Women’s Colour Forecast

A/W 26/27
Discover the womenswear colour palettes for A/W 26/27,
featuring WGSN’s key colours of the year and themes such
as restorative pastels, shadowy darks, elevated #EarthyHues
and #OffKilter combinations

Sara Maggioni
11.14.24 - 9 minutes

Bal
Need to know
As we navigate 2026, the year of redirection, old ideas are challenged and tensions grow, bringing new
opportunities and forms of creativity to drive change. Amid this landscape, polarisations will become
more entrenched. The contrasts are reflected in colour as opposing shades and the feelings they evoke
play a crucial role in shaping the womenswear palette.

Opportunity Design strategies

For A/W 26/27, a mix of responsive brights sits alongside grounding darks and soft Use versatile New Darks punctuated by Transformative Teal, Sea Grass and Bright
neutrals, reflecting the need for balance, excitement and stability. Darks remain Emerald for newness from tailoring to partywear
important as consumers turn to colours with longevity, remaining key for their Combine dusted pastels and earthy neutrals for #Transseasonal knits, jerseys and
transseasonal appeal, as well as a base for colours that come to life alongside darkness
loungewear, as well as to offer a new direction contemporary to #ElevatedOutdoors
such as Green Glow. and #Utility looks
Rebellious attitudes continue to influence brights this season, yet we see the need for
Elevate browns, red and yellow inspired by historical references and classic art and
colour go beyond this, with Fresh Purple coming to the fore to champion unity and crafts for an opulent premium palette which speaks to investment purchases
togetherness. In contrast, the search for restoration drives the need for healing tones
with soft neutrals and soothing pastels, balancing seasonal brights. Explore darks with digital brights such as Fresh Purple, Green Glow, Electric
Fuchsia and Electric Indigo as a new direction for jewel-inspired tones for
The merging of the past and present drives the importance of browns and neutrals. We
partywear
found renewed interest in historical periods, traditional techniques, crafts and
colours. Look to off-kilter combinations of illuminating brights with versatile, familiar
shades for a palette with cross-seasonal and gender-inclusive appeal
STEPIC forecasts: STEPIC Consumer Emotions 2027, STEPIC Strategies 2027, STEPIC to
Market: Nocturnal Living, Design & Colour Directions A/W 26/27 Elevate #EarthyHues with pops of Nostalgic Pink, Wax Paper and Blue Aura for
outerwear, knitwear, jersey, denim and more unexpectedly on dressier dresses,
WGSN Feed: #ShadowyDarks, #CalmingColours, #DustedPastels, #EnhancedNeutrals, skirts and blouses
#DarkBrowns, #BerryTones, #ColourCombination,
#PurpleHaze, #LimeGreen, #DopamineBrights, #SustainableColour, #KeyColour Leverage vibrant primary shades to tap into a playful, childlike mood with bold
#ColourCombinations refreshing simple silhouettes
Use classic, #90sMinimalist-inspired shades for investment items like tailored coats
and suiting, as well as elevated cut-and-sew and knitwear and versatile #Officewear
dresses and separates

1
 Green Glow Cherry Lacquer
057-82-32 13-0540 TCX 159-23-15 19-1718 TCX
Wax Paper Fresh Purple
035-88-12 12-0806 TCX 136-32-33 19-3536 TCX
Olive Stone Light Lavender
037-61-13 16-0726 TCX 134-77-18 15-3716 TCX
Golden Hour Steel Blue
035-64-33 15-0954 TCX 115-52-06 17-4018 TCX
Red Earth Bright Emerald
017-38-28 18-1355 TCX 077-48-32 17-5735 TCX
Cocoa Powder Soft Grass
008-35-06 19-1620 TCX 064-75-05 14-6007 TCX
Stone and Cherry Lacquer carry over from S/S
for A/W 26/27. This palette includes restorative

26 into the A/W season for increased longevity.

The seasonal key colours are Wax Paper, Fresh
pastels, digital brights and rich, earthy tones.

Purple, Cocoa Powder and Green Glow. Olive

These 12 colours will drive seasonal newness
Seasonal colour

2
 Transformative Teal Pink Frost
092-37-14 19-4517 TCX 159-77-06 13-2803 TCX
Primal Green Nostalgic Pink
072-26-10 19-5920 TCX 152-55-21 16-2215 TCX
Dusted Ochre Electric Fuchsia
033-54-20 17-1129 TCX 144-57-41 17-2624 TCX
Chocolate Sauce Electric Indigo
019-27-10 19-1215 TCX 120-32-36 18-3949 TCX
Future Grey Classic Navy
115-38-04 19-4215 TCX 118-26-19 19-4029 TCX
Lava Red Blue Aura
014-48-36 17-1558 TCX 117-77-06 14-4112 TCX
Robust Red Tranquil Blue
010-36-27 19-1655 TCX 114-57-24 17-4139 TCX
26: Colour of the Year 2026 Transformative Teal,
includes three of our five Key Colours from S/S
These 14 annual colours will remain relevant
for both S/S 26 and A/W 26/27. This selection

Electric Fuchsia and Blue Aura.

S/S 26 and A/W 26/27
Annual colour

3
 Chalk Black
034-84-05 12-0304 TCX 153-19-00 19-4203 TCX
Robust Grey Sea Kelp
030-37-02 18-0403 TCX 050-40-14 18-0529 TCX
Ground Coffee Dark Olive
024-21-05 19-1109 TCX 041-28-11 19-0516 TCX
Italian Clay Digital Mist
022-62-16 16-1422 TCX 047-82-01 13-4303 TCX
Sepia Circular Grey
019-27-14 19-1220 TCX 000-64-00 17-5104 TCX
Crimson Optic White
010-38-36 18-1657 TCX 037-93-00 11-4800 TCX
Cranberry Juice Sustained Grey
008-26-26 19-1934 TCX 035-73-04 14-6408 TCX
longevity in mind and offer versatility across all
forecasted to be relevant into 2026 and beyond.

and earthy tones sit alongside greys, off-whites

product categories. Core darks, warm neutrals
Our global long-term palette of 14 colours is

These foundational hues are chosen with

Long-term colour

and Crimson.

4
Proof points

Percentage of
consumers who are
more likely to buy from
brands that offer a
sense of joy

49%

@thinkingmu WGSN AI Image WGSN AI Image WGSN.com Robert Wun

Witherwill: a key emotion for 2027, The renaissance of real: the Nocturnal living: #ShadowyDarks Strategic Joy: building on our The Aura Economy: rising interest in
the longing to be free from appreciation of classic art, and luminous Green Glow are rising. Glimmers concept, consumers and spirituality, mystical and
responsibility is fuelled by rising craftsmanship, historical fashion and Low-impact bioluminescence and businesses will seek joy and embrace multisensory experiences call for
levels of burnout, fatigue and stress. the human-made amid AI advances sparkle appeared at Sparxell’s (UK) play for inspiration, self-discovery immersive, emotional and sensational
Calming hues like restorative pastels is reflected in familiar shades such as with nature-inspired, plant-based, and connection (VML). Leverage colours seen at Robert Wun’s soul-
as well as grounding neutrals tap into brown, red and yellow, elevated for a high-performance, next-generation mood-enhancing shades and playful searching Soul Gown, recreating the
comfort, healing and stability premium palette colours and shine effects #ColourCombinations Milky Way by couture craftsmanship

5
New Darks and Transformative
Teal
Harness the ongoing interest in New Darks
via layered grey, navy, black and green
punctuated by Transformative Teal.

Design strategies
Versatile #ShadowyDarks speak to
investment purchases and can be used
across categories throughout the season
Transformative Teal adds interest and depth @delcoreofficial @saramarievictoire

to the palette, working equally well on sleek

#Satin and #Velvet for parties and on
#Corduroy and #Plush for more casual
styles
Prioritise water-efficient and natural dyes
for reduced impact

Application: style tonally, playing with Shadow

Effects and explore Ultra Black options. Accent
with Transformative Teal, Sea Grass and Bright
Emerald for a fresh direction

Fashion Week Streets @haderlump.berlin Nafsika Skourti

E: Black (LT)
A: Future Grey (A)

F: Digital Mist (LT)

B: Bright Emerald (S)

C: Primal Green (A)

G: Transformative Teal …

6 D: Classic Navy (A)

H: Sea Grass
Coloro - A: 115-38-04, B: 077-48-32, C: 072-26-10, D:
118-26-19, E: 153-19-00, F: 047-82-01, G: 092-37-14, H:
064-75-05
Pantone - A: 19-4215 TCX, B: 17-5735 TCX, C: 19-5920
TCX, D: 19-4029 TCX, E: 19-4203 TCX, F: 13-4303 TCX,
G: 19-4517 TCX, H: 14-6007 TCX
Dusted pastels and earthy
neutrals
Dusted pastels combined with earthy
neutrals to provide a much-needed sense
of comfort and calm.

Design strategies
Key for #Transseasonal ranges, this palette
can work equally well across the season for
knits, jerseys and loungewear
Use Olive Stone, Sustained Grey, Steel Blue @sheyumboe @betterhalf_thestore

and Wax Paper for contemporary

#ElevatedOutdoors and #Utility looks
Work Pink Frost and Soft Grass on #Plush,
lofty yarns and #BrushedTexture to enhance
their restorative appeal

Application: lift Chocolate Sauce and Olive

Stone with Italian Clay, Pink Frost and Soft
Grass for a fresh commercial look

E: Chocolate Sauce (A)

A: Italian Clay (LT)
@driesvannoten @oldfolkhouse @le17septembre

F: Soft Grass (S)

B: Olive Stone (S)

G: Steel Blue (S)

C: Wax Paper (S)

H: Pink Frost (A)

D: Sustained Grey (LT)

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Coloro - A: 022-62-16, B: 037-61-13, C: 035-88-12, D:
035-73-04, E: 019-27-10, F: 064-75-05, G: 115-52-06,
H: 159-77-06
Pantone - A: 16-1422 TCX, B: 16-0726 TCX, C: 12-0806
TCX, D: 14-6408 TCX, E: 19-1215 TCX, F: 14-6007 TCX,
G: 17-4018 TCX, H: 13-2803 TCX
Opulent browns, red and
yellow
Inspired by historical references and classic
art and crafts as an antidote to the
proliferation of AI, familiar shades are
elevated for an opulent, premium palette.

Design strategies
Offer a palette of duality – feeling grounding
and foundational yet elegant and premium
– that works across categories, from @courreges @issatall
outerwear to formal looks
Use it to elevate trends such as
#NuHistorics, #Heritage, and #NuBoheme,
particularly around Autumn deliveries

Application: uplift browns like Cocoa Powder

and Ground Coffee with sophisticated brights
like Golden Hour and Robust Red. Consider
#Metallic finishes for party ranges

A: Cocoa Powder (S) D: Golden Hour (S)

@jw_anderson WGSN AI Image @entire_studios

E: Sepia (LT)

B: Robust Red (A)

F: Classic Navy (A)

C: Ground Coffee (LT) G: Chalk (LT)

8
Coloro - A: 008-35-06, B: 010-36-27, C: 024-21-05,
D: 035-64-33, E: 019-27-14, F: 118-26-19, G: 034-84-
05
Pantone - A: 19-1620 TCX, B: 19-1655 TCX, C: 19-1109
TCX, D: 15-0954 TCX, E: 19-1220 TCX, F: 19-4029 TCX,
G: 12-0304 TCX
Hedonistic Darks with Digital
brights
A tech-infused, immersive palette offering a
new direction for jewel-inspired tones for
party and #DayToNight ranges.

Design strategies
Apply to fluid silks, velvety jerseys and
#LayeredSheers, playing with matte and
shine finishes. Use in #Ombre, #SoftFocus
and #AbstractPrints @thisreo Lachlan Turczan

Explore advanced colour solutions such as

structural colour, bioluminescence and
plant-based shimmer

Application: Black, Sepia, Transformative Teal

and Fresh Purple act as bases, while Green
Glow, Electric Fuchsia and Electric Indigo inject
a fresh, artificial quality for a wearable and
sophisticated look

A: Fresh Purple (S) E: Electric Fuchsia (A)

Yohji Yamamoto Robert Wun @driesvannoten

B: Electric Indigo (A) F: Black (LT)

G: Green Glow (S)

C: Transformative Teal …

H: Digital Mist (LT)

D: Sepia (LT)

9
Coloro - A: 136-32-33, B: 120-32-36, C: 092-37-14, D:
019-27-10, E: 144-57-41, F: 153-19-00, G: 057-82-32,
H: 047-82-01
Pantone - A: 19-3536 TCX, B: 18-3949 TCX, C: 19-4517
TCX, D: 19-1215 TCX, E: 17-2624 TCX, F: 19-4203 TCX, G:
13-0540 TCX, H: 13-4303 TCX
Off-kilter combinations
Perfectly balancing newness and
commerciality, illuminating brights are
combined with versatile shades for a
palette with cross-seasonal and gender-
inclusive appeal.

Design strategies
Apply to simple, unfussy and #BoldMinimal
silhouettes across product categories
Implement in bold all-over combinations
@shop_the_story WGSN AI Image
for fashion-led statement looks or as
accents for prints
Explore next-generation pigments

Application: offset Cherry Lacquer, Black and

Olive Stone with Green Glow and Light
Lavender for jarring, unexpected combinations
that retain plenty of commercial potential

A: Cherry Lacquer (S) E: Tranquil Blue (A)

@ssense Gucci Auralee

F: Light Lavender (S)

B: Green Glow (S)

C: Optic White (LT) G: Electric Indigo (A)

D: Olive Stone (S)

H: Black (LT)

Coloro - A: 159-23-15, B: 057-82-32, C: 037-93-00, D:

10
037-61-13, E: 114-57-24, F: 134-77-18, G: 120-32-36, H:
153-19-00
Pantone - A: 19-1718 TCX, B: 13-0540 TCX, C: 11-4800
TCX, D: 16-0726 TCX, E: 17-4139 TCX, F: 15-3716 TCX, G:
18-3949 TCX, H: 19-4203 TCX
Elevated #EarthyHues
With nature continuing to inspire and inform
in our Climate-Changed reality, elemental
colour blending warm and cool tones comes
to the fore.

Design strategies
Use for outerwear, knitwear, jersey, denim
and more unexpectedly, on dressier
dresses, skirts and blouses
Invest in low-impact colour sourcing via
Marfa Stance Orange Culture Nigeria
eco-friendly options for pigments and dyes

Application: combine grounding shades like

Dusted Ochre, Sepia, Sea Kelp and Red Earth.
Use pops of Nostalgic Pink, Wax Paper and Blue
Aura for #NaturesTexture prints, contrast
linings, panelling, trims and details

D: Red Earth (S)

A: Dusted Ochre (A)

@thebemagugu Barnabé Fillion Bal

E: Wax Paper (S)
B: Nostalgic Pink (A)

F: Sea Kelp (LT)

C: Sepia (LT)

G: Blue Aura (A)

Coloro - A: 033-54-20, B: 152-55-21, C: 019-27-14, D:

017-38-28, E: 035-88-12, F: 050-40-14, G: 117-77-06
11
Pantone - A: 17-1129 TCX, B: 16-2215 TCX, C: 19-1220
TCX, D: 18-1355 TCX, E: 12-0806 TCX, F: 18-0529 TCX,
G: 14-4112 TCX
New primaries
Tapping into a playful, childlike mood, in line
with our The Right to Play strategy, familiar
brights in bold #ColourCombinations
refresh simple silhouettes.

Design strategies
Use for #NewPrep and retro-infused
#SportSmart stories, capitalising on
renewed interest in ’90s Britpop
Render on knit and jersey, day dresses and
@adidasoriginals @payalkhandwala
blouses or partywear, tailoring and
bottomweights for a more directional look

Application: use these bold brights as solid

tones, accented with black and Optic White.
Explore a cut-and-paste approach to colour-
blocking and apply it to stripes and checks

A: Golden Hour (S) D: Black (LT)

@pastiche_sisterproject @leandrobulzzano Studio Rigu

B: Electric Indigo (A) E: Optic White (LT)

F: Bright Emerald (S)

C: Lava Red (A)

G: Robust Grey (LT)

Coloro - A: 035-64-33, B: 120-32-36, C: 014-48-36,

D: 153-19-00, E: 037-93-00, F: 077-48-32, G: 030-
37-02
12
Pantone - A: 15-0954 TCX, B: 18-3949 TCX, C: 17-1558
TCX, D: 19-4203 TCX, E: 11-4800 TCX, F: 17-5735 TCX,
G: 18-0403 TCX
Archival classics
Classic, year-round shades will continue to
resonate for their longevity and investment
appeal, with nods to cult #90sMinimalist
palettes a key reference.

Design strategies
Use for big-ticket items like tailored coats
and suiting, as well as elevated cut-and-sew
and knitwear and versatile #Officewear
dresses and separates
Miu Miu @recto_official
Keep silhouettes clean, boxy and
contemporary-led to enhance the
minimalist mood, which will lend itself well
to #DayToNight designs

Application: combine foundational darks and

industrial greys that speak to investment
purchases with bold Crimson and warm
neutrals like Dusted Ochre

D: Circular Grey (LT)

A: Crimson (LT)
@reneeoficial Bal Ferragamo

E: Dusted Ochre (A)

B: Cherry Lacquer (S) F: Chocolate Sauce (A)

G: Optic White (LT)

C: Black (LT)

H: Classic Navy (A)

13
Coloro - A: 010-38-36, B: 159-23-15, C: 153-19-00, D:
000-64-00, E: 033-54-20, F: 019-27-10, G: 037-93-
00, H: 118-26-19
Pantone - A: 18-1657 TCX, B: 19-1718 TCX, C: 19-4203
TCX, D: 17-5104 TCX, E: 17-1129 TCX, F: 19-1215 TCX, G:
11-4800 TCX, H: 19-4029 TCX
 043-65-31
153-19-00
043-65-31
041-28-11
159-23-15
041-28-11
037-93-00
159-77-06
037-93-00
037-61-13
155-52-31
037-61-13
036-89-06
152-55-21
036-89-06
035-88-12
148-38-23
035-88-12
035-73-04
144-57-41
035-73-04
035-64-33
136-32-33
035-64-33
034-84-05
134-77-18
034-84-05
034-75-11
120-32-36
034-75-11
033-54-20
120-22-18
033-54-20
030-37-02
118-26-19
030-37-02
027-66-37
117-77-06
027-66-37
024-21-05
115-38-04
024-21-05
022-62-16
115-52-06
022-62-16
022-60-08
114-57-24
022-60-08
019-27-14
092-37-14
019-27-14
019-27-10
091-63-26
019-27-10
017-38-28
077-48-32
017-38-28
014-48-36
072-26-10
014-48-36
010-38-36
064-75-05
010-38-36
Colour reference A/W 26/27

010-36-27
057-82-32
010-36-27
008-35-06
050-40-14
008-35-06
008-26-26
049-50-23
008-26-26
Coloro 000-64-00
047-82-01
000-64-00

14
 16-0838 TCX 19-4203 TCX
19-0516 TCX 19-1718 TCX
11-4800 TCX 13-2803 TCX
16-0726 TCX 18-2133 TCX
11-0103 TCX 16-2215 TCX
12-0806 TCX 18-3022 TCX
14-6408 TCX 17-2624 TCX
15-0954 TCX 19-3536 TCX
12-0304 TCX 15-3716 TCX
15-1217 TCX 18-3949 TCX
17-1129 TCX 19-3932 TCX
18-0403 TCX 19-4029 TCX
15-1157 TCX 14-4112 TCX
19-1109 TCX 19-4215 TCX
16-1422 TCX 17-4018 TCX
16-1318 TCX 17-4139 TCX
19-1220 TCX 19-4517 TCX
19-1215 TCX 16-5123 TCX
18-1355 TCX 17-5735 TCX
17-1558 TCX 19-5920 TCX
18-1657 14-6007 TCX
Colour reference A/W 26/27

19-1655 TCX 13-0540 TCX

19-1620 TCX 18-0529 TCX
Pantone TCX

19-1934 TCX 18-0537 TCX

17-5104 TCX 13-4303 TCX

15
 103 C 426 C
7771 C 7645 C
7541 C 678 C
4007 C 7424 C
Warm Gray 1 C 2061 C
7506 C 249 C
7535 C 253 C
130 C 2597 C
7527 C 2645 C
4249 C Reflex Blue C
7558 C 2767 C
2336 C 295 C
3588 C 2120 C
412 C 4139 C
7514 C 2138 C
4735 C 284 C
7595 C 7476 C
2449 C 2397 C
2350 C 2245 C
2035 C 3435 C
200 C 5655 C
Colour reference A/W 26/27

207 C 2299 C
Pantone Coated

5115 C 7750 C
188 C 392 C
Cool Gray 8 C 420 C

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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 view
colour objectively and create responsible palettes with longevity.
Purchase the five Key Colours for A/W 26/27 from Coloro.
About Coloro
Coloro is the new way to work with colour. Pairing unlimited colour, with complete
control, our logical colour system gives designers the freedom to create and execute
colour with total confidence.
Coloro provides unlimited actionable colour opportunities – all logically organised and
easily searchable by hue, lightness and chroma. Move from indigo to teal in a breeze,
knowing every colour represented could define the next sellout product.
The Coloro Universal Color System works everywhere, on everything, with everyone. It
enables you to start every project with the world’s most accurate colour system, trusted
by leading brands and innovators.

17
Colour forecast 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 here to purchase each
WGSN, which are evaluated by our season's Key Colours from Coloro
Equality Vision Team

18
WGSN’s forecasts are created by our global team of experts
Colour forecasting team Yvonne Kostiak, Head of Active Regional experts LATAM
Lisa White, Creative Director Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear Americas Sofia Martellini, Senior Strategist, WGSN
Urangoo Samba, Head of Colour Stephanie Barnscher, Senior Strategist, Reiko Morrison, Head of CMF, Fashion Feed and Catwalks
Active Consumer Tech APAC
Clare Smith, Senior Colour Strategist
Jane Collins, Head of Footwear and Erin Rechner, Head of Kidswear Lupi Yao, Trend Director, WGSN China
Gemma Riberti, Director of Interiors
Accessories
Alexei Cowan, Head of Interiors Angela Ringo, Senior Strategist,
Nick Paget, Senior Strategist, Menswear Interiors
Helen Palmer, Head of Materials, Knit
and Textiles Megan Bang, Beauty Analyst Jennifer Birch, Senior Strategist, CMF,
Sports & Outdoors
Mia Jacobs, Youth Strategist

19
Further research

WGSN AI Image WGSN Original Image WGSN AI Image The Unseen

Design & Colour Directions Global Colour Forecast Global Colour Women’s Colour Forecast Advanced Colour 2027
A/W 26/27 A/W 26/27 Combinations A/W 26/27 S/S 26

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