13 Stylist-approved Fall Clothes in Neutral Colors

There’s something about a color refresh that can completely change the way your wardrobe feels—but not every shade withstands the test of time. According to stylists, certain colors can instantly date an outfit, while others always manage to look fresh. To help us sort through what to skip this fall and which hues are worth investing in, we tapped California-based fashion buyer Emily Kitts—a pro who knows how to make even the most neutral outfit feel current.

“When going for a dark neutral, I think a fun update to the classic black is rich chocolate brown,” she says. “It has less contrast than black and pairs beautifully with pops of color like cobalt blue, rich red, and warm green—all of which are trending for fall and the holidays.”

For lighter tones, she recommends “stony tan,” an elevated twist on winter white that transitions effortlessly through the season. “It’s such a versatile shade that pairs with pretty much everything,” she adds. Ahead, we pulled together chic travel clothes in these timeless shades—think cable knit sweaters, silk pants, and suede ballet flats. Keep reading to find the best stylist-approved finds from Madewell, J.Crew, Amazon, and more, with prices starting at just $36.

Best Neutral Color Fall Finds: 

Abercrombie & Fitch Open-stitch Crew Sweater

Kitts said she’s loving rich chocolate brown this season as a “fun update to the classic black,” and this cozy crewneck sweater is the perfect way to get the look. The chunky knit and slightly slouchy fit feels just right for layering—try it with jeans and suede ballet flats for a monochromatic brown moment, or over a white tee for slight contrast. It feels like cashmere but rings in at just $60, which makes it even harder to resist.

Banana Republic Factory Hayden Wide-leg Pants

To channel Kitts’s favorite light neutral, “stony tan,” these Banana Republic Factory trousers are the definition of versatile. These wrinkle-resistant, bi-stretch pants look tailored enough for the office yet feel relaxed enough for a long flight. Pair them with a button-down and loafers or an oversized sweater and sneakers—either way, they’ll go with everything you already own. Plus, they’re 55 percent off.

Quince Suede Mule

Another way to work in Kitts’s beloved “stony tan” is through accessories—and these suede mules from Quince nail it. The sleek clog silhouette feels trend-forward yet timeless, while the oversized buckle adds just the right amount of polish. They’re as easy to style with trousers as they are with sweats for a flight, and they instantly elevate a winter-white outfit without feeling too fussy.

Anthropologie Silk Pants 

Kitts shared, “I love the way chocolate brown comes through in silk and satin fabrications,” and these silky wide-leg pants are the definition of effortless luxury. The fluid drape and rich chocolate tone make them ideal for fall—dress them down with a chunky sweater (you can even try it with the Gap one mentioned above) or pair them with a crisp white blouse for dinner plans. They’re currently marked down for a limited time, so it’s the perfect moment to add a little luster to your lineup.

The Gap Icon Trench Coat

When Kitts mentioned she’s “excited about how stony tan is being used in outerwear,” this instantly came to mind. I actually just bought this classic Gap trench coat myself—it pulls together any outfit and adds instant fashion. In New York, tan trenches are on every block for good reason: they’re endlessly versatile. Wear it open with leggings and sneakers for travel days or belted over a sweater and jeans for a city-chic look. Bonus: it’s part of Gap’s big Friends & Family Sale right now.

Everlane Mariner Rugby Top

Kitts said she loves seeing “accents of stony tan in a rugby polo,” and this Everlane version is the perfect example. The striped tan-and-white colorway captures that subtle neutral palette while leaning into one of fall’s biggest trends. The boxy, oversized fit gives it that effortlessly cool vibe—pair it with baggy jeans, pleated trousers, or even a midi skirt. It’s under $50 right now, which makes it even easier to get in on the rugby resurgence.

Gap Suede Ballet Flats

Between the chocolate brown color and the suede finish, these ballet flats perfectly capture two of our favorite fall trends. They’re sleek, comfortable, and currently marked down to just $36—an easy “add to cart.” The cushioned sole and gently scrunched heel mean you can skip the dreaded flat blisters, and they look equally chic styled with jeans and a tee or worn as part of a full monochromatic brown outfit.

Prettygarden Faux Suede Cropped Jacket

Another way to incorporate stony tan into your outerwear is through this Amazon cropped jacket. It’s soft, structured, and the kind of piece you’ll reach for every time you head out the door. Pair it with trousers and a button-down for the office, or toss it over a black maxi dress for dinner. One shopper even wrote, “Feels like a much more expensive jacket than what I paid,” and at $43, that’s saying something.

Zara ZW Collection Satin Dress

When Kitts talked about rich chocolate brown in silk fabrics, she also mentioned dresses—and this satin number from Zara nails that idea. With a flowy V-neck silhouette, lace trim, and an asymmetrical hem, it’s feminine without feeling too dainty. Wear it under a leather blazer or faux fur coat to play with texture, or keep it simple with strappy heels. Either way, the contrast of sheen and structure feels undeniably chic.

J.Crew Cable-knit Crewneck Sweater

A cable-knit sweater in creamy tan never goes out of style—and Kitts loves this kind of light neutral for balancing out darker fall tones. This J.Crew version has that timeless fisherman texture and a soft, slightly relaxed fit that works with everything from jeans and a peacoat to a silk skirt or wide-leg trousers. For a preppy touch, layer a crisp button-down underneath and let the collar peek out. 

Quince Matching Set

Kitts shared, “I’m really excited about how chocolate brown is being used in the activewear space too—the new naturals are everywhere.” This V-neck cropped tank and 25-inch leggings from Quince is the ultimate proof. Made with sweat-wicking, four-way stretch fabric, this matching set is sleek enough for yoga yet stylish enough for a coffee run. Layer on a trench coat or puffer to take it from workout to weekend walk without missing a beat.

Madewell Crewneck Cutaway Vest

A stony tan vest might just be the sleeper hit of the season. This Madewell version channels that effortless, neutral polish Kitts described—simple, structured, and endlessly versatile. Wear it with trousers and loafers for the office, a mini skirt and kitten heels for a night out, or jeans for a more relaxed weekend look. It’s one of those pieces that instantly makes you look like you get style, without trying too hard.

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