The Unexpected Sweater Color Making A Major Comeback For Fall 2026 (& How To Wear It)

While fall fashion trends tend to gravitate toward muted, darker tones, an unexpected color is popular this year. Chartreuse, the vibrant shade that took over the runways earlier this year, is among the trendiest color choices for a sweater during colder months. With plenty of fall 2026 trends to have on your radar, it's sometimes difficult to understand just how to incorporate them, which is why we've enlisted the help of Jeannie Stith, the CEO of Color Guru, who explains exclusively to Glam why you need a chartreuse sweater in your wardrobe.

"Chartreuse is such a fun color because it sits right between yellow and green, giving it vibrant energy," Stith tells us. "It's bold and surprising, and it makes even a simple outfit feel fresh and fashion-forward." Speaking about the reasons behind the hue's current popularity, the expert stressed that many have gotten bored of the predictable fall colors. "I think we're seeing a renewed interest in chartreuse because people are craving more personality in their wardrobes. After season after season of quiet luxury and understated neutrals, we're seeing more playful, expressive color choices," Stith shares, adding, "Chartreuse is especially interesting for fall because it pairs beautifully with rich autumn shades like chocolate brown, burgundy, and deep olive."

While chartreuse is a statement color, finding the specific shade that works for you is key. "From a color analysis perspective, chartreuse is a warm, yellow-based green, so it's particularly flattering on people with warm coloring," Stith tells us, explaining that even if you do not have warm coloring, there is a shade of chartreuse that could suit you. "Some versions are brighter and clearer, while others are softer and more muted, making it possible to find a variation that works for different seasonal palettes."

The vibrant shade might seem intimidating at first, but the truth is that chartreuse is easier to pull off than most think. Pairing it with a complementary shade (the shade on the opposite side of it on the color wheel) is the safest option. "I love pairing chartreuse with chocolate brown," Jeannie Stith tells Glam exclusively. "It's such a gorgeous, unexpected combination that feels sophisticated and very fall. A chartreuse sweater with chocolate brown trousers, a brown belt, and gold jewelry would be stunning." 

While a sweater in the fun shade is easy to dress up, it also thrives when worn with more casual pieces. "For something more casual, I'd pair it with dark-wash jeans and cognac boots," the color analysis expert shares. "And if you really want to have fun with color, try chartreuse with burgundy. It's an unexpected combination that looks incredibly chic."

For some gorgeous chartreuse sweater options, Stith recommends the Gold Label Cashmere Blend V-Neck Sweater by NIC+ZOE, the Merino-Blend Crew-Neck Sweater by Banana Republic, the Women's CashTouch Deep V-Neck Sweater by Land's End, and the SoSoft Sport Mock-Neck Shaker Sweater by Old Navy.

While color analysis is way more complex than viral videos make it seem, it's well worth digging into, and Jeannie Stith tells us that for a shade like chartreuse, knowing if it works for you is crucial. "My biggest tip is to pay attention to how the color interacts with your face," she explains in our exclusive chat. "A sweater puts color right next to your skin, so it's especially important to choose a shade that complements your natural coloring. When you get it right, the color can make your skin glow, your eyes brighter, and your whole face come alive!" 

If you're unsure, shopping for a chartreuse sweater is best done with a friend who can help assess whether your face looks washed out in a particular shade. Depending on your skin tone and undertone, you can look for a true chartreuse — but shades that lean into a cooler and greener version, as well as warmer hues featuring more yellow, work just as well. 

Now, if chartreuse is not a shade you're willing to experiment with, be sure to check out the other fall 2026 colors that everyone will be wearing this season.