With Labor Day passed, gone are the (socially acceptable) days of white jeans, seersucker, rattan bags and shoes, and white linen. While the weather is still far from Fall-esque, the scent of autumn lurks just around the corner, and we smell crisp apples, cinnamon, and the return of the Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks. And let’s be honest, that’s the true harbinger of the fall season anyways.

So now that summer’s ensembles are relegated to the back of the closet, Pantone has conducted its fall 2011 survey of NYFW designers to announce what to expect on the mannequins and models starting…now!

Bamboo is first on fall’s palette, bringing “warm, exotic flavor to the season.” Its yellow-green tones are golden enough to be autumn-apropos, but this color is still bright and attention-grabbing.

Chris Benz

Next up is Emberglow, a color that this blogger can’t get enough of. A dusky coral, Emberglow is the perfect color for a transitional wardrobe between your late August clothing and what you can wear into the coming months. It’s the perfect pop of color in accessories or, as evidenced by Essie and OPI’s fall collections, a great choice for your mani-pedi.

Peter Som

Honeysuckle, Pantone’s Color of the Year remains a strong presence in fall collections. To keep it from being too Resort, Pantone suggests pairing with other fall colors Coffee Liqueur and Nougat.

Rebecca Taylor

Phlox, undisputedly the most fun color to say aloud, is “a magical, deep purple with a hint of mystery.” This color is practically universally flattering, letting newly-found fall pastiness become a fair, purposeful “look” while likewise making the best of the last of summers (or the Mystic Booth’s) glow.

ADAM by Adam Lippes

Cedar and Dark Teal are two picks from the green family, and the mid-tone Cedar pairs perfectly with the stronger Dark Teal. Pantone suggests pairing with further-flung colorwheel mates Orchid Hush and Honeysuckle.

Charlotte Ronson and Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney

Coffee Liqueur and Nougat mark a return to supple leathers and creamy cashmere seasonal staples, with Coffee Liqueur’s silvery brown richness making a strong statement. Nougat is the ideal neutral, and pairs well with any of fall’s other hot hues.

Tracy Reese and MACKAGE

Rounding out the palette are Orchid Hush, the most delicate shade of gray-lavender, and Quarry, a gray with warmth that makes another great neutral option.

VPL by Victoria Bartlett and Adrienne Vitadini

Readers, what do you think of this year’s Pantone fall 2011 palette? Which hue are you most excited to start wearing?

Related articles

• Fall Fashion Trends at Caravan Beads Chicago (caravanchicago.com)
• Vintage clothing and accessories from Bettes Bargains echo the Pantone fall color trends. (thebestinvintage.wordpress.com)
• Pantone Colors of Fall 2011 from Born Too Late Vintage (thebestinvintage.wordpress.com)