Red can get bright and bold in a hurry! But in the soft autumn palette, our reds tend to be more subdued and muted compared to the vibrant, bolder reds seen in the more vivid seasons. One of the key aspects for those in the soft autumn palette to consider is the undertone of the red. Soft autumn reds typically have a slightly warmer, slightly yellow-based undertone that complements the natural warmth in our skin (emphasis on slightly). Avoiding reds with extremely blue or cool undertones is crucial, as these can clash with our neutral warm features and create a stark contrast that feels out of place.
Here are some examples of reds commonly found in the soft autumn palette:
Brick Red. This prevalent color is a muted red with brown undertones, influenced by the color of traditional clay bricks. It’s a versatile hue that adds depth and richness to the soft autumn palette. This color can be very dark and overpowering, so be sure to find a faded shade that won’t steal your thunder. Olive, coral, and taupe are excellent colors to pair with brick red.
Marsala. A rich hue with earthy undertones, reminiscent of the fortified wine after which it’s named. Marsala is a complex color that can have a combination of subtle purple, terracotta, and even taupe undertones, which all influence its overall richness and intensity. Pair this color with soft blues, muted pinks, or earthy greens.
Muted Cranberry. A softened and slightly more earthy version of the traditional cranberry red, this hue has a touch of brown or gray added to mute the intensity. It’s a versatile shade that adds a subtle pop of color to the soft autumn palette.
Below is an expanded palette with 28 great soft autumn reds. If you analyze them closely, you’ll see elements of brown, purple, pink, and orange in these colors (I included some of these outlying shades to help form the boundaries of the palette).
Below are some examples of reds that are gorgeous on soft autumns! Notice the brown influence in almost every single one of these:
And here are some reds that aren’t great. Notice how bright, orange, or deep these shades are! The delicate nature of our features will get lost when having to compete with these attention-getting colors:
