582). Brown is also highlighted in the neutral-tone palette, along with the earth-tone palette, because of its importance to a range of design industries. Dark chocolate, represented in Spiced Hot Chocolate (DET691) and earthy taupe brown, found in Kiln Dried (DET692) and Baked Potato (DEC717), highlight the browns. Mission Gold (DET685) and Natural Radiance (DET660) balance out the range of warm neutrals, while rich plum enters the fall trends palette, highlighted by Mahogany Cherry (DE5020). Grey hues include dark charcoal and a mid-tone gray, shown in Looking Glass (DE6376) and Industrial Age (DET618). Black, always in style, is back this fall in a range of design products highlighting this neutral and represented as Black (DEA002).

Photo Credit: iStock

Key Hues

Postwar Boom (DET584), a cool, subtle and stable blue
Baked Potato (DEC717), an organic and grounded neutral warm taupe
Looking Glass (DE6376), a dependable, contemporary gray that pairs well with many of the
other fall trending colors

Photo Credit: iStock

Diesel Black Gold Milan Fashion Week Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Michael Kors New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Alexander McQueen Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Marissa Webb New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Juana Martin Mercedes-Benz Madrid Fashion Week Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Brights

With its vibrancy, red plays a vital role this fall, and Heart Throb (DET412) is key with its bold, sensual and
exciting characteristics. Other reds on display this fall include Crimson Strawberry (DEA102), Hot Jazz (DEA107) and Glitzy Red (DEA153). Other bright colors include Tangerine Dream (DE5160) and Fiery Coral (DET426). On the cool side, Cobalt (DEA140) and Deep Sapphire (DEA137) remain top bright blues for
fall/winter, while Violet Shadow (DEA192) provides additional weight and depth to the brights. Magenta and pink round out the palette with Razzle Dazzle (DE5027), Rock 'n' Rose (DE5060) and Carnation (DE5046).

Photo Credit: iStock

Shape

Key Hues

Heart Throb (DET412), an intrepid, erotic and exhilarating shade of red

Photo Credit: iStock

Christian Siriano New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Yuima Nakazato Paris Haute Couture Fashion Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Shiaparelli Paris Haute Couture Fashion Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jewel Tones

Fall season’s jewel tones are rich, mysterious and enchanting. The reds lead the palette, topped by the burgundy tones of Garnet Evening (DEA147) and Wine Stain (DEA145). Deep crimson is also
represented by Royal Red Flush (DET425). Teal becomes increasingly popular, showcased in Nocturnal Sea (DE5783) and English River (DE5789), while Lucky Clover (DEA130) and Mission Jewel (DET539) add healthy, lush green highlights. Indigo is a jewel alternative to navy, highlighted in Midnight Sun (DET580) and
MacKintosh Midnight (DET579). Purple is embodied in Brandywine (DE5005), Passionate Plum (DEA144) and Victorian Violet (DE6005).

Photo Credit: iStock

Shape

Key Hues

Brandywine (DE5005), a vibrant, unexpected and regal purple
Lucky Clover (DEA130), a foliage-rich, elegant and sophisticated green

Le Sangbong New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Oscar de la Renta New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Tibi New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016 Show. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Giambattista Valli Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Midtones

Midtones offer a comfortable middle ground for those who love color but don’t want to dive off the deep end
with the jewel tones and brights. This season, blues highlight this palette with azure, periwinkle and baby blue infusions, represented by January Frost (DE5849), Sapphire Fog (DE5899) and Americana (DE5845). Warm hues are signified by tangerine and citrine yellow, showcased as Tangerine Tango (DE5194), O’Brien
Orange (DET460) and Golden Crest (DE5353). Green continues to uptrend, and Evergreen Forest (DET534) and Shamrock Field (DE5664) brighten the midtone palette with these refreshing choices. Purples such as Playful Purple (DE5947), Soft Purple (DE5954) and Prize Winning Orchid (DE6004) highlight the range of
lilacs and orchids in the palette, while the unexpected addition of salmon, represented as Salmon Upstream (DE5109), adds a fresh approach to the fall Midtones palette.

Photo Credit: iStock

Key Hues

January Frost (DE5849), a weightless and airy icy blue. The darker version of Serenity, the other Pantone Color of the Year for 2016
Playful Purple (DE5947), a sweet lilac hue that is uplifting and cheerful
Prize Winning Orchid (DE6004) a lush, unexpected fall hue

Photo Credit: iStock

Viktor & Rolf Paris Haute Couture Fashion Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Michael Kors New York Fashion Week Show Fall/Winter 2016. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Pastels

Pastels continue to trend forward. And, beyond the traditional place in the spring and summer months,
pastels are moving into fall and winter designs. With a slow increase the last couple of years, we see a big push this fall season with a range of delicate, powdery pastel colors. Ceramic pink, rose, lavender, dusty gray, off-white, pastel blue, mint and peach all appear this fall.