Pantone NYFW colour palette for AW26 is invigorating and refreshing
Pantone_ the authority on colour_ has unveiled a colour palette of striking duality_ featuring earthy tones_ considered neutrals and bold_ vivid shades_ for the upcoming autumn/winter 2026 season at New York Fashion Week (NYFW)_ which runs from February 11 to 16.
The seasonal trend report for AW26 states that NYFW designers will opt for colours that “reflect a duality_ blending a desire for authenticity and subtlety with a spirit of innovation and experimentation”.
Leatrice Eiseman_ executive director of the Pantone Color Institute_ said in a statement: “Balancing minimalism with urban energy_ NYFW autumn/winter 2026/2027 brings together the safe and the enticing to shape a new chromatic balance.
“Bridging heritage with innovation_ consumers are seeking wearable colours with true versatility_ while simultaneously reaching for colour that injects energy_ surprise and spontaneity_ creating a colour duality infused with a refreshing new perspective.”
The top ten standout colours showcase earthy and neutral shades “imbued with understated ease” alongside “daring and outspoken” vivid shades for a colour palette that aims to strike “a balance between restrained opulence and modernity_” highlighting authenticity and the desire to “indulge in limitless creativity”.
NYFW autumn/winter 2026 colour palette from Pantone
The NYFW Pantone fashion colour trend report for AW26 is described by the global colour authority as a “blend of divergent colours that invigorates and refreshes_” with a rustic_ grounded clay tone_ sitting alongside an aquatic green_ a muted pink_ an indulgent_ red-toned brown_ and a vibrant maritime blue.
Pantone 16-1330 _Muted Clay_ is a grounded and enduring terracotta tone that adds a rustic inherent warmth to the NYFW colour palette.
Pantone 14-6017 _Neptune Green_ is an aquatic green with a retro vibe_ which Pantone states “invigorates an autumn/winter palette with contemporary modernity”.
Pantone 16-0541 _Green Envy_ is rooted in the purity of the earth_ and “balances authenticity with modern luxe”.
Pantone 19-1245 _Arabian Spice_ offers a warm_ raw and earthy brown that has a "primal connection to nature".
Pantone 16-1710 _Foxglove_ is a soft_ muted pink infused with mauve_ designed to evoke the romantic charm of a bygone era.
Pantone 19-1521 _Red Mahogany_ is a quietly indulgent_ red-toned brown whose rich depth envelops and allures.
Pantone 19-2434 _Festival Fuchsia_ is a vibrant and joyful pink with “a carnival spirit”.
Pantone 13-0640 _Acacia_ adds "a burst of brightness" to the colour palette with its potent_ green-infused yellow hue_ which injects spontaneity and surprise.
Pantone 17-4140 _All Aboard_ is a vibrant maritime blue reminiscent of sky and sea.
Pantone 18-0521 _Burnt Olive_ is a richly layered green tone imbued with subtle sophistication.
NYFW AW26 seasonless shades
The 10 standout colours for NYFW are showcased in the colour palette alongside five trans-seasonless foundational neutrals_ including a winter white_ a mid-tone grey_ and a contemporary brown hue.
Pantone 11-0103 _Egret_ is a creamy white with "a hint of natural warmth".
Pantone 15-1213 _Candied Ginger_ is described as a multi-tasking smooth warm neutral_ which “soothes and steadies”.
Pantone 18-1031 _Toffee_ is a timeless yet contemporary_ elegant chocolate brown.
Pantone 17-4005 _Underworld_ is a mid-tone grey hue that provides a "firm foundation" of strength and resilience to the palette.
Pantone 19-4033 _Poseidon_ is a “meditative” deep ocean blue shade.