How to Work Fall's Best Colors

A rich, grown-up relative of aqua, this dark greenish-blue color looks best when paired with warm neutrals. For the office, consider accenting a teal skirt or blouse with brown, crimson or gold. Feeling bolder? Slip into an iridescent sheath with black platform heels. As for finding the best hue for your skin tone, that's simple: Teals that are brighter complement light complexions; those with a deeper tone work on dark skin.

Silk dress with beads and sequins, $250; call 212-966-0406.

Silk-spandex top, $249; call 212-625-8710.

Wool-blend skirt, $315; call 877-746-7267.

Satin heels, $79; call 800-999-1877.

Gold-plated cuff with Swarovski crystals, $1,625; call 888-774-2424.

Leather bag, $595; at saksfifthavenue.com.

A lip stain in a bluebased red shade like berry won’t clash with the teal in your ensemble and still provides a nice pop of color. For nails, try a polish in the season’s new neutral: dove gray Lorac Breakthrough Performance lipstick in Icon, $22; at sephora.com. Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting nail lacquer in Tuxedo Gray, $20; at yslbeautyus.com.

Warm orange can be as bold-or conservative-as you make it. For a strong statement, wear a tangerine sheath with sleek heels and a clutch, both in beige patent leather. Slightly milder, a tank or skirt pops with tan trousers or a khaki jacket. For minimalists, a single vibrant mandarin item can brilliantly punctuate an otherwise all-black ensemble. And though the shade is ideal against olive and dark skin, light complexions can still get in on the trend with a single accessory.

Silk dress, $354; visit laurenmoffatt.net for stores.

Wool-blend scarf, $80; visit obakki.com.

Silk blouse, $395; visit nordstrom.com for stores.

Cotton-wool blazer, $298; call 646-486-4800.

Pebbled leather bag with metal hardware, $138; at lizclaiborne.com.

Suede and leather heel, $690; visit guillaumehinfray.com for stores.

Universally flattering earthy shades (think mushroom, khaki and driftwood) are mistake-proof skin enhancers. And they won't compete with your clothing's bold tropical hue. MAC Art Eye Shadow x 4 in Notoriety, $36; visit maccosmetics.com for stores. OPI nail lacquer in You Don’t Know Jacques!
$9; at drugstore.com.

This regal jewel tone is easy to carry off-even in large doses, as demonstrated on recent red carpets and runways. A violet shift needs only ebony tights and booties to achieve a dramatic effect. Or go for the match: Wear accessories such as a belt, a scarf or a tote in a single coordinating shade of plum. The best part? This universally flattering purple suits fair and dark skin tones alike.

Silk dress, $625; call 212-396-4721.

Leather, $600; call 212-529-2338.

Cotton, $13; visit forever21.com for stores.

Embossed patent leather flats, $245; at londonsole.com.

Polyester faille coat, $199; visit macys.com for stores.

Gold vermeil, resin, amethyst and agate necklace, $320; call 212-260-5298.

Heavily lined, rocker-chick smoky eyes are the perfect mate for this dramatic color. To achieve even more edge, add a deep aubergine enamel to nails on fingers and toes. Nars nail polish in Tokaido Express, $16; at narscosmetics.com.Maybelline New York Expert Wear eye shadow in Night Sky
$4; at walgreens.com.