As the leaves drift from green to gold and the air turns brisk, the fashion world is already a step ahead, unveiling a vibrant palette for the autumn/winter 2025-2026 season. According to leading style publications, this year’s runways have drawn inspiration from the warm, reassuring spectrum of fall foliage, but with a decidedly technicolor twist. The result? A wardrobe that’s anything but drab, illuminated by bold, saturated hues that promise to chase away the seasonal gloom.
At the heart of this color revolution are shades like tomato red, cyclamen pink, mandarin orange, emerald green, and the perennial trio of black, blue, and brown. But that’s just the beginning. As reported on October 18, 2025, the season’s collections are brimming with pinks, yellows, oranges, greens, and especially bordeaux—a color that seems to have captured the collective imagination of designers and consumers alike.
Saint Laurent, never one to shy from drama, reimagined tomato red with a distinctly 1980s flair. Their coats, featuring exaggerated shoulders and sharply cinched waists, offered a bold silhouette that’s both retro and refreshingly modern. This juicy, orange-tinged red—described as “succoso al punto giusto” (just the right amount of juicy)—stood out as a beacon of confidence on the runway, signaling that color is no afterthought this season.
Meanwhile, Balmain leaned into the comfort and warmth of ochre. Their shearling coats, rendered in a shade evocatively called “becco d’oca,” exuded coziness and depth. The interplay of light and shadow on the soft, golden surface added a tactile dimension to the color story, underscoring the brand’s knack for making even the most classic outerwear feel new again.
Prada, ever the innovator, took a walk in the woods—at least chromatically. Their autumn collection conjured the hues of the forest floor, from deep currant and chestnut to a shadowy dark green. One standout piece featured three-quarter sleeves and a bateau neckline, a nod to the timeless elegance that Prada so often brings to the table. These earthy tones, as highlighted by the press, serve as a gentle reminder of nature’s enduring influence on fashion.
But autumn isn’t just about muted, earthy shades. Luisa Spagnoli proved that vibrant color can thrive even as temperatures dip. Their cyclamen pink—essentially a punchy fuchsia—lit up the runway, appearing in tailored suits, ruffled tops, and playful vichy prints. It’s a color that refuses to bow to the calendar, offering a dose of optimism when the days grow shorter.
Bordeaux, though, is the undisputed star. Max Mara embraced this velvety hue in head-to-toe ensembles, pairing wrap skirts with ribbed cardigans and tights. The result was a look that’s both sophisticated and approachable, perfect for those who want to stand out without shouting. According to coverage, these tonal outfits epitomize autumnal chic, making bordeaux the season’s must-have shade.
Hermès, for its part, took a more playful approach, mixing orange with ochre, brick, and mustard. The effect? Outfits that radiate positivity, even on the grayest of days. This “palette vitaminica,” as described by Italian fashion writers, is all about lifting the spirits and embracing the unexpected.
Fendi introduced ottanio—a captivating blend of blue and green—via pleated dresses with serafino collars. This sophisticated shade sits comfortably at the intersection of classic and contemporary, offering a fresh alternative to more traditional autumn colors. As noted in the trend reports, ottanio is quickly climbing the ranks as one of the top colors for autumn 2025.
Not to be outdone, Michael Kors spotlighted plum. Their “total look” approach—fluid skirts, asymmetrical ribbed sweaters, and oversized scarves, all in luscious plum—demonstrates the power of monochrome dressing. The shade’s “note golose” (tasty notes) add a sense of indulgence, making it a go-to for those who crave a little luxury with their layering.
Of course, color is only part of the story. As temperatures drop, the need for versatile outerwear becomes paramount. A recent feature highlighted the surge in popularity of light to medium-weight jackets for autumn 2025. The options are vast: from classic trenches and timeless denim to workwear-inspired pieces (think Harry Styles’ signature blue jacket) and the ever-popular leather bomber.
But it’s the lightweight bordeaux quilted down jacket from Zara that’s truly turning heads this season. Available for under 40 euros and crafted entirely from recycled materials, this jacket combines sustainability with style. Its round neckline and patch pockets lend a modern touch, while the magnetic bordeaux hue ensures it pairs seamlessly with the season’s landscapes—and just about everything in your closet.
“Colorato, originale e versatile, questo modello è il miglior alleato che si possa desiderare per accogliere la nuova stagione – e le relative temperature –, con stile,” one style writer enthused. In translation: “Colorful, original, and versatile, this model is the best ally you could wish for to welcome the new season—and its temperatures—in style.” That’s quite the endorsement, and judging by the buzz, fashion fans agree.
Styling tips abound. The bordeaux quilted jacket, for instance, is being paired with everything from crew-neck sweaters to asymmetric-hem lingerie skirts. Footwear? Slingbacks or bordeaux boots are the go-to choices, adhering to the so-called “panino rule”—a playful approach to matching accessories and outfits that’s gaining traction among style insiders.
What’s driving this embrace of color and versatility? Part of it, experts say, is a desire for optimism and self-expression after seasons dominated by neutrals and minimalism. The new palette offers a chance to stand out, to experiment, and to inject a little joy into everyday dressing. It’s also about practicality: these colors and silhouettes are designed to work together, making it easier than ever to mix, match, and layer as autumn gives way to winter.
Fashion, after all, is about more than just looking good—it’s about feeling good, too. This season’s collections invite us to wrap ourselves in warmth and color, to take risks, and to find comfort in the familiar, all while stepping outside our sartorial comfort zones. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery reds of Saint Laurent, the forest greens of Prada, or the versatile bordeaux of Zara’s latest must-have, one thing is clear: autumn 2025 is shaping up to be a season of bold choices and even bolder color.
As the days grow shorter and the nights a little colder, the message from the runways is unmistakable: don’t fade into the background. Embrace the colors of the season, and let your wardrobe do the talking.
