The best styles for the autumn colour palette: colours, characteristics and fashion tips
Colourful autumn leaves, a warm hot chocolate, a crackling fire: autumn is a time of year that’s full of cosiness, richness and natural, warm colours – qualities that are also reflected in the autumn colour palette. But what distinguishes the autumn colour palette, which colours suit those who fall under the palette particularly well and which tones should you avoid? In this article, you’ll learn about the characteristics of the autumn colour palette and its subcategories, as well as how to perfectly harmonise the colours of your clothes, make up and accessories. This will help you find outfits that flatter your complexion and make your individual look stand out.
by CALIDA
October 1, 2025•4 min reading time

Autumn type colours for your look: warm tones, natural fabrics and timeless elegance.
Table of Contents
These characteristics make up the autumn colour palette and its subcategories
• The warm autumn colour palette
• The soft autumn colour palette
• The dark autumn colour palette
Harmonious colours for the autumn colour palette: clothing, make up and accessories
• Harmonious makeup looks for the warm, soft and dark autumn colour palettes
• The most beautiful jewellery and popular highlight colours for accessories
The key points
The autumn colour palette is warm, earthy and natural. It includes colours such as rich brown, mustard yellow, terracotta, rust red and olive.
Depending on the subcategory (warm, soft or dark), different shades look particularly good on those who fall under the colour palette.
Your clothes, make up and accessories should underline the warm, natural feel of the autumn colour palette, without being disrupted by bright or cool colours.
These characteristics make up the autumn colour palette and its subcategories
Alongside spring, summer and winter, autumn is one of the four classic seasonal colour palettes in colour consultation. Those who fall under the autumn palette are characterised by their warm, golden complexion, which often looks slightly tanned. Hair and eye colours also usually have a warm, golden or amber undertone to match.
All colours from the autumn palette are warm and harmonise well together. In order to bring out its richness and vividness, the autumn colour palette is divided into three subcategories: warm autumn, soft autumn and dark autumn. Learn more about how these categories differ and find out which autumn colour palette you are.
The warm autumn colour palette
Those who fall under the warm autumn palette look radiant in intense, golden colours. Their skin has a warm undertone and is prone to reddish freckles. The hair and eye colours often also have a golden to amber undertone; shades of blue that also fall under the warmer spectrum are rare, but not impossible.
Style tip: if you fall under this warm palette, copper, yellow, rust red and terracotta as well as warm green tones such as olive or khaki belong in your personal autumn colour palette. To bring out these earthy, warm colours, you should opt for clothes made of soft natural materials. How does a comfy CALIDA long-sleeve top in Charm Cream sound?
The soft autumn colour palette
Those who fall under the soft autumn palette have a very subtle look due to their lighter complexion and a low colour contrast between skin, hair and eye colour. Their hair colour ranges from golden blonde to medium, warm brown; darker shades are rather rare for both hair and eye colour.
Unlike those who fall under the warm autumn colour palette, those belonging to the soft palette can have slightly ashy, cooler undertones, which makes them the only autumn palette that can also wear silver jewellery.
Style tip: people who fall under the soft autumn palette suit muted colours that blend softly into each other. When it comes to your outfits, you should therefore opt for tone-on-tone combinations in sage green, peach or a warm grey-brown. The soft CALIDA loungewear in Dune Beige or Soft Taupe will flatter your natural style and accentuate your soft look.
The dark autumn colour palette
People who fall under the dark autumn palette appear particularly confident. The combination of their dark hair, ranging from chestnut brown to mahogany or black, with their warm complexion and intense eye colours, is very expressive and can be emphasised by strong colours such as petrol, dark green or Bordeaux.
Style tip: unlike those in the soft autumn colour palette, people in this dark palette love playing with contrasts. A petrol-coloured top with dark-brown pants adds character to your look, while accessories in gold or bronze set harmonious accents.
Harmonious colours for the autumn colour palette: clothing, make up and accessories
What colours should be worn by people who fall under the autumn colour palette? The answer to this question is as varied and colourful as a forest in October. For example, warm, natural tones such as brown, ochre, olive, terracotta, dark green and Bordeaux are flattering on people who belong to the autumn colour palette, creating a warm, harmonious overall impression.
Cool shades of blue, pink, purple, black, grey and pure white, on the other hand, can be harsh, clash with your complexion or make it appear pale; off-white, muted cream tones, or a warmer grey-beige or taupe are better suited here.
CALIDA offers high-quality clothing in precisely these shades: from seamless underwear to comfortable bras and soft undershirts, our Basics can be wonderfully integrated into various different looks to match the autumn colour palette.
Harmonious makeup looks for the warm, soft and dark autumn colour palettes
Are you wondering which makeup look flatters your particular autumn colour palette? The same applies here – warm tones are your friend. Here’s an overview:
Warm autumn colour palette: golden eyeshadow, copper and warm shades of red.
Soft autumn colour palette: peach blush, soft brown tones on the eyes.
Dark autumn colour palette: more intense colours such as Bordeaux on the lips or dark-green eyeshadow.
Avoid bluish or grey eyeshadows and lipsticks with a cool purple or pink undertone, as they can easily make you look tired. You can also use a brown mascara instead of black mascara, which looks less harsh thanks to its lower colour contrast.
The most beautiful jewellery and popular highlight colours for accessories
Jewellery and accessories are the icing on the cake of any outfit. Jewellery in gold, bronze, rose gold or copper suits all the autumn colour palettes, as these colours emphasise your skin’s warm undertone. Striking accessories in warm red, orange or olive are particularly eye-catching and look beautiful paired with simple basics in beige or brown.
Summary
People who belong to the autumn colour palette look radiant in warm, earthy colours that emphasise their natural beauty. Each subcategory has its own colour palette, which particularly accentuates their skin, hair and eyes. This is why you should always opt for clothes, makeup and accessories that complement your personal autumn colour palette and avoid cold, harsh colours that clash with your warmth. Whether you’re choosing underwear, undershirts or comfy loungewear for those cold days in autumn and winter, high-quality CALIDA Basics in muted, warm tones are the perfect basis for your outfits this season.
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