Color Pairings for Summer-to-Fall Workdays

Aug 20, 2018

Labor Day is right around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about your fall wardrobe.  Clean out the closet, make some room, see what you have, and then, go looking for some new pieces.  Here are three fresh color combinations to guide you in your choices.

Blush + Burgundy Cuyana Tie Neck Blouse ($185) // NY & Co. Straight Leg Pants ($35) // Taryn Rose Heels ($120)

Soft pink hues with deep wine shades is the way to go if you’re a person who likes bold color combinations. This Cuyana blouse is made with premium weight silk and is one of my favorites.  For something less pricey, try this Ann Taylor Ruffle Neck blouse.

These pants are a straight leg cut from NY & Co. in a lovely true burgundy.  They also make this color in their popular bootcut trouser.  And both styles come in petite and tall lengths.  For a more casual pant, try these Land’s End burgundy corduroy’s that come in petite and plus.

As for the shoes, I’ve heard from a reputable source that Taryn Rose is the most comfortable shoe ever.  The maker is a podiatrist, so she cares about structure and making the shoes comfortable.  DSW has several of her styles on sale if you want to have a look.

Rust + Grey Cuyana Crewneck Sweater ($155) // H&M Flared Satin Skirt ($59) // Padder Jamie Flats ($145)

Rust and grey is a combination that you don’t see often, but it is so striking.  The earth tones with the most under-appreciated neutral really works.  Here, I chose a darker grey, but a lighter one will also work.

Another Cuyana piece.  The brand’s motto is ‘fewer, better’ so the quality is a bit better than average.  For something under-$50, try this Cos sweater.

How fantastic is this satin a-line skirt?  So dark and sultry.  No, satin is not a traditional office fabric.  But in this length and cut, you can definitely make it work.  If you want something more basic, try this Land’s End ponte skirt or this cool, asymmetric fluted skirt from Joseph.

I chose a flat shoe for that vintage Audrey Hepburn look.  If you are looking for a jewelry match, stick to white metals — silver, white gold, etc..  A yellow metal here will clash.  I always love a simple sterling silver dome ring, especially when it’s on sale.

Navy + Olive J.Crew Ribbed Cardigan ($89) // J.Crew Ponte Sur Blouse ($85) // BR Ponte Midi Pencil Skirt ($78)

I spotted this floral J.Crew blouse with hints of pink and a mix of olive and navy and knew I had to use it in a post.  (It’s 25% off today with code FLASH.)  I adored the ruffle sleeve and the delicate print for a bit of femininity in your fall wardrobe.

This ribbed J.Crew sweater is a great office sweater for chilly days when your office feels like an igloo.  I like the pairing of a chunky sweater with a feminine blouse; it’s just a nice juxtaposition.  For something in more of a fine-knit, try this Reed Superdry cardigan.

I paired these pieces with a great olive skirt from BR.  Prefer pants?  They also make this color in their popular Avery straight-leg ankle pants.

Why no shoes?  Well, this is a judgment call.  Some of you will pair them with cognac heels and love them.  Some of you will find the contrast too jarring and ask for the hard-to-find navy heel.  You could even wear your summer flesh-tone heels.  So this is really an individual call on which shoe color suits your style best.

Do you have any fall color combinations that you love to wear?

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Career Style, Work

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  1. I love this post so much! I have more casual wardrobe needs, so I like your recommendations for less formal options. I’m all also rust right now – I bought a jacket in that color recently and love it with just about every piece in my wardrobe.

  2. anna says:

    So not ready for this.

  3. Jules says:

    Great selection! I’ve never tried pink and burgundy. (I don’t own many in those colors, but now I’m interested)

    I’ve been digging various shades of brown lately. I have a deep chocolate pencil skirt, and cream shoes, and it goes great with various shades of cream/beige/dusty pink/gold. It looks pulled together.

  4. Sara says:

    Just purchased two rust-colored sweaters earlier today from & Other Stories. Thanks for this – really wouldn’t have thought to pair it with grey.

  5. anna says:

    I love those color combos!! I’ve been looking for a nice black sweater, so I checked out the Cuyana ones, but what is with the dropped sleeve on every sweater?!?! Those are not flattering. Or comfortable.

    • C says:

      +1 to this! I hate a dropped sleeve or dolman sleeve or whatever it’s called when the shoulder seam doesn’t sit on your shoulder. I get that they’re cozy, but it makes an otherwise nice sweater just a little too slouchy for the look I want.

      • Anna says:

        Same, especially as I like them for work. I can get away with it under my lab coat, but it’s definitely not my preference! It just feels too casual!

  6. Jenn S. says:

    It never occurred to me to pair navy with olive, but wow! It is striking. While I won’t recreate that outfit, I’m inspired to pair things I wouldn’t have before.

    Also, team cognac on the shoes. Now, just to find a decent pair…

  7. Kate says:

    Great picks, Belle! Make me excited for the fall. The skirt is a great find for its price.

  8. Amy says:

    Love this kind of post! Your outfit suggestions are always so on-point. Keep them coming!

  9. MK says:

    On the third outfit, could you do a navy tight and a cognac shoe, or would you need to do navy tights and navy shoes?

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