How to Shine in Fall Fashion Colors

Fashion designers and marketing experts aim to make clothing that will sell by choosing colors, shapes, textures, and patterns that appeal to our senses, flatter and refresh us, and even make us feel ravishing this fall. 

Updated 9/01/2025

In fact, research shows that specific colors have vibrational properties that speed up, balance, or calm down thinking and behavior.

As consumers, we sort through the offerings and do our best to choose those garments that will last for years, and have a positive influence on our mood, behaviors, and even impact our sense of well-being. To learn about sustainable fashion see "10 Simple Steps to Being More Sustainable." 

Just be mindful that color preferences work at the cellular level and bypass reason. What's right for one person may not be right for someone else.

Read "Secrets to Selecting Top Fashion Colors to Flatter You" for ideas about how to coordinate your attire to your complexion and skin undertone.

How to Shine in Fall Fashion Colors

1. START WITH WHAT YOU HAVE.

I'm a big believer in repairing, redesigning, and upcycling clothes that are already in my closet. Before each season begins I look through my clothing and try on pieces I am considering using during the coming months. 

I question "does the garment look attractive as is or can it be altered, paired with something I haven't thought of before, or layered underneath or above something else? Can I accessorize it with a colorful pair of shoes, belt, shawl, or handbag?"

I weed out those items that are beyond repair or look unsightly on me. Then, before I change my mind and stick the clothes back in my closet, I donate them and/or hold a clothing exchange event with friends.

Any time I buy or thrift something new, I maintain the one piece in and one piece out rule.

Then I observe which colors catch my eye during the day, and what feelings they evoke. 

You can do this too. Sort through your closet and wardrobe. Then check out what the online and local clothing stores are showing. 

See what others wear and evaluate which clothing colors relax and calm you. Try to become more mindful of specific color combinations and ways they make you feel.

2. EMBRACE COLOR COMBINATIONS THAT RESONATE WITH YOU. 

Feel unsettled, down in the dumps, or invisible? An excellent color to wear is RED. It’s the color of the root chakra, the energetic base of all the ascending chakras. Read "Root Chakra Tips to Support, Stabilize, and Sustain You" to discover what I mean.

Doing grounding yoga poses like forward bend in RED attire helps us feel centered, energized, focused on our strengths, and helps us get on with our day. 

Pantone, Inc., the world-renowned authority on color, color systems, and color communication technology has named Peach Fuzz Color of the Year. This soft hue expresses the desire to nurture kindness, compassion, connection, and a peaceful future.

Another way to practice connecting to earth red/energy is to recite affirmations. Use those that are meaningful to you.

 I feel invigorated and empowered whenever I visualize the root chakra.

 

My health is excellent and I am fortunate to be well-balanced, fit, prosperous, and strong.

 

My spirit is grounded deep in the earth. I reserve time to balance and nurture mind, body, and spirit in the great outdoors often.

GREEN provides healing energy for most physical and emotional illness. Hues of green create balance, harmony, personal development, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and rejuvenation. When we wear or envision GREEN it helps lift anxiety, self-pity, confusion, and renews our spirits.

GREEN symbolizes nature and is a soothing, refreshing color to don, especially for those who are hyperactive or have a racing mind.

Look for a deep, rich GREEN hue called Pine Needle. This hue adds a touch of nature to your fall wardrobe, exuding a sense of grounding and stability. Incorporate Pine Needle into your outfits with a scarf, sweater, or trousers for a sophisticated, outdoorsy look.

Another GREEN you'll see everywhere comes from Pantone, and it's fashioned after the color of the vegetable, Kohlrabi, a medium light shade of green similar to Pistachio.

BLUE hues are calming, relaxing, and soothes fears. Blue is favored by more people than any other. This color represents release and renewal, free flow, inspiration, and relaxation.

One example of a muted BLUE tone popular this fall is Lacecap Hydrangea. This icy blue offers a color punch without being over the top. It’s also a color that can work for all four seasons, depending on what you pair it with. 

For fall, balance this floral-inspired blue with deeper shades like gem-tones, caramel brown, mustard yellow, or even fiery red.

 

BLUE hues can be bright and attract attention. One example of a powerful blue hue is Cobalt Blue.

Turquoise is a wonderful hue of BLUE to select, if you need some help bringing your health and wellness to the forefront. It's sometimes called our master healer. Turquoise energy can enhance the immune system. Wear a turquoise necklace or earrings, turquoise tee, or jacket.

GREEN-BLUE colors including aqua, aquamarine, and teal are easy on the eyes. These shades reflect the colors in water and sky, and wearing a teal sweatshirt creates a sense of tranquility and ease.

Many people find bright YELLOW and golden yellow invigorate, help their power of concentration, and create a sunny outlook.

YELLOW also works to heal digestive track issues and infuse more joy into life.

Try to take your emotional and physical temperature at various times during the day. See whether you become tense, especially when you face a challenge, doubt your abilities, are sad, anxious, or have low energy. 

Wear yellow socks, a yellow slicker, or carry a yellow backpack. Pause to take in this yellow energy or visualize a yellow flower or sunlight streaming through the windows in your home or office workspace to enliven you.

ORANGE helps unblock emotions. If you need support as you grieve a relationship or feel another loss, wear orange. Put on an orange tee, scarf, or boots when depressed, and see whether orange can draw more joy and lightness into daily living. Red ORANGE is one of the most popular fall 2023 colors.

Do you own articles of clothing that are bright orange, terracotta, pumpkin, rust or other shade of orange? Those who wear colors in the orange family are usually people with a friendly attitude and lively demeanor.

A little bit of orange goes a long way. Wearing too much orange at one time may make you feel confused, disoriented, and claustrophobic. It can worsen nausea or dizziness.

Since ancient times, PURPLE has been associated with the color of the clergy, nobles, and the rich. Those who are attracted to purple may have an artistic or dramatic flair. 

Some wear purple clothing, because they intuitively sense it clears confusion and calms hyperactivity. 

Others wear it to connect with their higher wisdom, speed up natural healing energy in the body, or supply inspiration for transformation.

There are many hues of PURPLE, and this fall burgundy, plum, lilac, mauve, and violet are showing up often.

3. GO FOR PRACTICAL, ECO-FRIENDLY, AND BEAUTIFUL

Clothing can be comfortable, beautiful, and fun to wear, as well as provide warmth and protection.

Instead of owning a closet full of so-so clothes you "just feel okay in," decide on a capsule wardrobe of three outfits you feel great in. 

If you need to update an outfit, fill in with a high-quality piece like a blouse or sweater in a color you love.

Research sustainable fashion and find and support those businesses that use textiles that are manufactured, constructed, and marketed in a responsible, conscious way that accounts for their environmental and socioeconomic impact. 

Look for clothing that's made with organic and natural fibers, biodegradable materials, uses natural dyes, little or no-waste pattern making, employs ethical labor practices, and are handmade/artisan crafted. 

Spend time shopping vintage, perusing thrift stores, searching though hidden family heirlooms, or sorting through that old foot locker in the attic.

To shine from the inside, wear clothing that is comfy, attractive, made well, ignites pleasure, and delights your senses!

What's your favorite color and do you wear clothes made of that color often?

Do you use certain colors to create an effect and which ones are they?

Did you learn anything new about colors today and how do you think that can help you?

Before you go consider this. The world of color is fascinating. You can be more fascinating too. Which color or colors makes you feel great? Why not wear your favorite colors more often?

Please leave a comment in the space provided below, but put no links in your comment as it won't be published that way.

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Amazing Garlic Facts and Recipe for Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

 

garlic bulbs

Few plants have had as major a culinary impact as garlic; it has a distinctive flavor, pungent aroma, and is a pillar of cuisines from around the world. 

Many cultures use garlic for medicinal purposes, and have been doing so for thousands of years.

The edible parts of this plant are its bulb (grows underground), and the green leaves or scapes that grow above ground. 

Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove, and there can be anywhere from 4-20 cloves encased in its papery exterior. One clove of garlic has approximately 4 calories.

 

Garlic is a part of the allium (onion) family, and related to chives, green onions, onions, leeks, and shallots.

Garlic is a savory seasoning, favored in recipes for soup, salad dressing, pasta, pizza, tacos, casseroles, or anything else in between. 

Garlic’s unique flavor stands out, and can add depth and richness to almost all non-sweet foods.

Test each bulb to feel for hardness before buying. Firm bulbs are a go, soft garlic means it's past its prime. 

Fresh garlic does not give off a smell when intact. The scent is released when cut or bitten. 

Once you are home, store whole bulbs of garlic in a cool dark, dry place, but not the refrigerator. People often choose to keep fresh garlic in the pantry, in an uncovered dish or cup.

When garlic cloves are peeled, the surface needs to look much closer to white than yellow. Discoloration is a sign of decay.

Leave garlic bulb intact for as long as possible. 

If you peel the whole head, garlic's lifespan decreases more rapidly, and health benefits decrease as well. Detach and peel only the amount of cloves you need for the recipe. 

Scientists have discovered most of garlic’s health benefits are due to the compound allicin, and the formation of sulfur compounds when garlic is chopped, minced, crushed, grated, and chewed. 

Allicin in fresh garlic is an unstable compound, one that is only briefly present in fresh garlic after it’s been separated from the bulb and prepared.

Research indicates garlic compounds have a range of health benefits, and eating freshly prepared raw garlic at least two times a week, has significant disease prevention properties.

Now on to ...

Amazing Recipe for Vegan Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

a few handfuls of fresh raw spinach

Quick, easy, and one of the most delicious vegetable side dish you’ll ever make!

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh organic spinach or 1 lb. pack of organic baby spinach (rinsed and picked over to remove wilted or yellowing leaves) or combination of dark green leafy veggies such as spinach, baby kale, baby beet greens, baby romaine lettuce, etc.  

3 fresh garlic cloves peeled and minced

Optional seasonings of choice: red pepper flakes, salt, fresh ground black pepper, fresh chopped basil, or other seasoning mix

Optional liquids: water, vegetable broth, olive oil, and lemon juice 

What to do:

1. Mince 3 peeled cloves of garlic and put aside.

2. Place a large sauté pan on stove top, and warm pan to medium heat. Add two or three handfuls of spinach and cover. Let spinach soften for one minute. 

You will probably not need to add a liquid to the pan, because the steam produced from cooking the spinach will serve as a sauté liquid. 

After the first round of spinach softens in about one minute, stir in seasonings of choice. I used ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped basil. 

Add a few more handfuls of spinach. If you want this dish to be very moist, you may add a drop or two of oil or veg broth at this point. Cover and continue cooking. 

Repeat until all the spinach is cooked. 

Tip: Spinach becomes mushy, when overcooked. Check it often as it cooks. Its color should remain bright green and spinach leaves should be just slightly wilted. Cook time will take between 5-6 minutes.

Sautéed Garlicky Spinach, Red Pepper Flakes, and Basil

3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach into a serving bowl or platter, as spinach releases a lot of excess water as it cooks.

4. Combine cooked spinach with raw minced garlic, a full-bodied seasoning that has many health benefits. 

Optional: Sprinkle on a fresh chopped herb for garnish, and/or 2 teaspoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice to elevate the flavor.

This spinach recipe serves 4 people as a side.

 

One delicious way to serve garlicky sautéed spinach is to feature it with a veggie burger and baked sweet potato fries.

If you prefer, serve spinach with brown basmati rice and tofu, in a tasty garlicky veggie bowl.

An additional serving idea is to mix garlicky spinach with a can of rinsed, drained pinto beans or sliced tempeh bacon. 

For a hearty midweek or weekend meal, serve garlicky spinach with lentils on a bed of quinoa or whole grain pasta as an entrée.

Lightly sautéed spinach is rich in iron, vitamin C and E, potassium, and magnesium. 

As part of a nutritious diet, spinach and garlic can help support immune function, aid the digestive system, and may offer protection from certain forms of cancer.

Garlic is a simple yet amazing ingredient. 🧄 

Combine it with sautéed spinach, and it's a dish that adds low-cal nutrition (106 calories in a whole pound of spinach). Cook spinach properly, and enjoy a fat free veggie dish that tastes sublime. 

This post was written and shared for educational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as nutritional or health advice.

Please check with the pros, if you seek advice. 

Don't forget to share the love by commenting before you leave.

I read and appreciate every comment, but will not publish those that contain links. Thanks for understanding. 

Did you learn something new about garlic or spinach, or discover new prep or recipe ideas? Please explain in the comments section below. 

Do you think you'll add more of these foods now that you know they are quick, easy, and tasty to prepare? Please let me know.

Thanks so much for the visit, and please come back again.

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Steamed Broccoli and Why I Love It

 

I must confess. I love to eat lightly steamed broccoli. Only then is this cruciferous veggie at its nutritional and flavor peak. 

Post Updated 3/19/2023

Lightly steamed broccoli looks and tastes delicious, because it's cooked just enough to provide the most nutrients and assure broccoli retains its bright green color.

This post shows you how to cook broccoli to perfection and why steaming broccoli is the healthiest, most colorful, and tastiest way to make it crisp-tender.

Look below to see reasons why research shows broccoli is so healthy:

½ cup of Broccoli contains:

 

• 15 Calories
• 0 grams of fat
• 3 grams of carbs
•  1 gram of protein
• available year round (either fresh or frozen
• mighty source of folate, vitamin C, potassium, manganese, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin K and iron
• may lower the incidence of cataracts, supports cardiovascular health, helps with Vitamin D absorption, and contributes to bone health.

How to Find the Best Broccoli

Buy fresh broccoli at a farmers' market, health food store, market, or pick it fresh from your home garden. 

I buy or grow organic veggies and fruit whenever available, because organic produce tastes better, contains more nutrients, and is safer for the environment than conventionally grown  ones. 

Select fresh broccoli that has dark green, tight, dense florets (flowers). Leaves and stalk should be firm and fresh-looking too. Store in crisper section of refrigerator and use within three days.

Flash frozen broccoli is a suitable replacement, when the fresh variety is unavailable or looks yellow or is wilted. 

Don't wash this veggie, until ready to use. Store it in the refrigerator, and use within three days.

How to Clean and Prep Broccoli

The easiest way to clean and prep broccoli is to submerge it in a bowl of clean cold water. 

If broccoli seems sandy, soak it long enough to allow sand to sink to the bottom of the bowl. 

Place broccoli on a cutting board. Use a sharp paring knife and cut across the head, below the florets. 

Separate each individual flower into a bite-size piece. Don't discard the stalk and leaves; they are edible. The stalk is rich in fiber and the leaves are rich in nutrients. 

Cut off the tough bottom part of the stalk and the hard outer covering. 

Chop the stalk into pieces that are half the size of florets, so all parts of the broccoli will cook (steam) in the same amount of time.

Best Cooking Technique  to Steam Broccoli

TIP 1: Get the steaming water hot and steamy first, before adding the broccoli to the steamer basket.

TIP 2: Set your timer for only five to six minutes. Smaller florets of young fresh broccoli may only need five minutes to cook, larger florets of more mature broccoli made need six. 

Test broccoli by piercing it with a fork at the 5 minute point. If it is still tough, cook another minute.

TIP 3: A steamer basket lifts the broccoli pieces out of the liquid and off the bottom of the pan, preventing them from becoming soggy. If you don't have a steamer, you can simply put cut up broccoli directly into an inch of boiling water and cover. 

Keep a close eye on the broccoli and remove it from the pot as soon as it's done. This will assure it doesn't get waterlogged.

 

Important Info: When broccoli is overcooked, it turns olive green, instead of that beautiful vibrant green color you want.

Broccoli releases the most nutrients, when it’s cooked for no more than 5-6 minutes tops. If you accidentally overcook broccoli, it tastes strong and bitter. 

Note: One way to mask the bitter taste is to add an eighth of a teaspoon of salt or low sodium soy sauce to it.

TIP 4: Shut off stove and carefully pour broccoli into a serving dish. 

If you want to embellish the flavor of steamed broccoli add a few drops of olive oil and lemon zest. If you prefer, drizzle on balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or another type of vinegar you may have on hand. 

Other options include serving steamed broccoli with toasted slivered almonds, toasted sesame seeds, or fresh chopped dill, parsley, or basil. 

Serve broccoli often, because it makes a great addition to any meal. Steamed broccoli can be easily incorporated into a stir fry (tofu scramble), pasta dish, soup, casserole, or stew. 

When broccoli is handled properly and not overcooked, this plant powerhouse will nourish and energize. 

It's so delicious, satisfying, and eye-appealing it makes all those who eat it sing its praises.

Please take a moment to comment below. 

Do you eat broccoli often and how do you like to serve it? 

Did you learn anything new about this superfood? I welcome hearing about your tips and vegan recipes that include broccoli. 

This post is offered for entertainment and education only and is not intended as nutrition or medical advice. Check with you health care provider if you seek that type of advice.

I read and appreciate every comment, but won't be able to publish those that include links. Thanks for understanding.

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