By Bree Coven Brown / Special to Sunday Market
Fall fashion is in full bloom, with surprising shades of soft pastels hanging alongside bold pops of color.
Pair these hot hues with the biggest trends of the season to create standout looks that will last through the winter.
Pretty purples
Purple’s reign continues into fall. The Tildon Boatneck Chiffon Shift Dress ($54 at Nordstrom) mixes Pantone’s color of the year, radiant orchid, with the ’60s mod trend to create a dress that’s rich in its simplicity. Pair it with tights and booties, or wear it as a tunic over jeans for a look that goes from day to night.
Mix media with the knit Hinge Ruffle Hem Sweater ($88 at Nordstrom), which adds an embroidered lace hem to a classic crewneck. It has feminine cutouts and a back button closure.
If bright purple seems a bit bold, start with H&M’s Fine Knit Hat ($10), in a more-subdued hue that’s trés cool for fall.
Pale pastels
Cool pastels are leaving their summer box, with baby blue leading the way. The silk Babaton Beau Blouse ($120 at Aritzia) features a scissor-wrap front that creates the perfect drape — no intricate tucking technique needed — in icy “ceramic” blue.
Soft pink is also abundant for fall, anchoring The Limited’s “Scandal” Collection, inspired by the ABC television show starring Kerry Washington. The Liv Flare Leg Trouser Pants ($98) reflect the move away from skinny legs, while the Drape Collar Wrap Coat ($248) is a prime example of the voluminous-but-structured coat trend.
Jewel tones
Rich jewel tones are a perennial fall staple, and this year is no exception. The deep-turquoise A to Z Quilted Moto Jacket ($99 at A to Z, University District), designed locally, pairs the tough motorcycle-jacket look with comfy cotton.
The Altuzarra for Target Peasant Dress ($55 at Target) achieves on-trend modern-bohemian style with its rich garnet hue and accents of gold sequins and embroidery.
Bright red
Crimson has replaced navy as the must-have color of the season. The luxe leather Bevée Trifold Sidekick Bag ($215 at bevee.com) was recently released in cayenne, an orange-red, for fall. The multitasking mini-bag from the Seattle company can be used as a clutch or worn cross-body, and includes a detachable billfold.
Zipper detailing is showing up all over sweaters and tops. The Forever 21 Textured Peplum Top ($18) pairs the trend — in the form of an exposed back zipper — with a fiery red hue.
Community’s Inceptum Pants ($75 at Aritzia), in “technical red,” are a fresh update to the jogger pant. Super-soft with a bit of stretch, they feature a flattering wide waistband and elastic cuffs for a sporty-chic look.
Vivid accents
Super-saturated hues are adding sizzle to traditionally cut pieces. Kate Spade New York’s Rylee Colorblock Sweater ($248 at Nordstrom) takes colorblocking to electric levels, while plaid gets updated with bright hues in the Anne Klein Zip Detail Plaid Skirt ($89 at Nordstrom).
Blank NYC’s Faux Leather Jacket ($98 at Nordstrom) offers the biker-jacket look in neon pink to add instant energy to any outfit. Throw it on over your navy or gray pieces for a jolt of high-impact color.
Mix it up
Fall’s bold colors are even better when they’re mixed together. Zara’s Pleated Printed Miniskirt ($60) mixes hot pink, navy and ivory in a style that plays well with tights and boots.
The Free People Long & Lean Overcoat ($348 at Nordstrom) is an oversized statement coat in royal blue and orange-red stripes. Its soft blend of acrylic, wool and alpaca is just the thing to brighten a landscape of Seattle gray.
Top off your look with the Pendleton Woven Muffler from The Portland Collection ($118 at Horseshoe Boutique, Ballard). It features a vibrant graphic print in bright red, blue and mustard on black 100 percent virgin wool.