Words by Sophia Miller
Anyone familiar with Miranda Priestly’s iconic ‘cerulean’ monologue in The Devil Wears Prada will understand that the significance of colour goes far beyond the aesthetic. Long before they filter down to our wardrobes, the shades spotted on the runways offer a snapshot of a political, social and cultural moment in time.
So, 20 years on from that landmark film, what does the palette of Spring/Summer 2026 say? From pillar-box red to cloudy off-white – via high-acidity lime and tangerine – fashion’s trending colours speak to the new season’s focus on bold, playful experimentation. Want in? Keep reading to find out more about the hues we predict will define the year in fashion.
Lime, chartreuse or Granny Smith green… whatever you call it, this saturated shade of citrus is the colour trend guaranteed to put a pep in your step. On the runways, it signalled the renaissance of maximalism: at Prada, it was paired with elbow-high lilac gloves; at Alaïa, it took the form of a dramatically tasselled asymmetric skirt. A little wary of turning the dial all the way up? Just bring it in with knitwear or accessories.
Black and charcoal-grey do their bit to tone down chartreuse’s teeth-chattering brightness, helping to bring it into step with the rest of your wardrobe. Likewise, you can opt for a dustier- or lighter-green hue à la Theory’s sweater vest and Simkhai’s holiday-ready linen co-ord. Try it – you might just see it’s easier to style than you think.
From Givenchy’s satin trench and Celine’s caped gown to the embroidery trimming Matthieu Blazy’s shirts at Chanel, red is the colour that continues to rule them all this season. Whether you go full-look or stick to poppy-bright accessories, extroverted dressers will agree that it’s a welcome antidote to quiet luxury.
Primary colours were a key focus of SS26, so if you’re feeling bold, try true red alongside yellow and blue (yes, that includes jeans). Black also makes a chic – albeit slightly ’80s-inspired – pairing. Otherwise, if low-key style is more your thing, follow the ‘unexpected red’ theory by completing neutral looks with a confident pop of colour via your accessories.
We couldn’t round up the season’s trending colours without mentioning Pantone’s reigning shade for 2026. Dubbed Cloud Dancer, it’s a calming grey-toned off-white that’s said to symbolise a collective need to slow down – and calm down – amid an increasingly busy world. The fashion world agrees: shades of white, cream and ivory were spotted at Balenciaga, Jacquemus, Toteme and more.
So long as you watch out for errant stains, white is one of the easiest colours to translate into a full look – add interest by opting for varying textures, materials and silhouettes. Or, if monochrome doesn’t inspire, warm up the palette with splashes of brown, red or animal print.
Many of us will be looking for positivity wherever we can find it this year – and colour is always a reliable mood-booster. On the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, orange was the uplifting hue of choice, from yellow-toned marigold at Gabriela Hearst to true tangerine at Loewe. At Bottega Veneta, meanwhile, Louise Trotter chose the decidedly sunny shade to render a jacket made from shards of recycled fibreglass.
Like many highly saturated sunset hues, orange can be difficult to pull off – but the key lies in choosing the right shade for your skin tone. Cool-toned complexions will better suit a brighter, redder orange, while those with warm undertones can front up to the yellowy-based oranges as seen at Saint Laurent. Still a shade apprehensive? Dial down the brightest of the brights by teaming statement pieces with reliable neutrals including cream, khaki or even black.
Update your shoe-drobe with Spring/Summer 2026’s trending loafers, heels and more.
From tactile texture to ’00s-style oversized totes, these are the bag trends set to rule the season.
