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

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

      At Who What Wear UK, our goal is to keep you informed, particularly about the color trends that will take center stage in the coming year. While a sophisticated capsule wardrobe can take you a long way, I believe that incorporating well-chosen colors into your outfits is the simplest way to enhance and bring joy to any ensemble. With delightful pastels, striking chartreuse, and even purple poised to dominate this year, it’s clear that bolder, maximalist hues will significantly influence style.

      (Image credit: Getty Images) However, during the spring/summer 2026 runways, color-blocking emerged as a standout trend making a triumphant return. This technique, which has its roots in modernist art, gained attention in the fashion realm through Cubism, particularly from Dutch artist Piet Mondrian’s work, "Composition with Red, Blue and Yellow." Perfectly captured in Yves Saint Laurent's iconic shift dress from the '60s (which re-emerged in 2002 during a career retrospective), color-blocking has persisted in fashion, evolving in its application over the years. Nowadays, color-blocking typically means combining two or more bold, vibrant hues to create a striking outfit that speaks volumes without needing words.

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics) As soon as the S/S 26 collections were unveiled, it was evident that designers were embracing a lively color-blocking vibe. Those familiar with industry shifts will know that this season's "big reshuffle" marked a significant moment in fashion history, with 16 new creative directors taking the helm at some of the most renowned luxury brands, along with emerging designers. This reshuffle represents a clear break from the past. Following a period dominated by muted neutrals and "quiet luxury," there is now a call for expressive styles (as seen in extravagant dressing and indie sleaze-inspired layers), making color-blocking a logical advancement. From whimsical fringed florals at Matthieu Blazy's debut to Chanel’s off-season showcase featuring carefully paired striped shirts, and Pierpaolo Piccioli's Balenciaga premiere, where traditional neutrals were replaced by vibrant shades like violet, scarlet, and emerald, it's clear that designers are focusing on wearability within their collections. The more I explored, the more I found that neutrals were being utilized to balance bolder, more challenging shades such as lilac, orange, or crimson red.

      For maximalists, embracing brighter colors might come easily, but for those with a more classic style, color-blocking can feel intimidating. Therefore, I’ve researched the runways and consulted with my colleagues to compile seven foolproof tips that make this trend accessible, simple, and effortless.

      7 Color-Blocking Trends to Re-Create in 2026

      1. Offset With Neutrals

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics : Balenciaga) Style Notes: Let’s start with a straightforward approach. If you're uncertain, keep it simple. At Pierpaolo Piccioli's debut at Valentino, the color-blocking was both subtle and striking. By pairing a voluminous green puffball skirt with a cropped white tee and slightly wedged flip-flops, the focus remains solely on the statement piece (in this case, the skirt). This is ideal for minimalists who may be hesitant about bold colors, demonstrating that color-blocking doesn't require multiple vivid shades. Expect to see more of this easy and approachable method for introducing color this spring.

      Shop the Color:

      You'll keep pulling out this top year after year.

      Frock Tales Mylar Puffball Midi Skirt

      For evening outings, try pairing your puffball skirt with a stylish blazer and contrasting tights.

      ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Saionara Jelly PVC Flip-Flops

      Flip-flops remain my favorite summer sandal style.

      2. Consider Shades That Complement

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics) Style Notes: A reliable method to achieve a cohesive appearance is to use contrasting shades on the color wheel. If you’re not well-versed in color theory, this might feel unfamiliar, but pairing two contrasting colors can result in a visually captivating yet harmonious look. Erdem’s S/S 26 collection exemplified this with the combination of pink and green, which are complementary shades.

      Shop the Color:

      Anthropologie Mare Mare Emmy Satin Corset Maxi Dress

      'S Max Mara Radice Jersey Coat

      An investment, but one you’ll treasure for a long time.

      BOTTEGA VENETA Patent-Leather Mules

      I'm completely taken by everything about this shoe with its square toe and block heel!

      3. Consider the High-Low Styling Effect

      (Image credit: Launchmetrics) Style Notes: While Blazy's fringed scarlet maxi skirts may not appeal to everyone, the color-blocking showcased here is a brilliant example of high-low styling. By combining a classic blue-and-white striped shirt with a bold maxi skirt, you can effortlessly create a playful yet sophisticated look that balances charm, personality, and elegance

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

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

Colour-blocking has been a classic styling technique for ages, but in 2026, there are fresh guidelines, making colour-blocked ensembles more stylish than ever. Keep reading for seven ways to incorporate it.