Color Trends Forecast: Hues Worth Wearing Next Season

The hues to watch in this color trends forecast are digital lavender, vibrant coral, earthy ochre, electric blue and soft sage green. They split into soft, calming shades (lavender, sage) and saturated ones (coral, ochre, electric blue), so there is an easy way in for every wardrobe.

This is my own read of where fashion color is heading, not an official forecaster's report, and no trend is certain. Treat the list as a set of good bets that mix easily with what you already own.

Section 01

What colors are going to trend?

The most useful way to read fashion color trends is by mood. Softer shades calm an outfit down. Saturated ones carry it. Most people want one of each, so the five hues below are grouped that way.

Digital lavender

A pale, cool purple that sits close to white. It reads calm and slightly futuristic, and it is easy on most outfits because it behaves like a pastel neutral.

Pair it with crisp white, soft pink or light blue. Against beige or gray it works as a quiet accent rather than a statement.

Vibrant coral

Coral is pink with orange in it, which makes it warm and lively. It works in both warm and cool months, and it is a good first step if you usually wear neutrals.

Try it with navy or black for contrast, or with nude accessories for a softer balance. A coral jacket or bag can lift a plain outfit without any other change.

Earthy ochre

Ochre is a deep, muted yellow, close to clay. It suits fall and winter because it feels warm against heavy fabrics like wool and corduroy.

It sits well with brown, cream, forest green and burgundy. A sweater layered over a plaid shirt gives it depth.

Electric blue

This is the loudest color on the list. A strong blue contrasts with both light and dark colors, so it is easy to anchor with white, black or silver.

A blazer is the biggest commitment. Shoes, a belt or a bag give you the color with far less risk.

Soft sage green

Sage is a gray-leaning green. It is calm, flexible and pairs with almost everything, which is why it keeps coming back across seasons.

Combine it with white and cream for something fresh, or with deeper greens and browns for a grounded, tonal look.

Section 02

What color is replacing gray?

The closest candidate is soft sage green. It has the same low-key, easy-to-pair quality as gray, with a little more life in it. Digital lavender is the other option if you like your neutrals cool.

Section 03

What color is replacing beige?

Earthy ochre is the warm answer: it keeps beige's earthy feel and adds saturation. If you want to stay quiet, a soft sage does the same job. Both still sit happily with the beige you already own.

For a deeper look at how rich shades behave in cold months, see jewel tones for fall.

Section 04

Fall winter color trends: what suits the cold months

Among the fall winter color trends here, ochre and coral are the warmest, and sage works in heavier knits and wool. Electric blue gives a winter outfit a sharp, cold-light contrast that stands out against gray skies.

Texture changes how a color reads. Through the lens of evidence-based design, I'd pick a matte wool or brushed knit for ochre, because a soft surface keeps a warm yellow from looking harsh. A glossy fabric in the same shade looks brighter and cooler.

For more cold-weather ideas, browse bold winter color pops and long wool coats in bright colors.

Section 05

How do you wear a new color without overdoing it?

1. Start with one trend color and build around it with neutrals such as white, navy, black or beige.
2. Use accessories first. A scarf, belt, bag or shoes give you the color at low commitment. See color-blocking with accessories.
3. Keep proportions uneven: one dominant color, one or two accents. Two bold hues at equal volume compete.
4. Mix textures, such as denim, silk, leather and knit, so a single color has depth.
5. Pick shades that feel good against your skin. I'd treat the color near your face as the one that matters most, since it is what the eye reads first.

Section 06

Outfit formulas to try

• Office: lavender blazer, white shirt, navy trousers, nude pumps.
• Casual: coral tee, light-wash jeans, white sneakers, thin gold jewelry.
• Evening: electric blue maxi dress, black faux leather jacket, metallic clutch.
• Brunch: sage wrap dress, beige trench, tan ankle boots.
• Smart casual: electric blue blazer over a sage blouse with white trousers.

Softer palettes are covered in old money pastel hues, and if you want to know how colors affect perception, read dressing with color psychology.

Section 07

Caring for saturated colors

Wash bright pieces separately from whites and darks the first few times to avoid bleeding, and follow the care label. Direct sunlight can fade dyed fabric, so store coral and blue pieces out of the sun.

Backstage Q&A

Frequently asked questions

Filed under Color Palettes