As someone who has limited their palette to that of neutrals for the past few years, my New Year’s style resolution is to broaden my colour horizons for 2023. I told this to my colleagues who, by now, are very familiar with my penchant for all things beige and brown and, elated, they asked me which colours I’m keen to explore. To this, I didn’t have an answer. Of course, I know what colours are “in”—scrolling Instagram is a legitimate part of my job, so I’m always aware of what’s currently trending—but in terms of guessing the fashion colour trends that would dominate 2023, I’d be doing just that—guessing.
I don’t like leaving things up to chance, so I took it upon myself to find out which fashion colour trends are set to be big news in 2023. How? By scanning 200+ runways, that’s how. Unlike other trends, which you need to examine with almost microscopic precision to discern, colour trends are more obvious to spot at a glance—especially the bold ones, which literally jump out of the webpage. I surveyed over thousands and thousands of runway snaps and now, I can confidently say that these five shades were the most prevalent in the new collections. For a quick way to make your outfits feel fresh for 2023, I suggest you start wearing these tones pronto.
Style Notes: It might not be Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2023—Viva Magenta—but I’d argue the shades of violet and lilac that populated a surprising amount of runways this season are even chicer.
This Instagram-approved knit comes in a handful of shades, but this is easily my favourite.
So elegant.
The perfect occasion bag.
I’m bookmarking this stand-out dress for spring.
Off-the-shoulder knitwear is very much a thing this season.
Style Notes: Okay, so I know what you’re thinking—black isn’t really a trend! I get that, but when it featured in so many layered and top-to-toe outfits across the entire spectrum of runways, it’s definitely noteworthy. Especially as this is spring/summer we’re talking about.
Look for detailing such as this cute beaded hem to set your blackened wares apart from your average garment.
I’m big into matching sets, so you know this Ganni two-piece is high on my wish-list.
Look for tactile textiles, such as velvet, to make your black outfits feel more three-dimensional.
This bag looks incredibly premium.
Is there anything sleeker than a long black coat?
Style Notes: I spoke to Morgane Le Caer, fashion expert and content editor at Lyst, who told me that, since September’s Fashion Month shows, “there was an average of 39,000 page views each month”. If that’s not indicative of this zingy shade of lime green, which cropped up in all the major collections, being one of the biggest fashion colour trends for 2023, I don’t know what is.
Just add your favourite jeans and boots.
This whole three-piece co-ord is a dream.
Try wearing this shade of lime with charcoal grey for a cool contrast.
You know it’s a thing when Bottega Veneta gives it a whirl.
Would you look at those cuffs! Fabulous.
Style Notes: Akin to the black category above, I’m sure some of you will argue that white is not a “trend”; it’s timeless. Here in, however, lies its power. Designers made white feel even fresher by exploring it in various fabrications—everything from silk to vinyl—and that’s precisely how we should be wearing it this year.
The attention to detail on this blazer is next-level.
Arket’s best-selling tote now comes in this versatile shade of white.
Loewe’s jersey dresses have a track-record of selling out.
White trousers are the epitome of dressing fancy.
Try pairing this with a white slip skirt for a runway-ready look.
Style Notes: If lime green isn’t for you, there’s another bold fashion colour trend for 2023 you can consider—saffron. This vivid shade of red was hard to ignore in the latest collections, and was mostly worn top-to-toe by way of suiting, dresses and hosiery.
Trust me, a red coat will never go out of style.
Red dresses never fail to look glamorous.
An easy way to integrate the saffron colour trend into your everyday wardrobe.
Knitted skirts look great styled with vest tops and oversize shirts alike.
Speaking of knitwear, this H&M style is made of premium wool, which will happily live in your closet forever.
This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
