You may not see eye to eye with me, but I believe these five color trends are quite outdated in 2026.
After a decade in the fashion industry, I've learned that color trends change more rapidly than other styles. What seems innovative one week can feel clichéd a few weeks later. This season is no different, as colors rise and fall in popularity at a speed that captures the attention of even the most experienced fashion editors. In my view, no color is ever truly 'out' or 'uncool'; however, it's beneficial to observe these changes and use them as opportunities to bring new life into your wardrobe.
A seasonal change often sparks the emergence of new colors, encouraging us to venture beyond our usual choices and experiment with shades that may now feel integral to our outfits. As the days grow warmer, our affection for olive greens might shift toward brighter tones, the softness of butter yellow may be swapped for something more vibrant, or we might opt for cleaner neutrals.
If you're eager to refresh your summer closet, keeping an eye on these transitions is essential, as it allows you to create a fresh palette without overhauling your entire wardrobe. Continue reading to explore the five color trends we are moving away from, and the new shades we're embracing instead.
**5 Color Trends That Are Considered Outdated in 2026**
**Pausing: Navy
Wearing Instead: Cobalt Blue**
**Style Notes:** The trend seems to have begun with cobalt trousers, expanding to dresses, shoes, and swimwear all showcasing this bold blue hue. Mirroring the blue domes found in Greece, it emerges as an obvious summer color, especially when paired with white.
**Shop Cobalt Blue:**
- The perfect holiday dress.
- A fresh take on mesh flats.
- **TORY BURCH:** Logo-Embellished Swimsuit for poolside style.
- **M&S:** Pure Cotton Cutwork Beach Shorts.
- **& Other Stories:** Fine Knit T-Shirt featuring a must-have high-neck.
**Pausing: Pale Pink
Wearing Instead: Lilac**
**Style Notes:** This part of the year inevitably draws us toward pastels, yet a great way to elevate a summer wardrobe is to opt for underappreciated hues. While pastel pinks, yellows, and blues have dominated for several seasons, lilac is making a comeback influenced by the Versace and Issey Miyake S/S26 runways. It complements neutrals such as black, white, and light grey, and can also be vibrant when paired with bright greens, deeper purples, and denim.
**Shop Lilac:**
- **H&M:** Draped One-Shoulder Dress, ideal for wedding guests.
- **MANGO:** Heeled Sandals With Bow.
- **Gucci:** Braided Cotton Blend Top.
- **Anthropologie:** The Colette Full-Length Wide-Leg Trousers; colorful trousers are trending this season.
**Pausing: Olive Green
Wearing Instead: Apple Green**
**Style Notes:** Olive green comfortably aligns between khaki and brighter greens, providing a safe color choice for neutrals who desire a touch of color, particularly in occasion wear. Chartreuse was another prominent color on the S/S26 runways, and apple green offers a similar vibe but is somewhat easier to wear due to its softer undertones. For a fun twist this summer, consider bright green sequins, earrings, or beaded necklaces, or incorporate this shade into tailored pieces for added personality.
**Shop Apple Green:**
- **SIR:** Asymmetric Linen Minidress; perfect for the mini dress season!
- **ASOS DESIGN:** Half Hoop Earrings that are eye-catching.
- **Whistles:** Sleeveless Tiered Midi Dress, which pairs beautifully with chocolate brown.
- **ALIGNE:** Felix Bandeau Satin Top, ideal for transitioning from day to night.
- **Reiss:** Textured-Weave Wide-Leg Suit Trousers; perfect for adding color to work attire.
**Pausing: Cream
Wearing Instead: White**
**Style Notes:** Cream will always be a versatile staple, but there’s something about an all-white outfit in the summer that feels refreshing and striking in a way that cream does not convey. Pair it with textural elements like lace, embroidery, pleating, and ruching for an effortlessly eye-catching look.
**Shop White:**
- **Reformation:** Cary Low Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans, a stylish choice with Broderie Anglaise.
- **Rise & Fall:** Women's Merino Wool Straight Neck Vest, featuring an elegant neckline.
- **DeMellier:** The Stockholm Shoulder, a favorite among fashion editors.
- **Massimo Dutti:** Leather Toe Divider Sandals; white flip-flops look notably smarter than their black counterparts.
- **Toteme:** Compact Knit Halter Top, a must-have basic.
**Pausing: Butter Yellow
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You may not see eye to eye with me, but I believe these five color trends are quite outdated in 2026.
Colour trends are always changing, so if you want to keep up, continue reading to find out the shades that fashion enthusiasts are sporting this summer.