3 Can't Miss Fall Fashion Colors

By Heather Summerville
October 15, 2010

Fendi After last year's spectrum of watered-down brights and washed-out neutrals, 2010 fall fashion is alive with vibrant colors as diverse as the season's foliage. Some of the breakout stars were expected, others made a surprising resurgence, but one thing's for sure—no closet is complete without a dash, dabble, or splash from this trio of standout shades.

We tracked all three color trends (red, army green and plum) on eBay and found that in every case, both listings and sales of Clothing, Shoes and Accessories items with these colors in the listing name had increased when we compared a recent week vs. a week-long period approximately one year ago. (Left: Fendi Fall 2010 Runway look. Photo courtesy of Style.com).

Fearless Red

Fearless Red

Lou Doillon at the Spring 2011 Chanel Show. (Photo by Eric Ryan/Getty Images); Nanette Lepore sketch from Pantone’s Fall Color Fashion Report. (Photo courtesy of Pantone); Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 Runway look. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)

eBay Stats—listings: +16% sales: +3%

Punky, preppy, polished or bombshell, bright tomato red has proven to be as versatile as it is bold. Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs and Lou Doillon all used it as a classic, eye-catching signature color in streamlined shapes like a peacoat or A-line skirt, while Isabel Marant sparked a 50’s rock revival with her cropped pants and Dolce & Gabbana went for all-out glamour with a swingy silk slipdress. The lesson here: Don't be shy!

Find Fearless Red on eBay Now!

New American Eagle Red Wool Peacoat

(buy it now price, $69.99)

Vintage Pleated Swing Skirt

(buy it now price, $24.99)

Red Suede Pencil Skirt

(starting bid, $19.99)

New Silky J. Crew Dress

(buy it now price, $92)

New Rag & Bone Red Skinny Jeans

(buy it now price, $123)

Army Green

Cat Deeley at the Spring 2011 Burberry Show. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Contributor); Betsey Johnson sketch from Pantone’s Fall Color Fashion Report. (Photo courtesy of Pantone); Burberry Fall 2010 Runway look. (Photo courtesy of Style.com)

eBay Stats—listings: +44% sales: +89%

The military fashion trend is an unstoppable force that's only gaining momentum. But where past seasons' have dwelt on its rugged nature, this fall fashion's spin on army green essentials is nothing short of cool sophistication. Though still widely reserved for toppers — Burberry and Fendi both showed a handful of chic coats and jackets—labels like Chloe are branching out and using the new neutral in a surplus of polished silhouettes. Peter Som even picked the shade as his signature color for Pantone's Fall Color Fashion Report, calling it a "grounding solid that works well alone or in a mix of patterns." Forget black, olive—in its many muted tones—is the new goes-with-everything color trend to don this season's latest fashion trends.

Find Army Green on eBay Now!

Roll over items for details

Khloe Kardashian Belted Bebe Dress

(current bid, $76)

Olive Green Leather Pants Jacket Outfit

(buy it now price, $69)

New Alpaca Wool Winter Poncho

(buy it now price, $74.99)

New BCBG Funnel Collar Coat

(buy it now price, $250)

Suede Patch Pencil Skirt

(starting bid, $17.94)

Electric Purple (Plum)

Rachel Barrett at the Spring 2011 Issa Show. (Photo by Dave M. Benett/Getty Images); Yigal Azrouel sketch from Pantone’s Fall Color Fashion Report. (Photo courtesy of Pantone); Dries Van Noten Fall 2010 Runway look. (Photo courtesy of Style.com)

eBay Stats—listings: +27% sales: +47%

"Plum, the deep and musky shade is at once arresting and muted, edgy and soft, supple and firm. It's ultramodern, majestic and as subtle as the horizon at dusk or as striking as a gleaming amethyst," says Tibi designer Amy Smilovic, who selected the enchanting shade as her Pantone Fall Signature Color. Tibi, along with breakout fashion designers like Brian Reyes, Yigal Azrouel and Dries Van Noten, all dotted the runway with this deep, dramatic tone on minimalist dresses, floor-sweeping skirts, even ruffley tiered tops. The result in every instance was a piece that lit up the show, just like it will light up your wardrobe.