When thinking of fall palettes, bright vibrant colors are the last thing on my mind. Typically, black and soft neutrals set the tones but just like everything else happening around us, nothing in 2021 is the same. As the world sheltered in place for most of the 2020 fall/winter season, we missed out on our typical fashions as the industry shut down most operations. This year, designers are taking advantage of lost time by making up for what we missed with exciting and vibrant colors, prints and overall looks. With optimism on the rise, there seems to be a gravitation towards intense hues and distinct combinations this upcoming season.
While traditional tones will make a natural shift, bright colors trending through spring/summer will continue to have their moment during the autumn season. According to Pantone Color Institute experts, colors for Fall/Winter 2021/2022 emphasize our desire for a versatile range of color that embraces and accommodates the various possibilities of our lifestyles; colors that encourage personal expression whether sensible or quirky; colors that embrace the calm and healing as well as express a rainbow of hope and joyfulness.
Fall 2021 lit up the runways in more ways than one but designers' use of color throughout each collection created bold personalities of their own. This year's color trends reimagined everyday essentials, easily elevating looks with the use of exciting hues and color schemes.
Warm up your traditional fall wardrobe with electrifying compliments to neutral tones with the addition of deep blues, pastels, vivid pinks, and ultra bright trending hues.
1.Illuminating Yellow
There's something about a black woman in yellow. Typically a spring/summer hue, this color dominated the fall runways. Named Illuminating by Patone, this color is described as "friendly and joyful, an optimistic yellow offering the promise of a sunny day." While the guarantee of a bright beautiful day is less likely as seasons change, mixed with a soft purple pastel, this color combination is giving life regardless of the weather conditions.
2.Leprechaun Green
Named for its wondrous green hue, this color is one of the most distinct. Green has been a top trend throughout spring/summer of this year so it's no wonder it will continue through fall. Cop a few accessories in leprechaun green or layer your look with a bold oversized blazer for the win.
3.Pale Rosette Pink
A romantic pink, the soft Pale Rosetta is another non-traditional fall tone. The perfect hue for a feminine yet chic approach, look for this color in chic knit sets this season. Pair with a classic wrap around heel or a white calf-length boot when looking to accessorize this pretty in pink moment.
4.Mykonos Blue
While many of us may not be able to vacation in the beautiful mediterranean city by the sea, there's no reason not to add this hue to your wardrobe this fall. Described as a brisk blue evocative of the Aegean Sea, this stunning shade of blue is one of my favorite colors of 2021. Such a vibrant tone sets off your entire ensemble with an instant pop. Have fun experimenting with your look for an eye-catching color-blocked combination.
5.Fire Whirl Red
Fire Whirl is the hottest color trend of the 2021 season. This fiery selection will bring the sparks, lighting up your everyday looks this fall. A vigorous red with a dynamic presence, use extreme caution when wearing this bold color choice. Pair with cream and gold accessories for a classic yet chic look to adapt to the rest of your neutral fall clothing collection.
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Exclusive: Melanie Fiona On Making High-Vibrational Music & Saying Yes To Partnership
Melanie Fiona is back! After taking a little more than a decade-long hiatus, she has officially made her return to music and blessed us with two singles, “Say Yes” and “I Choose You.” While both singles are very different from each other, they both reflect who she is today and the type of music she wants to make. In our conversation, the mom of two expressed what she learned during her time away.
“It's interesting, even when I said it is like coming back, I don't ever feel like I really left because I was always still performing. I've still been public. It's not like I went into being this recluse person or version of myself, but the thing that I really learned in this process is that I think things take time,” Melanie says in a xoNecole exclusive.
“I think often we're so caught up in it, being on the timing of demand or popularity, or, like, striking while the iron is hot and the thing that I've learned is that everything is on God's time. That's it. Every time I thought I would have been ready, or, like, things were taking too long, I had to reship some things, personally, professionally, in my life. I also gave myself permission to make a living, not just make a living, but make a life for myself.”
Making a life for herself included getting married to Grammy-nominated songwriter Jared Cotter, starting a family, and embracing new landscapes, such as podcasting as a co-host of The Mama’s Den podcast. She also began doing more spiritual work and self-care practices like meditation, sound healing, Reiki, acupuncture, and boundary setting, which allowed her to get in touch with her inner voice.
“I wasn't putting out music, and I wasn't experiencing a number one record, but I was being a number one mom,” she says.
“I was experiencing things that were allowing me to heal and get in touch with myself so that I could make new music from a space of joy and freedom, and excitement again because I definitely feel like I did lose some excitement because of just politics and industry and what it can do to your mental health and even your physical health. So giving myself the space to really just say, ‘Hey, it's okay. Everything's right on time.’”
The joy and excitement are felt in one of two new singles, “I Choose You,” which is more of a lovers rock vibe, a tribute to Melanie’s Caribbean roots. While the Grammy award-winner is known for ballads like “It Kills Me” and “Fool For You,” she is becoming more intentional about the music she makes, calling it high-vibrational music. She says her music is a “reflection of my life,” as it captures every facet, from hanging out with friends to riding around in her car.
“Say Yes” has the classic R&B vibe Melanie is known for. However, both songs are inspired by her relationship. Melanie and Jared got married in December 2020, and the Toronto-bred artist dished on their relationship. Fun fact: he is featured in the “Say Yes” music video.
“When we first started dating, I had come into that relationship post a lot of self-work. I had gotten out of a long-term relationship, I had a year and a half to date and be by myself and do a lot of work on myself alone. And when we met, I remember feeling like this has to be my person because I feel it,” she says.
“And so when we went into that relationship, and we started dating, I was very clear. I was like, I know what I want. I'm very clear on what I need, and I'm not going to withhold my truth about myself in this process because of pride or fear of rejection. I know you love me, but I'm coming with my heart in my hand to let you know that if we're gonna get there, we have to put fear aside and say yes. So that was kind of like my open letter to him, which is why the video is us having a conversation.”
Melanie also shares that saying yes to her partner has empowered her in many ways, including motherhood and showing up for herself. Her new EP, also titled Say Yes, will be available at the top of 2025.
Check out the full interview below.
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Feature image by Franco Zulueta
There's something about snuggling up in your favorite blanket and watching a comfort show or movie on Netflix, and what better time to do just that than in December? As the weather outside gets cooler, staying in becomes more of the norm. Thus, Netflix and Chill is a go-to. Luckily, Netflix has released new Black films and series on their popular streaming platform.
From Tyler Perry's historical drama The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington, to the Will Packer-produced comedy starring Marsai Martin, Regina Hall, and Issa Rae, Little, this season is looking up.
See the full list below.
Little (12/1)
Regina Hall's character is a bossy tech mogul who has everyone scared of her, including her assistant, played by Issa Rae. However, when she transforms into her younger self (Marsai Martin), she learns how to be more kind to others.
Daddy Day Care (12/1)
Eddie Murphy stars in this film as a father who decides to open a daycare after losing his job.
30 For 30 Collection (12/2)
30 For 30 is an ESPN docu-series highlighting some of sports' legendary figures and moments. Some of the episodes include Winning Time: Reggie Miller Vs. The New York Knicks and Celtics/ Lakers: The Best of Enemies.
Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was (12/10)
In this special, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx returns to stand-up to give an unforgettable performance.
Blood, Sweat & Heels S2 (12/13)
The short-lived Bravo reality TV series documented the lives of a group of girlfriends making it in NYC. The show starred model-turned-podcaster Melyssa Ford, author Demetria Lucas, and the late TV host Daisy Lewellyn.
The Equalizer S1-3 (12/16)
The hit CBS show starring Queen Latifah is now available on Netflix. Watch the beloved actress kick ass and take names in this popular drama.
The Six Triple Eight (12/20)
The new Tyler Perry film starring Kerry Washington is a true story about the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color during World War II.
Christmas Game Day Ravens Vs. Texans (12/25)
While many will tune in to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans game, others will tune in to watch Beyoncé perform during halftime.
Michelle Buteau: A Buteau-ful Mind At Radio City Music Hall (12/31)
Comedian Michelle Buteau's comedy special will focus on her life with twins, going viral, and much more.
Evil S3 (12/31)
While Evil was unfortunately canceled by CBS, viewers can rewatch the series on Netflix, with season three premiering December 31st.
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