Colors That Look Great Together For Fall 2026

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Fashionistas, listen up. It's time to expect the unexpected when it comes to the color combinations that look great together for fall 2026. Though years past have seen the rise of classic hues more closely associated with the cooler time of the year — such as the chocolate brown and maroon, which reigned supreme for fall 2025 — this season is more about unpredicted shade pairings. And that includes a new bestie for chocolate brown.

But, before we get into the hues to invest in, don't be put off by the thought of having to totally overhaul your wardrobe for the new season. We're happy to tell you that, as prices climb ever higher, you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars on a whole new collection to be on trend. Jeannie Stith, CEO of Color Guru, exclusively tells Women.com that one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to stay on trend as we prepare for pumpkin picking and Thanksgiving is to wear one of the season's hottest colors as clothing you already have and the other as an accessory. "[Accessories] paired with clothes you already own can make your wardrobe feel current," she tells us. 

"My biggest tip is that the colors don't have to be 50/50 and typically shouldn't be. Let one color dominate the outfit and use the second as an accent."

Chocolate brown has proven itself as one of the year's hottest color trends, and shows no signs of fading away in the year's third quarter. The fall 2026 way to wear chocolate brown is with an icy blue to add some brightness to your look in an unexpected way. "The brown feels rich and luxurious, while that cool blue makes the combination surprising and fresh," Jeannie Stith exclusively tells us.

One of the easiest ways to make this color combo work is to wear majority chocolate brown clothes with a blue accessory, as icy blues can wash out a range of skin tones, so may work best as a pop of color. Stith recommends a chocolate brown coat with an icy blue scarf. "[It's] an easy way to try the trend without feeling like you're wearing a 'color-blocked outfit,'" she says. Pair Utcoco's Long Wool Pea Coat in Brown with Allegra K's Rhombus Neck Scarf in Light Blue. An icy blue button down with a chocolate brown midi skirt can also be a versatile way to wear these two shades. It's formal enough for the office, but could also work for a fall get together with family or friends.

But, with that said, the most complimentary way of wearing these colors will be totally down to your coloring and skin's undertones, so hit up a store changing room and play around. "I always recommend wearing the color that flatters you most closest to your face. If icy blue makes you glow but chocolate brown doesn't, wear the blue on top and bring in brown through pants, boots, a belt, or a bag," Stith says.

Though burgundy has traditionally been paired with black or brown in years past, in fall 2026, it's set to be coupled with something much lighter and more feminine. Enter petal pink, one of 2026's other biggest color trends. "Burgundy is becoming a new neutral, and adding petal pink softens it, making it feel romantic but not overly sweet," Jeannie Stith exclusively tells us.

Stith recommends investing in a burgundy handbag, which can be paired with clothes already in your wardrobe. Try the Cocifer Top Handle Satchel in Burgundy or the Montana West Hobo Top Handle Satchel in Special. If you don't already own petal pink clothing (like those of us with leftovers from the Barbie obsession of summer 2023), Stith recommends investing in a petal pink scarf. The QIUTIMIY Soft Satin Square Scarf in Light Pink or the Tushusty Pashmina in Light Pink aren't overly pricey and they're practical, as they'll keep you warmer in the chillier weather. You can also pair a petal pink sweater with wide-leg burgundy pants, which is perfect for a fall day trip to a city while sipping on a pumpkin spice latte.

Olive green and butter yellow may not be two colors that instantly come to mind for a fall wardrobe, but Jeannie Stith exclusively tells us anyone who's anyone will be combining these hues. "We tend to think fall means everything needs to get darker, but adding that soft yellow keeps olive feeling fresh rather than heavy," she says. Olive green and butter yellow (a color even Kate Middleton has been spotted in) is particularly perfect for early fall as it will create a gentler transition into your warmer wardrobe.

A butter yellow cardigan (like the Soly Hux Button Down Cropped Lightweight Cardigan in Mustard Yellow or the Kistore Cropped Cardigan in Light Yellow) can be paired with an olive green bag (like the JW PEI Hana Wide Faux Suede Tote Bag in Olive Green or the Venivora Tote Bag in Olive Green) for fall 2026. These can be worn alongside neutral pants to keep you warm, such as black or blue jeans. Just get familiar with 2026's hottest denim trends before investing in a new pair of the bottoms, or picking a pair out of the back of your closet. If you're somewhere that stays a little warmer into fall or heading on a warmer vacation, reach for a pair of longer butter yellow shorts and pair them with an olive green collared shirt, which will make them more comfortable in cooler weather.

Ready to make a statement this fall? Then rich red and sky blue will look great together. This pairing makes a statement because both colors are classics and bold and hold their own, which can make for a confident primary color combo. It's easier than you might think to wear too, because you can easily get the look with jeans. Sweatpant jeans are the most comfortable pant trend of the year and will keep you stylish and cozy. Reach for the DLOODA Stretchy Wide Leg Jeans in Medium Blue to allow the blue hue to show through, or the Oneso Wide Leg Jeans in Dark Blue.

Wear them with a comfy sweatshirt that will add to your cozy fall 'fit vibe. The Ardrem Striped Polo Sweatshirt in Light Blue-Red combines red and blue in a sporty way, and can also help you tap into the rugby top trend that's been major in 2026. Bozanly's Striped Knit Sweater in Blue Red offers another way to get the athletic look. For a more formal vibe, swap the sweatshirt for a collared red button-down, which can be worn for date night or girl's night.

Another way to make a fashion statement is by combining deep purple with fire engine red. The bold color combo that the late Princess Diana and Meghan Markle have both worn was one of summer 2026's biggest trends — and it's going nowhere in the second half of the year. Because both shades are so bold though, keep balance at the front of your mind.

Dua Lipa showed us how to stop a purple and red look from being overwhelming at the Cannes Film Festival in May. She gave us a masterclass in the sandwich method of styling by pairing a toned-down red bag with shoes in the same shade. But she broke the two up via her rich, semi-sheer purple dress. Get the "Levitating" hitmaker's look via the TodTan Store Bodycon Midi Dress in Purple or the Caracilia Mesh Long Sleeve Cocktail Midi Dress in Purple. Then bring the trendy red element to your ensemble via the JW PEI Harlee Shoulder Bag in Red or the Miowote Shoulder Bag in Red for a look that's perfect for a night on the town or a fun and fancy dinner date.