Colour can’t be touched, but it can touch us. It can’t be felt, but it can change the way we feel. Try describing a colour and you can only really describe the things that we associate with it. But despite not being a tangible, physical thing, like our clothes or our shoes are, colour is key to the world of fashion. It’s one of the visual clues that helps define a season.
Fall 2012 is no exception to the rule. And while the temperature is one of the things regularly driving the moods we portray through colour, the colour trends for fall 2012 aren’t all cloudy greys or cheerless blues. If the colour trend predictions are anything to go by, our wardrobes will be filled with traditional fall tones punctuated by optimistic pops of bright colour.
Read on for the full report. And don’t forget that you can subscribe to our newsletter or our RSS feed for future trend updates.
Pantone
Above you can see the fall colour forecast by Pantone. From left to right:
French Roast (Pantone 19-1012), Honey Gold (Pantone 15-1142), Pink Flambe (Pantone 18-2133), Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463)
Ultramarine Green (Pantone 18-5338), Bright Chartreuse (Pantone 14-0445), Olympian Blue (Pantone 19-4056), Titanium (Pantone 17-4014)
Rhapsody (Pantone 16-3817), Rose Smoke (Pantone 14-1506)
Predicting the color trends for autumn / winter 2012, forecasting agency Pantone puts forward a selection of colours inspired by fantasy and illusion, with an unexpected mix of darks, brights and neutrals.
Fall 2012 colors for women:
“As the season transitions from the heat of summer, Bright Chartreuse, a vital yellow-green, pays homage to a typical spring shade and creates a bridge into the cooling days of fall. Reminiscent of bright green foliage, it provides a perfect accent to every color in the palette.
Like the name implies, Pink Flambé is a delicious, vibrant pink with a bit of heat to it. Pair it with vivacious and enticing Tangerine Tango for an ongoing retro feeling. Or, to bring a calming element to the mix, combine these vibrant warm tones with Ultramarine Green, a deep, cooling blue-green. Ethereal Rhapsody is a grayed-down purple that also encourages comfort and serenity with its quiet, muted tone.
Honey Gold, a mellow, burnished yellow, suggests the soft-muted tones of sunlight to brighten a fall day. Pair it with sensible and strong Olympian Blue, a patriotic blue that will surely make its way into fall and winter athletic apparel.
Rich and robust, French Roast is a tasty, sophisticated hue that is a great alternative to the black and charcoal basics typically worn in the fall. Other staple neutrals include elegant and versatile Titanium, the quintessential cool gray, and Rose Smoke, a veiled rose tone that pairs well with Rhapsody and Titanium.”
Fall 2012 colors for men:
“Similar to this season’s palette for women, there is something for everyone in the top color selections for men. Rhubarb, a deep, pungent hue, brings intensity to the palette, and is best paired with Tangerine Tango and Honey Gold for a typical collegiate look. To hit the ski slopes in style, combine Ultramarine Green with Bright Chartreuse and Olympian Blue for the ultimate in winter athletic apparel.
Moving from the vibrant tones of fall to more neutral basics, Whitecap Gray is a classic off-white, reminiscent of an overturning wave under a winter sky. Sea Fog, a gray with a muted purple cast, exudes just the right amount of confidence and masculinity. Pair these two neutrals with the strength of Titanium for a subtle and sophisticated direction. Combine all three neutrals in a dress shirt or tie with basic, versatile French Roast for a classic fall look.”
For all of our 2012 fashion trend reports, follow that link.
