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Written By: Geanna Gwinn

What does your fall palette say about you?

Let’s figure out what your fall palette says about you! Disclaimer: view this as a fun color association and exploration of fall activities and vibes. This is merely for fun and has no scientific basis; this is instead simply me reflecting on what the vibes of each color exude, exude. I am making these observations based on fall activities and what they each remind me of. You are 100% not held to these descriptions, nor is a color enough to determine such a thing. Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t!

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If you like reds this fall, you might enjoy self-care such as getting your nails done, having a relaxing warm beverage, or if you’re 21+, going wine tasting. You might have a favorite drink each fall, whether it’s a warm apple cider, a red wine, or a seasonal coffee. These shades of red can range from a dark red to a bright red. Assuming you like the dark red, you like to be cozy, yet fashionable. You have a calm and effortless type of elevated style. When I think of fall reds, it makes me want to take a car ride and listen to nostalgic music. You might even be a romantic, interested in fall activities with a lover. As a midwesterner myself, fall is always a fun time, and it makes me want to go to fall festivals, reflect on the year and what I have accomplished, while also being proud of myself for all my efforts. Autumn is when the fruits of our labor are collected, and plants, ideas, cycles, and other things that are no longer needed die. Temperatures grow colder, and everything slowly begins to freeze. Time slows down. A bold red is a stamp of the time period, a declaration of one’s acknowledgement of the seasonal change, one’s acceptance of the fall spirit. It may energize one in the fall, and even though layers are becoming increasingly present during this season, a bold red is still noticeable.

If you like greens this fall, you kinda grieve for the leaves when they fall off the trees, but you might like a cold matcha or a green tea to get you in the fall spirit, but maybe slightly reluctantly, but you do get a kick out of it matching your fall outfits. You might be a bit sad at the changing season, wishing for Spring to return soon enough. Greens in the fall feel fresh, like the beginning of the fall, and letting go of the summer, and trying to cope with the transitional weather. You might even be green with envy of the favoring of fall over spring (a joke). You still aim for growth during the fall season, even though you might not be as eager for fall. I feel vibes of comfort. You might then prefer to be inside to escape the cold and value reading inside, movies, films, and at-home activities. Fall reminds me of collard greens, as a Black American, which I see as warmth, togetherness, tradition, and home-cooked meals. As tradition is not inherently a bad thing, and neither is nostalgia and holding on to certain phases and feelings, it can bring gathering.

If you like an all Black fall, you might feel like fall means it’s time for you to step into your power. You might like a loafer, an oxford, a combat boot, a high heel, a platform, or another type of statement shoe. You might find this to be the time to assert yourself as a person and in your style. You might be exercising your hidden strength that you didn’t know you had; stepping into one’s darkness can do that. It isn’t a negative meaning of darkness; instead, it is mystery and revealing what might not typically be seen during the day, during the summer, or in the light. I know when I wear Black in fall I lean into my era of listening to alternative music and putting together interesting textures, even if my clothes are Black. Because with Black clothing, you don’t only have to wear Black jeans and a Black t-shirt, this darker color gives the opportunity to exude feelings from different clothing materials and textures, playing with the features of an outfit in a way that one might not typically play with. However, if you like Blacks this fall, you might need some vitamin D, so make sure you’re either taking your supplements and not sitting in the dark for too long, as long as it can get hot, you could overheat if the weather is fluctuating a lot. You might even like some sheer or lace Black pieces so you don’t get too hot. Some of you might even get the blues during that time, so Black might make you feel a sense of control and the ability to choose how you respond and present yourself. You might even sit in the darkness, reveling in it.

If you like orange this fall, you might see yourself as bold and playful, enjoying nostalgic fall festivities either now or from your youth. Pumpkin carving, corn mazes, baking, and seasonal treats may appeal to you, along with decorating your space and celebrating with friends. Orange embodies creativity, adventure, and the inviting sensory experiences of fall.

If you like browns this fall, you may find yourself grounded and drawn to neutral, earthy activities. Fall may inspire you to stroll through the woods, relax by a fire, or focus on cozy self-care like candles or simple pleasures. A preference for browns suggests a stable style and connection to familiar comforts, such as staple accessories or relaxing personal routines.

I hope this imagery provided a fun escape or inquiry about what is possible in terms of food, fun, activities, and hobbies in the fall season. Color association can be a fun trick or way to get invested in the mood of the season. I hope this light-hearted analysis was explorative.