<p>A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color.</p>
<p>Illustration by Temperly London</p>

A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color.

Illustration by Temperly London

<p>Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.</p>
<p>Illustration by Cynthia Steffe</p>

Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.

Illustration by Cynthia Steffe

<p>A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Christian Cota</p>

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

 

Illustration by Christian Cota

<p>Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette.</p>
<p> Illustration by Reem Acra</p>

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette.

 Illustration by Reem Acra

<p>Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speaks to the need for timeless neutrals. It can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Tracy Reese</p>

Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speaks to the need for timeless neutrals. It can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.

 

Illustration by Tracy Reese

<p>Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Alvin Valley</p>

Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist.

 

Illustration by Alvin Valley

<p>Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues. Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Tadashi Shoji</p>

Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues. Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories.

 

Illustration by Tadashi Shoji

<p>Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Ella Moss</p>

Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue.

 

Illustration by Ella Moss

<p>Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Lela Rose</p>

Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.

 

Illustration by Lela Rose

1/9
 
View all
<p>A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color.</p>
<p>Illustration by Temperly London</p>
1/9
 
Slider

A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color.

Illustration by Temperly London

<p>Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.</p>
<p>Illustration by Cynthia Steffe</p>
2/9
 
Slider

Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.

Illustration by Cynthia Steffe

<p>A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Christian Cota</p>
3/9
 
Slider

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

 

Illustration by Christian Cota

<p>Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette.</p>
<p> Illustration by Reem Acra</p>
4/9
 
Slider

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette.

 Illustration by Reem Acra

<p>Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speaks to the need for timeless neutrals. It can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Tracy Reese</p>
5/9
 
Slider

Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speaks to the need for timeless neutrals. It can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.

 

Illustration by Tracy Reese

<p>Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Alvin Valley</p>
6/9
 
Slider

Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist.

 

Illustration by Alvin Valley

<p>Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues. Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Tadashi Shoji</p>
7/9
 
Slider

Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues. Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories.

 

Illustration by Tadashi Shoji

<p>Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Ella Moss</p>
8/9
 
Slider

Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue.

 

Illustration by Ella Moss

<p>Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Illustration by Lela Rose</p>
9/9
 
Slider

Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.

 

Illustration by Lela Rose

Subtle contrasts make up the diverse color palette for fall 2009, according to color authority Pantone Inc. “The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy.”

Colors and images in the slideshow are from Pantone Fashion Color Report Fall 2009 (excerpts reprinted with permission). To view the full report, visit www.pantone.com/fall2009.

Disclaimer: Pantone Colors displayed here may not match Pantone-identified solid color standards. Consult current Pantone fashion and home color system publications for accurate color. Pantone and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc.

For more on the latest trends, visit:

Fall 2009 Trends From the Fashion Week Runways

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Read more about