If you want to talk color there is really only one expert you need to consult: Pantone.

Each year Pantone, the global authority on all things color conducts extensive research on color trends.  They poll décor and fashion designers, as well as manufacturers and retailers, on what colors they plan to use and then release a list of the top colors for the season.

According to Pantone, “the Fall 2016 color palette is a unity of strength, confidence and complexity led by the Blue family and followed by earth tones and exuberant pops of vibrant colors, all of them working well to struggle against the contemporary turbulent life and to bring about a tad more tranquility and optimism around.”

The Fall 2016 Color Trends are led by Pantone’s brand new shade: Riverside.

Calming yet strong and stable.  It’s not as serious as navy or as bright as cobalt.  Picture navy dusted with a layer of frozen ice.

Gray is always one of my top picks for the cooler months and this season Pantone introduced Sharkskin, the ultimate gray.

It made quite a showing on the Fall runways  from Stella McCartney to Balmain and Zac Posen.  It acts as a perfect neutral pairing with both soft and bold colors seamlessly in a modern unexpected way.

Exuding stability and reassurance is Warm Taupe. Organic, approachable and grounded it pairs with EVERYTHING.

Valentino brought this shade to a new level of chic this season on the runway.  A perfectly modern neutral.

The berry shades are plentiful this season but the leader in the oh so warm realm is Aurora Red.

This is bold Red has ultra sensual undertones, not so bold as burgundy and not so vibrant as crimson, but wrapped with some mysterious dust. According to Pantone’s Institute, “this gets the metaphorical blood of the palette pumping.”

Spicy Mustard is one one of the most vibrant fall/ winter 2016 color trends. This luxe shade was spread across the runways from Rodarte to Marc Jacobs but no one captured the essence of the shade quite like Chloe.  Unexpected, unusual with an overall retro yet modern vibe, it adds a little fall spice to any look .