Forget Every Other Trend—These Are the 5 Colours I'll Be Trying This Spring
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.
1. Violet Haze
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.
Shop the Shade:
This Instagram-approved knit comes in a handful of shades, but this is easily my favourite.
So elegant.
I'm bookmarking this stand-out dress for spring.
Off-the-shoulder knitwear is very much a thing this season.
2. Black Magic
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.
Shop the Shade:
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.
3. Lime Wedge
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.
Shop the Shade:
4. Blinding Whites
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.
Shop the Shade:
The attention to detail on this blazer is next-level.
Arket's best-selling tote now comes in this versatile shade of white.
White trousers are the epitome of dressing fancy.
5. Siren Saffron
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.
Shop the Shade:
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.
Next Up: Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: The 21 Looks You Need to Know About
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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