Colour Evolution A/W

25/26
See how our colour groups will evolve over the next two
years with our comparative analysis covering all seasons
from A/W 23/24 to A/W 25/26

Emily McCarthy
09.30.23 - 11 minutes

The Red Cloud by Piet Mondrian / Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Introduction
Using Coloro’s analysis tools, we have plotted hue distribution to illustrate the evolution
of colour. Coloro’s unique seven-digit coding system is organised by how the human eye
sees colour – by hue, lightness and chroma. Using this coding system enables us to
analyse and map colour from the lightness and chroma levels of any given hue.
We are seeing a shift towards cooler tones, with mid-tone blues becoming an important
colour story. Greens become surreal and sublime, evolving #AquaticTones from S/S 25.
There is a notable contrast between hot and cold colours, amplified by key colour Neon
Flare.
With retro design key inspiration for the season, versatile mid-tones emerge alongside
highly chromatic AI brights, embodying a season of two halves. Pastels are key to
convey the season’s preloved aesthetics, becoming dirtier and more mid-toned in hue.
Tinted darks continue to dominate, with key colour Cherry Lacquer accompanying
Colour of the Year 2025 Future Dusk, making a statement for restorative darks.
Introduced in S/S 25 as part of WGSN’s responsible colour strategy, the A/W 25/26 colour
palette includes carry-over long-term investment and annual colours alongside
seasonal. Core neutrals continue to drive transseasonal appeal; use seasonal colour to
reignite long-term palettes. See our new A/W 25/26 Global Colour Combinations report
for more inspiration.

A/W 25/26 Coloro hue distribution

1
Red
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

Richard Mosse at the Dear Earth exhibitio

n / Image courtesy of the Hayward Galler
Batek Architects Tine Bek Hansen @lovewant Uchronia y

010-46-36 17-1663 TCX 011-50-32 18-1651 TCX 010-42-20 17-1537 TCX 009-58-31 17-1647 TCX 159-23-15 19-1718 TCX

008-23-14 19-1528 TCX 010-38-36 18-1657 TCX 010-38-36 18-1657 TCX 010-38-36 18-1657 TCX 010-38-36 18-1657 TCX

008-26-26 19-1934 TCX 008-26-26 19-1934 TCX 008-26-26 19-1934 TCX 008-26-26 19-1934 TCX 008-26-26 19-1934 TCX

Luscious Red (010-46-36) will Radiant Red (011-50-32) signals a There is a shift back to mid-tone Sunset Coral (009-58-31) signals Reflecting the subversive mood
remain the brightest red, while shift to mid-level lightness with a and chromatic reds, with Astro the returns of coral-based hues. of the season, key colour Cherry
Dark Cherry (008-23-14) returns sweet undertone. Crimson (010- Dust (010-42-20) and Crimson Crimson (010-38-36) returns as a Lacquer (159-23-15) brings a dark
as the deepest shade in the 38-36) will be the most (010-38-36) remaining in the long-term chromatic shade, intimacy and richness alongside
group. Bloodstone is replaced by chromatic, while Cranberry Juice palette. Cranberry Juice (008-26- accompanied by Cranberry Juice long-term shades of Cranberry
the bluer hue of Cranberry Juice (008-26-26) becomes the darkest. 26) stays as the darkest red. (008-26-26), the darkest red for Juice (008-26-26) and Crimson
(008-26-26). the season. (010-38-36).

2
Orange
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

@rosacea_bae Andy Gilmore @kusrustudios Lauren Bamford @ryanparry.art

024-65-27 15-1247 TCX 016-49-37 17-1463 TCX 016-49-37 17-1463 TCX 016-49-37 17-1463 TCX
024-65-27 15-1247 TCX

026-58-35 16-1164 TCX 024-65-27 15-1247 TCX 026-51-32 17-1140 TCX 023-61-36 16-1359 TCX

023-61-36 16-1356 TCX

020-54-37 17-1463 TCX 028-67-41 15-1164 TCX 028-67-41 15-1164 TCX 014-68-51 16-1451 TCX

The soft, chromatic orange of Orange will be balanced and Orange will remain key, with Electric Kumquat (028-67-41) and Flame (016-49-37) is reignited by
Apricot Crush (024-65-27) will be bright for S/S 24. Apricot Crush Apricot Crush (024-65-27) being Flame (016-49-37) return to the Solar Orange (023-61-36) and key
most important for A/W 23/24. (024-65-27) remains the most the most important for A/W palette for S/S 25, showcasing the colour Neon Flare (014-68-51),
Candied Orange (026-58-35) and directional, and it’s joined by 24/25. The highly saturated shade importance of highly chromatic juxtaposing the cool blue focus
Beacon Orange (020-54-37) also the bolder and more chromatic of Electric Kumquat (028-67-41) shades. Warm Amber (026-51-32) for the season. This focus on hot
confirm a shift to punchy, juicy orange of Sweet Mandarin (023- returns to the palette from A/W acts as a balancing mid-tone and cold reflects the climate
levels. 61-36). 20/21 and the redder shade of alongside these stimulating crisis and dominance of AI
Flame (016-49-37) returns from brights. aesthetics in culture.
A/W 19/20.

3
Yellow
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

KRI Virginie Hucher @matsysdesign Sean Gerstley and Bea Walling @objects_of_common_interest

035-81-23 13-0941 TCX 035-81-23 13-0941 TCX 038-86-20 12-0824 TCX 038-86-20 12-0824 TCX 033-74-41 14-1064 TCX

036-74-35 15-0956 TCX 033-75-33 13-0947 TCX 037-77-37 13-0752 TCX 037-82-32 14-0850 TCX 040-60-29 16-0748 TCX

028-59-26 16-1148 TCX 035-64-26 15-0948 TCX 035-64-26 15-0948 TCX 030-66-22 16-1144 TCX 048-90-17 11-0618 TCX

Warm yellows will continue into Yellow will appear cooler and Panna Cotta (038-86-20) is a Yellow hues continue to be Warm and tactile, saturated Egg
A/W 23/24. Pineapple (035-81-23) grounded by S/S 24. Pineapple tinted pastel, signalling the balanced for S/S 25. Panna Cotta Yolk (033-74-41) and the golden
is a tinted pastel, while (035-81-23) returns, accompanied return of calming shades. Pollen (038-86-20) returns as a calming shade of Heritage Mustard (040-
Carambola (036-74-35) indicates by chromatic Golden Cob (033- Yellow (037-77-37) is a bright pastel, accompanied by 60-29) speak to the season’s
a return to brighter, saturated 75-33). Yellow Mustard (035-64- primary yellow, while Yellow chromatic Ray Flower (037-82- #NewRetro themes. Key colour
hues. Sundial (028-59-26) carries 26), is the greenest and earthiest Mustard (035-64-26) returns as a 32). Tea Stain (030-66-22) works Celestial Yellow (048-90-17) is a
forward as a grounding mineral of the three yellows for the grounding colour. as a grounding and natural hue. glowing, sensorial shade for
tone. season. more futuristic applications.

4
Green
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

Swarovski Subframe Hörður Kristleifsson @coryworth Jessie French

060-71-33 15-0545 TCX 051-76-36 13-0651 TCX 055-85-20 13-0319 TCX 055-85-20 13-0319 TCX 065-73-17 15-6114 TCX

072-45-06 18-5611 TCX 058-55-18 17-0235 TCX 062-72-33 15-0146 TCX 079-26-18 19-5232 TCX 074-53-20 16-5924 TCX

078-33-24 19-5421 TCX 064-59-32 16-6340 TCX 067-64-17 14-6329 TCX 086-70-25 15-5218 TCX 079-26-18 19-5232 TCX

Liquid Lime (060-71-33) confirms Chromatic greens will remain Chromatic greens continue into Greens move in two directions Reflecting marine exploration
the importance of digitised strong. Cyber Lime (051-76-36) A/W 24/25, with the punchy for S/S 25, and we see the return and material innovation using
brights, however the blue-tinted confirms the return of acidic shade of Glowing Green (062-72- of teal with Aquatic Awe (086-70- key ingredients such as algae and
greens of Sage Leaf (072-45-06) shades, and Nephrite (058-55-18) 33). Cool Matcha (055-85-20) and 25). Deep Emerald (079-26-18) seaweed, Surreal Green (065-73-
and Malachite (078-33-24) will confirms the importance of Jade Mint (067-64-17) offer returns as an annual shade, 17) and Mystic Green (074-53-20)
dominate the season. bright olive. They are balance to the season’s greens. signalling the return of natural evolve #AquaticTones. Combine
accompanied by Green Flare tones. Cool Matcha (055-85-20) with tinted darks for an
(064-59-32), a truer, more punchy adds freshness to this season’s otherworldly feel.
green. greens.

5
Blue
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

@sergiybarchuk Bottega Veneta @codycobb Tuleste Factory Shizuka Saito

112-75-11 14-4123 TCX 105-56-31 17-4440 TCX 107-49-30 17-4247 TCX 103-63-26 16-4530 TCX 113-58-13 16-4118 TCX

114-57-24 17-4139 TCX 117-47-13 18-3922 TCX 112-75-11 14-4123 TCX 114-57-24 17-4139 TCX 100-64-14 15-4415 TCX

120-28-32 19-3952 TCX 122-62-21 16-4030 TCX 118-30-29 19-4056 TCX 120-32-36 18-3949 TCX 120-35-11 19-3929 TCX

Glacial Blue (112-75-11) signals Mid-level blues are set to Glacial Blue (112-75-11) remains Fresher blues gain strength, The past focus on green is
the return of pastel levels, and dominate S/S 24. Adriatic Sea in the palette for A/W 24/25, moving into aqua with Blue shifting to blues. Key colour
mid-tone Tranquil Blue (114-57- (105-56-31) is the greenest, while showing the importance of Lagoon (103-63-26). Mid-tone Retro Blue (100-64-14) draws on
24) moves into A/W. Dark Elemental Blue (117-47-13) is the pastels. Vibrant Azure (107-49-30) Tranquil Blue (114-57-24) returns the desire for analogue craft
saturated blues lighten up to most desaturated. Cornflower will make the strongest to the palette for S/S 25, alongside thrift-inspired
Galactic Cobalt (120-28-32) levels. (122-62-21) confirms the return statement, while Gentian Blue accompanied by the saturated Borrowed Blue (113-58-13), and
of red-infused light blues. (118-30-29) signals the return of level of Electric Indigo (120-32- authentic Honest Indigo (120-35-
saturated blues. 36) as transseasonal options. 11). Blues evolve the
conversation in #LowKeyLuxury
and future vintage design.

6
Purple
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

@elissabrunato Dream Imaginarium Studio @jeslerm A.W.A.K.E. Mode @xgofficial

134-67-16 15-3716 TCX 138-81-07 14-3710 TCX 134-55-24 17-3730 TCX 129-35-18 19-3936 TCX 129-35-18 19-3936 TCX

134-42-26 18-3737 TCX 138-44-29 18-3533 TCX 137-27-28 19-3528 TCX 134-55-24 17-3730 TCX 131-42-31 18-3840 TCX

143-36-17 19-3424 TCX 143-36-17 19-3424 TCX 151-22-09 19-3316 TCX 143-47-32 18-3223 TCX 134-73-06 14-3907 TCX

Purple will uptrend. Digital Maintaining its importance, Purple continues to step up. Purples diversify this season, Similarly to our Colour of the
Lavender (134-67-16) is joined by purple will become warmer. Meta Mauve (134-55-24) shows with Meta Mauve (134-55-24) Year 2025 Future Dusk (129-35-
dark and saturated Violet Light Gentle Lavender (138-81-07) the return of blue-infused continuing for S/S 25. Future 18), purples become cooler and
(134-42-26), while red-infused confirms the return of light purples. Murasaki Purple (137- Dusk (129-35-18) is a blue-based more blue-toned, with a
shades such as Dusted Grape pastel shades. Bright, red- 27-28) is a strong classic shade, purple that signals the mystical, cosmic quality
(143-36-17) return. infused Purple Swirl (138-44-29) while Midnight Plum (151-22-09) importance of darker shades. reflecting macro themes for
joins Dusted Grape (143-36-17), is the darkest shade, celebrating The highly saturated shade of spirituality. Galactic Lilac (134-
which will carry forward from the return of tinted darks. Hyper-Violet (143-47-32) brings 73-06) continues and Punk
A/W. newness to this season’s palette. Purple (131-42-31) is introduced
for a subversive feel.

7
Pink
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

@ruth_lloyd_design Dream Imaginarium Studio @jomasan @icicle__official Axel Arigato

147-70-20 14-3209 TCX 005-82-17 12-1708 TCX 021-80-08 14-1310 TCX 160-61-28 16-1735 TCX

154-51-37 18-2436 TCX 151-46-20 17-1818 TCX 150-65-19 16-2614 TCX 154-63-12 16-1708 TCX 152-85-11 13-2801 TCX

158-44-32 18-2043 TCX 158-44-32 18-2043 TCX 155-32-27 18-2027 TCX 154-63-12 16-1708 TCX

Pink will step back as purple Pink will return, diversifying into Pinks continue to build, moving Pinks continue to remain Pinks adopt a delectable, playful
trends upward, but it will remain warm and cool hues. Bluer into pastel and bright shades. important, but this season we quality inspired by romcom
bright and impactful. For A/W, shades of Fondant Pink (147-70- Marshmallow (005-82-17) is the move towards berry-based tones energy and kawaii, with the
Fuchsia from S/S 23 will be 20) and Mauve Haze (151-46-20) sweetest shade, while Peony Pink of Cosmetic Pink (154-63-12) and introduction of kitsch Thrift Pink
replaced by the brighter tone of will bring newness. Luminous (150-65-19) sits more towards Plum Berry (155-32-27). (160-61-28) alongside sweet Pink
Luminous Pink (154-51-37). Pink deepens to become Pink blue. Pink Flash (158-44-32) Transcendent Pink (021-80-08) Sorbet (152-85-11) and pre-loved
Flash (158-44-32). continues for A/W 24/25. signals the importance of muted, Cosmetic Pink (154-63-12).
pink-based neutrals.

8
Brown
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

Cheng Tsung Feng Stephanie Deumer Daniel Archer Biohm Panisa Objects

031-63-17 16-0928 TCX 031-63-17 16-0928 TCX 015-33-25 18-1442 TCX 022-60-08 16-1318 TCX 028-43-27 18-1163 TCX

030-41-18 18-0933 TCX 033-49-16 17-1036 TCX 024-37-20 18-1140 TCX 025-56-18 16-1336 TCX 025-56-18 16-1336 TCX

017-23-07 19-1016 TCX 024-37-20 18-1140 TCX 024-21-05 19-1109 TCX 019-27-14 19-1220 TCX 019-27-14 19-1220 TCX

Timeless browns maintain By S/S 24 browns will diversify to Browns continue to gain Browns remain timeless, as Exuding #LowKeyLuxury, Rustic
relevance. Parchment (031-63-17) become more characterful. momentum, with the red-infused shades of Timeless Taupe (022- Caramel (028-43-27) is tactile and
pairs with the new saturated and Parchment (031-63-17) remains a shade of Intense Rust (015-33-25) 60-08) and Sepia (019-27-14) timeless, drawing inspiration
yellow-tinted mid-tone of timeless beige; Grit (033-49-16) is returning to the palette from move into long-term shades for from antique and beautifully
Wholegrain (030-41-18). Dark closer to yellow; and Nutshell A/W 23/24. Nutshell (024-37-20) is S/S 25. Sunbaked (025-56-18) aged designs. Sunbaked (025-56-
Oak (017-23-07) remains the (024-37-30) is warm and red- rich and warm, while Ground confirms the return of yellow- 18) and Sepia (019-27-14) return,
darkest brown in the palette. infused. Coffee (024-21-05) remains the infused and gold-tinted browns. adding rich layers and versatility
darkest brown. to the palette.

9
Pastels
Colour evolution

A/W 23/24 S/S/ 24 A/W 24/25 S/S 25 A/W 25/26

@agne.kucerenkaite Daniel O'Toole @xuebing.du Cristina Celestino @lauracatherinesoto

014-73-08 14-1309 TCX 147-82-14 14-3205 TCX 022-81-13 14-1219 TCX 072-84-17 13-5911 TCX 048-90-17 11-0618 TCX

074-80-06 14-4807 TCX 116-85-09 14-4112 TCX 108-83-06 13-4304 TCX

030-69-10 14-1208 TCX 022-81-13 14-1219 TCX
138-81-07 14-3710 TCX 134-73-06 14-3907 TCX 134-73-06 14-3907 TCX
071-65-06 16-5808 TCX 074-80-06 14-4807 TCX 152-90-06 12-2908 TCX 152-85-11 13-2801 TCX 152-85-11 13-2801 TCX

Pastels will stay at the same Pastels will lighten and brighten Pastels will stay at the same Pastels will stay at the same Pastels become dirtier, reflecting
saturation level. Pink Clay (014- by S/S 24, returning to sweeter saturation level, with sweeter saturation level, with sweeter grunge aesthetics. Pink Sorbet
73-08) returns, and Oat Milk (030- levels. Pink Diamond (147-82-14) levels carrying over from S/S 24. levels remaining key. Bio-Mint (152-85-11) and Galactic Lilac
69-10) carries over into A/W. signals a move toward cooler Quiet Quartz (152-90-06) is new (072-84-17), Pink Sorbet (152-85- (134-73-06) combine with Key
Alpine Frost (071-65-06) is new tints. Mellow Peach (022-81-13) to the palette for A/W 24/25 and 11) and Ice Blue (116-85-09) Colour Celestial Yellow (048-90-
and confirms the importance of will sweeten earthier pastels, confirms the importance of confirm the importance of cooler 17) for a spiritual glow, and with
green tints. and Fresh Mint (074-80-06) is a barely there and tinted pastel tints, while Galactic Lilac (134- silver-toned Moonstone Blue
clean, pale green. shades of pink. 73-06) brings a dusty pastel (108-83-06) for an otherworldly
quality. feel.

10
Coloro
About the Coloro code:

We decode colour as the human eye sees it – by hue, lightness and chroma.
Each of our 3,500 colours is specified by a unique seven-digit code, representing the
point where hue, lightness and chroma intersect, allowing you to organise and analyse
colour like never before. The Coloro logic provides creatives with a new way to
objectively view colour and create responsible palettes with longevity.
Purchase the five Key Colours for A/W 25/26 from Coloro.
About Coloro:
Coloro is the primary colour system for WGSN forecasts. Each tone in our colour
forecasts is selected directly from the Coloro library of 3,500 contemporary hues. Each
colour is then rigorously tested by Coloro experts to ensure achievability across
substrates and acceptable fastness, so you can trust their feasibility before lab dipping.
Coloro is a beautifully designed system backed by a technically sound approach. It offers
physical and digital products, an extensive colour library, and expert advisory services.
Find out more here.

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Colour methodology

01 02 03

Global Colour Observation Data Analysis Coloro Colour Selection

Synthesising expert foundational Using WGSN’s proprietary retail, Using Coloro's standard library
research, aesthetic directions, e-commerce and social media data to of 3,500 contemporary colours
consumer data and regional insights track the path of the colours and inform
the decision-making process

06 05 04

Key Coloro Colour Selection Palette Longevity Strategy Coloro Health Check
Identifying the colours that will play Defining the longevity of each colour and Rigorously testing colour
a significant role for all industries and splitting the palette into three sections – achievability across all key
define the mood of the season Seasonal, Annual and Long-Term. Over substrates to avoid wasted
40% of colours are carried forward every resources
season, reflecting the importance of
choosing colours responsibly

07 08

Colour Naming Colour Palette Launch

Selecting names that are unique to Click on the links to purchase each season's
WGSN, which are evaluated by our Key Colours from Coloro
Equality Vision Team
S/S 25 | A/W 25/26

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WGSN's forecasts are created by our global team of experts
Colour forecasting team Caroline Guilbert, Creative Content Contributors Americas
Lead, Coloro Sofia Martellini, Senior Strategist, WGSN
Lisa White, Creative Director APAC
Laura Yiannakou, Head of Womenswear Fashion Feed and Catwalks
Urangoo Samba, Head of Colour Lupi Yao, Trend Director, WGSN China
Yvonne Kostiak, Head of Active Angela Ringo, Senior Strategist,
Emily McCarthy, Colour Strategist Africa
Jane Collins, Senior Strategist, Footwear Interiors
Clare Smith, Colour Strategist Kim Cupido, Senior Strategist,
and Accessories Europe
Helen Palmer, Head of Materials, Knit Womenswear
Nick Paget, Senior Strategist, Menswear Raeesa Brey, Researcher
and Textiles
Megan Bang, Beauty Analyst Rhoneil Tiburcio, Strategist, Retail and
Gemma Riberti, Head of Interiors
Buying
Erin Rechner, Head of Kidswear
Reiko Morrison, Head of CMF,
Consumer Tech

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