Somehow, fall in Chicago makes it a little bit easier to say goodbye to summer. The trees change from green to red, the air turns from humid to crisp, Sundays spent brunching al fresco turn into Sundays spent watching football and iced coffees are traded in for pumpkin-spiced lattes. And in fashion, the entire color palette changes.
As Miranda Priestly so eloquently put it during her cerulean blue monologue in "The Devil Wears Prada," the trends you see in your favorite fast-fashion store trickle down from the runways. And this autumn, it's all about mixing the typical tried-and-true fall colors with some unexpected hues to add up to an on-trend wardrobe. While Radiant Orchid was named Pantone's color of the year for 2014, this fall focuses on traditional seasonal hues and jewel tones. For women, think burnt orange, cobalt blue, mustard yellow, varied shades of green and even non-colors: ivory, taupe, gray and black-and-white combos. For men, the color story is pretty similar: burgundy, forest green, mustard and deep browns.
We enlisted a number of local fashion experts for helpful tips on how to wear fall's toastiest colors -- and no, an orange-and-blue Bears jersey doesn't count.
ORANGE & YELLOW
"This fall, it's those sun-soaked saturated hues of vivid orange-reds and violets and mauves," said D. Graham Kostic, creative director of digital magazine Glossed & Found. "It's the bold colors you find in your parents' honeymoon photos." While Chanel, Missoni and Gucci all put very vibrant versions of oranges and yellows down the runway this season, personal style consultant Katie Schuppler said she works with her clients to make sure their choices complement their hair and skin tone. "I personally love mustard yellow, but not everyone does," Schuppler said. "You have to work with your hair color, and people with darker hair can get away with more colors. For blondes, those yellows can be hard to pull off." Schuppler recommends working with what you're comfortable with, but step outside the comfort zone by trying a handbag in a burnt orange shade, or try color-blocking with prints and solids that feature one of this season's "it" colors on a smaller scale.
BRIGHT BLUE
"As if like clockwork, fall's hottest colors are the jewel tones," Kostic said. "But this season, there's a saturated twist; these autumnal hues are a tad more romantic and bright. I think the most versatile are the bold blue hues." Morgan Gutterman, owner of Bucktown boutique Edith Hart, agreed. "Cobalt blue's a major one to pop out, and it's been very popular," she said. "It's a great color for almost everyone." Kostic said he recommends selecting a specific shade that works for you in the spectrum, whether that's a royal, almost purple, blue or a bright, bold azure. Gutterman suggested using the blue as the focal point, like wearing a solid skirt or long-sleeved romper.
OLIVE & NAVY
For those not into the brighter versions of blue, Nikia Jefferson, founder and editor of style blog chitownfashionista.com, suggested opting for rich navy pieces as a neutral to complement existing pieces in your closet. She personally prefers another autumnal tone that was prevalent all over men and women's runways, such as Derek Lam, Nina Ricci and Louis Vuitton. "I've been seeing olive green in stores for handbags and outerwear," Jefferson said. "I think it will be a hit for Chicagoans. It works as a new neutral, and I feel it's different than black and grey and goes with a lot." Shades of olive green, as well as bright emerald and teals, dominated suits, accessories, coats and dresses on the runways and complement many skin tones. Kostic recommends experimenting with classics rendered in new hues. "For men, I love all the graphics on the runway," Kostic said. "The colors are always in season, and it's a fun way to play with something off the beaten path. A cypress green-checked shirt. A camel overcoat. Classics never go out of style. And if the color looks good on you, you've just found a new season staple."
IVORY & GRAY
To those who shy away from punches of color, fear not. Monochromatic ivory and gray outfits are a chic, minimalist look and played out big-time in Marc Jacobs' collection. But, it's important to still show some flair and style when not embracing color. Mix textures and experiment, but don't be afraid to stick to what you like, even if it's after Labor Day. "I'm really feeling beige and tan," Gutterman said. "White pants, tan shirt. You don't have to follow the rules." Jefferson cites that trying an ivory or light gray wool coat, instead of the typical black, is a great way to try something new while tiptoeing into this season's trends. "Take a chance with ivory," Jefferson said. "Black coats get so linty, but I feel like gray works and can transition you out of your comfort zone. Jefferson also mentions that the black-and-white combinations, whether in a print or as separates, are versatile and on-trend this fall as well.
>>Hot tips
Our fashion experts agree that the best way to try out fall's trendy colors are to start small. First, select a favorite shade that works for your personal style. Opt for scarves, gloves, ties, handbags and hats. For full ensembles, pair the bright color with neutrals such as ivory, cognac and gray. Experiment with textures -- think leather, tweed and wool -- as well as layering to keep your whole outfit looking sharp.
>>Shop local
While fall's trendiest colors are all over the racks at national chains such as H&M, Topshop and Zara, our panel of fashion fiends gave us some indie recommendations for shopping this season's trends:
D. Graham Kostic:"I love Penelope's in Wicker Park. They've got a wide selection of versatile pieces that always have a unique point of view and interesting take on the season's trends."
Nikia Jefferson:"I like Sir & Madame in Ukrainian Village, and I love Shernett Swaby. Designers like a lot of black, but there is nothing ordinary about her designs. She'll add a unique detail or something different."Katie Schuppler:"I take my clients to ... Veruca Salt."
PICTURED ABOVE: Cecily Rodriguez and Paul Garzillo of Ford Models Chicago shot on location at Warehaus West by Lenny Gilmore. Makeup by Heather Frederickson. Clothing available at H&M: Puffy vest ($49.95), striped long-sleeved tee ($12.95), hooded jacket ($49.95), sweater ($34.95), pants with suspenders ($39.95), high-top sneakers ($49.95). Jeans and boots are model's own.
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