NYFW SS26 color trends: From brights to pastels and burgundy
Although New York_s runways appeared to be dominated by black_ white_ and a wide range of neutrals_ there was no shortage of vivid brights and soft pastels—ideal for adding a lively touch to spring collections while remaining commercially appealing.
Sunshine Yellow
A sunshine bright shade of yellow emerged as the standout mood-booster. Designers used it for a variety of fabrics_ from chiffon to gabardine and mixed with neutrals_ monochromes and pastels.
Prabal Gurung SS26
Look 13: a yellow chiffon turtle-neck blouse with a split-front and single shoulder over pale blue chiffon pants.
Sergio Hudson SS26
Look 23: a high-waisted yellow mesh pencil skirt was shown with a cropped tie-front white shirt.
Tory Burch SS26
Look 19: a yellow cotton gabardine split front skirt with a black leather belt and a grey polo neck knit top.
Bright Red
We_d have to look back many seasons to find a moment when bold red was absent from New York_s ready-to-wear runways. In an era marked by heightened tension_ the color red continues to stir passion_ intensity_ and desire in equal measure.
Leesle SS26
Look 8: a wheat-colored two-piece suit with an Asian style jacket and red piping. A red vest was layered over a neutral one with a red print.
Phillip Lim SS26
Look 2: A red wrap skirt with a stencil print and a broad white border was shown with a grey silk top with lace trim.
Bibhu Mohapatra SS26
Look 26: a pink satin suit with a bolero jacket over a purple bralet_ and mini skirt trimmed with red and worn with red over-the-knee boots
Deep Burgundy
As a counterbalance to the brights and pastels_ designers leaned into rich berry hues and deep burgundy—a palette carried over from Resort _26. These darker_ mood-laden tones can replace black and brown or mix with lighter tones.
5000 SS26: designed by Taylor Thompson
Look 2: a burgundy zip-front funnel neck jacket over a grey pinstripe vest and matching slim pants.
Lafayette 148: designer_ Emily Smith
Look 11: relaxed burgundy pants and a pink long-sleeved blouse with a double draped front detail.
Marina Moscone SS26
Look 16: a burgundy dress with an asymmetric sleeveless pleated top and ankle-length pleated skirt.
Pale Blue
A cooling counterpoint to the warmer brights_ this particular shade gave a modern twist to classic _baby blue_ and was an easy color to mix with other shades.
Brandon Maxwell SS26
Look 13: a blue swing shaped button-down shirt with a herringbone pattern and a sheer overlay was layered under a similar shirt with stripes. They were shown over blue skinny jeans with ripped knees and an exposed weft.
Cynthia Rowley SS26
Look 27: a zip-front technical jacket and matching knickers_ both in color blocks of blue_ white_ pink and ochre.
Kate Barton SS26
Look 20: a pale blue jacket in a semi sheer technical fabric over a pink high-cut maillot with white stripes.
Coral Reef
Straddling the line between pink_s softness and orange_s vibrancy_ nothing signals high summer like the color coral. On NYFW SS26_s runways_ coral tones offered vitality_ playfulness_ and adventure.
Alejandra Alonso Rojas SS26
Look 20: a coral-colored brocade relaxed jacket with colorful embroidery over a white corset and matching overlong pants.
Ulla Johnson SS26
Look 37: a lighter coral-colored flowy blouse with a ruffle front over darker coral-colored textured pants.
Frederick Anderson SS26
Look 13: a coral-colored soft satin boat-necked cropped top with matching relaxed pleated front pants.
