Fashion in 2026 isn’t whispering, it’s declaring itself in colour. Designers are moving away from safe neutrals and embracing bold, expressive shades that actually mean something. It’s less about following
a trend and more about wearing a feeling. Colours this year aren’t just decorative; they’re emotional cues, confidence boosters and tiny acts of self-expression. What’s interesting is how seamlessly these shades flow across seasons. The same colour that brightens a winter coat can energise a summer dress. It’s effortless, versatile and, honestly, a refreshing reminder that style can be both powerful and playful at the same time.
Fashion in 2026 is all about expressing confidence and emotion through colour. Designers are bringing forward bold shades that feel strong yet warm, showing how colour can uplift moods and tell stories. The focus is on tones that transition easily from fall outfits to summer styles, creating looks that feel effortless, versatile and timeless.
The key shades of the season, burgundy, bright red and pale pink define this new mood. Burgundy stands out for its richness and depth, adding sophistication to any outfit. Once seen only in winter wardrobes, it now blends beautifully with pastels and jewel tones throughout the year. Bright red delivers a burst of energy and confidence, while pale pink softens the palette with a romantic, dreamy touch.
“Fashion in 2026 is full of colour, character, and courage. People are no longer afraid to stand out,” say Devansh Jain Nawal and Ackshay Jain, co-founders, Culture Circle, a fashion multi-brand platform. “We’re seeing a shift toward expressive colours that make people feel powerful and happy. Shades like red and burgundy aren’t just trends; they speak of confidence, creativity, and personality. The new colour palette perfectly captures the spirit of this fearless consumer who wants to wear emotion with pride.”
Adding calmness to this bold story, Pantone’s Color of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer, introduces a soft white tone symbolising peace, clarity and a fresh start. It acts as the perfect neutral, allowing vibrant colours to shine while bringing a sense of balance. The 2026 season reminds us that colour is no longer just a detail, it’s the heart of design and a reflection of how we feel: bold, calm, confident and completely ourselves.
“At Attrangi, we see the same love for colour coming through in jewellery,” add Jain and Shah. “Warm pinks, ruby reds and glossy burgundies are our customer favourites right now. These shades bring joy, playfulness and elegance together. Jewellery today isn’t just about sparkle; it’s about self-expression and emotion through colour.”
Offering a menswear perspective, Shalini Singh and Vaibhav Singh, founders, contemporary menswear label TZÁR, share, “At TZÁR, we’re seeing a strong shift towards softer tones in men’s fashion. Light colours like ivory, sky blue and soft peach are gaining popularity because they reflect calmness and modern confidence. Men are embracing shades that feel fresh and easy yet polished. These lighter hues express openness and individuality while adding relaxed sophistication to everyday dressing.”
As 2026 unfolds, colour is no longer just an accent in fashion, it is the statement itself. From deep burgundies to fiery reds and soft pastels, this year’s palette reflects a shift toward emotional dressing, where people choose shades that express who they are and how they want to feel. Whether through clothing, jewellery or menswear, designers and consumers alike are embracing colour as a language of confidence, joy and individuality. This bold, expressive energy marks a refreshing evolution in style, reminding us that fashion’s greatest power lies in its ability to make us feel authentically ourselves.
