A friend inquired about the trendiest ways to incorporate color in 2026—here are my suggestions.

      At Who What Wear UK, our goal is to keep you well-informed, particularly about the color trends anticipated to emerge in the upcoming year. While a refined capsule wardrobe is beneficial, introducing strategically chosen colors into your outfits is, in my view, the simplest way to enhance and bring joy to any ensemble. With charming pastels, vibrant chartreuse, and shades of purple set to take the spotlight this year, it's evident that bolder colors will significantly influence style.

      On the spring/summer 2026 runways, color-blocking emerged as a notable comeback trend. This technique, rooted in modernist art, gained prominence with Cubism, especially through Piet Mondrian’s famous piece "Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow." It was immortalized in Yves Saint Laurent's iconic shift dress during the '60s, which made a reappearance in 2002 during his career retrospective. Since then, color-blocking has remained relevant in fashion, continually evolving in its application. Currently, it typically involves combining two or more striking, vibrant colors to create a bold outfit that speaks volumes without the need for words.

      From the moment the S/S 26 collections debuted, it was apparent that designers were embracing a lively color-blocking vibe. For those following industry trends, this season's "major reshuffle" will not come as a surprise. A notable shift is apparent as 16 new creative directors have taken over at some of the most significant names in luxury fashion, alongside many emerging brands. This reshuffle signifies a decisive ending to the previous cultural trends. Fashion insiders are expressing a desire for bold, unrestrained self-expression, evident through luxurious, extravagant dressing and nods to the indie sleaze era, after the monotony of neutral tones and "quiet luxury." Therefore, color-blocking appears to be a natural advancement. From whimsical fringed florals at Matthieu Blazy's debut collection to striking color pairings at Chanel, where vibrant shades replaced the brand's staple neutrals, it showcases the shift towards livelier aesthetics. When Pantone named ‘Cloud Dancer’ (a light, airy white) as the color of the year, it felt like a contradiction; however, designers are focusing on practicality in their collections, revealing that neutrals are being paired with more unconventional colors like lilac and orange.

      While many maximalists might find it easy to embrace bolder colors, for those who prefer classic styles, color-blocking can feel challenging. Therefore, I’ve researched the runways and consulted my colleagues to compile seven reliable tips to make this trend accessible, easy, and effortless.

      ### 7 Color-Blocking Trends to Re-Create in 2026

      1. **Offset With Neutrals**

       - Style Notes: Let’s begin simply. When in doubt, opt for a minimal approach. At Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino debut, the color-blocking was understated yet impactful. Combining a voluminous green puffball skirt with a cropped white tee and slightly wedged flip-flops directs the focus to the statement piece. This is perfect for minimalists hesitant about vibrant shades; Piccioli demonstrates that color-blocking doesn’t require numerous bold hues.

      2. **Consider Shades That Complement**

       - Style Notes: A surefire way to achieve a cohesive look is by using complementary shades from the color wheel. For those unfamiliar with color theory, this may seem odd, but pairing opposing colors can create a visually engaging and balanced effect. Erdem’s S/S 26 collection showcased this with the combination of pink and green.

      3. **Consider the High-Low Styling Effect**

       - Style Notes: While Blazy's fringed scarlet maxi skirts may not appeal to everyone, the color-blocking exemplified here serves as a tutorial in high-low styling. Pairing a classic blue-and-white striped shirt with a bold maxi skirt results in a playful yet sophisticated look that balances charm and strength.

      4. **Contrast Accessories**

       - Style Notes: Prada is always a brand to watch, and this chartreuse dress becomes more captivating when paired with lilac elbow-length gloves. While the bright dress could stand alone, incorporating a thoughtfully chosen accessory adds depth to your personal style.

      5. **Strike a Balance**

       - Style Notes: With bold primary colors returning, balance them with matching shoes or accessories to create a composed look. Xu Zhi perfectly illustrates this by pairing an eye-catching ruffled maxi with matching red Hunter wellies, paired with a simple white tank and loose jeans for a casual yet intentional outfit.

      6. **Play with Prints**

       - Style Notes: From delicate florals to playful checks, prints will always be integral to seasonal trends. If you’re hesitant to fully commit to color-blocking, incorporating printed items can balance the overall effect while maintaining a cohesive look.

      7. **Pick Your Hero Piece**

       - Style Notes: If you want to stand out, choose a statement hero piece. While you