CMF

Colour Evolution S/S 23

Our comparative analysis of key colour groups provides a
guide to how they will evolve over the coming five seasons,
from S/S 21 through to S/S 23

Jenny Clark
04.23.21 · 9 minutes

Mark Mawson
Overview
Colour Evolution

Using Coloro's analysis tools, we have plotted the hue distribution to illustrate the
evolution of colour over five seasons. Coloroʼs unique coding system is organised by
how the human eye sees colour, and is able to analyse and map colour from the
lightness and chroma levels of any given hue.
The S/S 23 palette is spread broadly across the hue wheel, with almost all segments
of the spectrum represented. There is an even balance of low and high chroma colour
overall, with a spread of brights visible. However compared with previous seasons,
there is a significant shi to cool brights – particularly within pink, purple and blue
segments.
Mid-tones are strong across the spectrum, as pastels become brighter and more
chromatic. The pale pastels that remain are warm and earthy, forming a cluster on the
right side of the hue wheel.
Warm colours still dominate this season, and this is bolstered by the broader range of
classic browns and neutrals tones. Orange and yellow remain a strong and diverse hue
group, sitting within the neutrals, pastels and brights categories.

S/S 23 Coloro hue distribution

1
Red
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image WGSN Original Image Jan Erik Waide Liubov Pogorela Hanna Redling

015-50-36 17-1564 TCX 015-50-36 17-1564 TCX 013-43-37 17-1563 TCX 013-39-31 18-1555 TCX 010-46-36 17-1663 TCX

015-33-25 18-1442 TCX 010-38-36 18-1654 TCX 014-40-26 18-1536 TCX 011-27-26 19-1652 TCX 013-43-37 17-1563 TCX

006-26-16 19-1526 TCX 011-27-26 19-1652 TCX 011-27-26 19-1652 TCX 008-23-14 19-1528 TCX 011-27-26 19-1652 TCX

Newness in red for S/S 21 comes
with the more complex orange-
tinted hue of Oxy Fire (015-50-36),
while darker hues lean towards
brown.
We expect red to remain
important across all markets
and categories for A/W 21/22.
Bloodstone (011-27-26) will be a
key colour for the season,
pairing beautifully with a wide
range of tones.
Red will step back this season
as other colours take
precedence. Bloodstone (011-
27-26) continues for S/S 22, and
Burnished Sunset (014-40-26)
offers a more natural, earthy
option.
Bloodstone (011-27-26) remains
in the palette, and is joined by
another deep red – Dark Cherry
(008-23-14). Artisanal Red (013-
39-31) signals a shi to a more
classic and sophisticated hue.
There will be a shi back to
bright and primary reds such as
Luscious Red (010-46-36). These
are supported by the classic
deeper shade of
Bloodstone (011-27-26).

2
Orange
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Pleasure Garden Magazine Calma Miami Johan Viladrich Jonas Daley

031-72-40 14-1064 TCX 030-67-34 15-1058 TCX 030-67-34 15-1058 TCX 026-70-32 15-1245 TCX
020-50-32 17-1452 TCX

018-68-27 15-1340 TCX 024-55-38 17-1350 TCX 022-63-24 15-1334 TCX 018-65-21 15-1333 TCX

024-57-21 16-1332 TCX

022-54-35 16-1356 TCX 017-45-35 18-1445 TCX 022-50-29 16-1448 TCX 018-54-37 17-1361 TCX

The appeal of orange will
broaden beyond the youth
market for S/S 21. Kata Tjuta
(020-50-32) and brown-hued
Himalayan Rubrub (024-57-21)
illustrate a broader shi towards
natural hues for this season.
Oranges will remain key for A/W
21/22, shi ing to brighter tones
with transseasonal appeal. Look
out for Peachy (018-68-27) as a
key colour to watch.
Orange will become more
saturated and provide a much-
needed energy boost this
season. Mango Sorbet (030-67-
34) will be a key colour,
signalling a shi away from
peach towards richer juicy tones.
Orange will remain important
and evolve into warmer
desaturated copper tones. The
fruity tone of Mango Sorbet
(030-67-34) will also continue
from S/S 22 into this season.
S/S 23 sees a re-balancing and
mellowing of orange. Earth
tones remain important and
citrus shades so en, however
the punchy tone of Setting Sun
(018-54-37) will be an important
bright.

3
Yellow
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Mark Rothko @youthofthepeople Charlotte Kidger @da_bureau

043-78-28 12-0737 TCX 040-86-20 12-0824 TCX 040-86-20 12-0824 TCX 039-81-31 14-0849 TCX
033-75-33 13-0947 TCX

046-85-28 12-0646 TCX 033-74-41 15-1062 TCX 034-76-27 13-0942 TCX 034-76-27 13-0942 TCX

050-83-41 13-0650 TCX

048-82-17 13-0522 TCX 040-76-30 13-0746 TCX 034-61-29 15-0953 TCX 028-59-26 16-1148 TCX

Yellows will remain important,
with newness coming from
so er tones such as Lemon
Sherbet (046-85-28). Green-
infused Spirulina (048-82-17)
offers a more natural hue.
Yellows will be less prevalent
than previous seasons, and also
more varied, ranging from the
near neon of Light (050-83-41) to
the more wholesome tone of
Golden Cob (033- 75-33).
Yellows return with a shi to
so er, more mellow hues. Our
key tone of Butter (040-86-20)
highlights this transition to
desaturated colours with
commercial appeal.
Yellow's appeal will remain
robust for A/W 22/23, and it will
continue to shi towards
desaturated hues. Satin Brass
(034-61-29) and Honeycomb (034-
76-27) also signal the return of
warmer golden yellows.
Warm hues continue into 2023,
with Honeycomb (034-76-27) and
the ochre tone of Sundial (028-
59-26). Yellow Freesia (039-81-31)
is a so true yellow, signalling
the return of primary hues.

4
Green
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Kinn Living @jugoindigo Simone Bossi Amanda Ansell

072-69-24 15-6123 TCX 065-80-23 13-0117 TCX 044-52-13 17-0636 TCX 044-52-13 17-0636 TCX 052-82-23 12-0435 TCX

082-43-10 18-5308 TCX 062-42-21 18-0130 TCX 058-83-18 12-0322 TCX 062-57-10 17-0210 TCX 062-57-10 17-0210 TCX

084-24-14 19-5220 TCX 087-20-02 19-4015 TCX 062-55-25 16-0237 TCX 076-27-12 19-5411 TCX 065-68-24 14-6329 TCX

Green continues to influence
design industries. Quiet Wave
(072-69-24) builds on the success
of Neo Mint, while deeper hues
signal a shi to natural tones.
Green ranges from artificial hue
of Neo Mint (065-80-23 to the
authentically natural tone of
Green Wonder (062-42- 21). Dark
Springs (087-20- 02) offers a
more interesting alternative to
black.
Minty greens will shi towards
yellow tints, but remain clean
and clinical. Olive Oil (044-52-13)
will be key as both a seasonal
and core colour.
Green moves in two directions
for A/W 22/23, with yellow-tinted
Olive Oil (044-52-13), and blue-
tinted hues such as Jade (062-57-
10) and Dark Cedar (076-27-12).
Mid-tone greens will be most
important for S/S 23. Jade (062-
57-10) carries over from A/W
22/23 and is accompanied by
digital-friendly Apple Mint (065-
68-24) and Celery Juice (052-82-
23).

5
Blue
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image WGSN Original Image @dinosaur_designs Martina Guandalini Jill Burrow

098-59-30 16-4725 TCX 123-41-23 19-4037 TCX 103-60-14 16-4519 TCX 097-70-23 14-4522 TCX
098-59-30 16-4725 TCX

123-41-23 19-4037 TCX 115-35-20 18-4034 TCX 115-35-20 18-4034 TCX 114-57-24 17-4139 TCX

107-38-27 18-4434 TCX

098-31-13 19-4526 TCX 098-31-13 19-4526 TCX 122-25-24 19-3953 TCX 122-25-24 19-3953 TCX

Fresher blues gain strength in
the luxury sector, with aqua
shades appearing in catwalk
collections – particularly the
artificial bright of A.I. Aqua (098-
59-30).
A.I. Aqua will continue into A/W
21/22, highlighting the growing
importance of transseasonal
tones. Atlantic Blue (115- 35-20)
will work as a more traditional
and commercial hue.
Several blues will carry over
from A/W 21/22, including key
colour Atlantic Blue (115-35- 20).
Daylight Blue (123- 41-23) marks
a shi back to saturated, red-
infused shades.
Lazuli Blue (122- 25-24) signals
the return of deep saturated
tones. Atlantic Blue (115-35-20)
remains as a classic mid-tone,
and the lighter tone of Arctic
Blue (103-60-14) has a green
undertone.
Blue will broaden and brighten
for S/S 23. Classic mid-tone
Tranquil Blue (114-57-24) will
make the strongest statement
alongside greener Turquoise
Sea (097-70-23).

6
Purple
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Pleasure Garden Magazine Marietta Varga Wang & Söderström @da_bureau

133-84-01 13-4105 TCX 148-76-03 14-3903 TCX

156-55-06 17-1605 TCX 134-67-16 15-3716 TCX

016-66-05 16-1506 TCX 139-52-26 17-3628 TCX 156-55-06 17-1605 TCX

128-61-22 17-3930 TCX 134-52-27 17-3730 TCX

141-43-17 18-3418 TCX 138-48-19 17-3615 TCX

Lilacs and purples are seen as a
tricky choice within retail,
however their success is slowly
developing with deeper tones
working for partywear. Newness
this season comes with subtler
tones such as Lilac Tint (133-84-
01).
Purple will continue its niche
importance for A/W 21/22,
settling into the richer tone of
Magic Mauve (139-52-26).
Purple will play a supportive
role and return to greyer
shades. Chalky tones such as
Purple Paste (148-76-03) will
have commercial appeal and can
be used to complement richer
brights.
Purple splits into opposite
directions this season. Lilac
Chalk (156-55-06) has a dusted,
mineral quality, while Digital
Violet (128-61-22) is closer to
blue, and has a clean and
technical look.
Purple steps up to have a mass
appeal. It aligns in one direction
and sits squarely between red
and blue. The tinted pastel of
Digital Lavender (134-67-16) will
be the strongest of the two.

7
Pink
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Sight Unseen WGSN TAVO Studio Olaf Eliasson

011-56-12 16-1518 TCX 009-62-21 16-1620 TCX 005-57-28 17-1736 TCX

007-57-23 16-1620 TCX

001-35-31 19-1860 TCX 001-35-31 19-1860 TCX 150-38-31 19-2434 TCX 147-64-24 16-3118 TCX

016-50-19 18-1537 TCX

150-38-31 19-2434 TCX 152-25-17 19-2315 TCX 152-45-32 17-2034 TCX

Despite pink seeing a slight dip
as a must-have, its popularity
will continue. For S/S 21 it will
evolve with more pigmented and
saturated hues.
A/W 21/22 will see pink return as
a statement tone, with our key
colour of Electric Magenta (001-
35-31).
Pink will step up to become one
of the most important colour
groups in the palette. This
diverse selection highlights the
need for both saturated and
muted shades. Orchid Flower
(150-38-31) is the most
directional pink this season.
Pink will continue as a key
colour group. Orchid Flower
(150-38-31) remains, and is joined
by Beetroot (152-25-17). Sweet
Coral (009-62-21) indicates the
return of warm mid-tone pinks.
Pink remains important and
divides into warm and cool
tones. Bluer shades will shi to
Fuchsia (152-45-32) while coral
evolves to the more chromatic
hue of Pink Punch (005-57-28)

8
Brown
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

Jane Monnington Boddy Studio Brasch Nicolette Johnson Studio Anansi Bone Studio

040-59-13 16-0726 TCX 034-70-21 14-1036 TCX 028-55-15 16-1333 TCX 029-50-19 17-1134 TCX 031-63-17 16-0928 TCX

030-41-18 18-0933 TCX 022-40-26 18-1250 TCX 024-51-12 17-1417 TCX 024-51-12 17-1417 TCX 029-50-19 17-1134 TCX

025-34-20 19-1241 TCX 017-28-17 19-1435 TCX 019-27-14 19-1220 TCX 017-23-07 19-1016 TCX 017-23-07 19-1016 TCX

Fashioned-focused browns have
become one of the most talked-
about stories in colour, and they
are already trending in the
luxury sector, notably for
women's accessories. By S/S 21
they will have commercial
appeal across all markets.
Browns will remain strong for
A/W 21/22, and shi to tones that
feel richer. Golden Harvest (034-
70- 21) will be a key colour for
the season, offering a warmer
update on classic beige.
The need for commercial
neutrals will drive a focus on
classic browns for S/S 22. Wild
Mushroom (024- 51-12) signals
the return of so er red-infused
tones.
Classic neutrals will remain key.
Wild Mushroom (024-51-12)
continues into autumn,
accompanied by Dark Oak (017-
23-07). Copper and gold-tinted
browns will also be important.
Brown will remain timeless and
move away from warm tints.
Parchment (031-63-17) confirms
the return of yellow-infused
beige, and the deep shade of
Dark Oak (017-23-07) continues
from A/W 22/23.

9
Grey
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

WGSN Original Image Andreas Levers Nishant Shukla EJR Barnes Chris Briffa Architects

047-82-01 13-4303 TCX 122-66-02 15-4008 TCX 039-75-01 13-4201 TCX 047-82-01 13-4303 TCX
039-75-01 13-4201 TCX

122-66-02 15-4008 TCX 101-46-03 18-4510 TCX 158-56-00 17-3802 TCX 157-72-02 14-3906 TCX

122-66-02 15-4008 TCX

042-45-01 17-0613 TCX 010-34-00 19-3900 TCX 099-38-02 18-4214 TCX 158-56-00 17-3802 TCX

Greys have a sustainable edge
and connect to circular
materials. This is in line with a
broader shi for neutrals, which
are gaining fashion relevance, as
tracked by WGSN Instock data.
Greys will be more accepted as
fashion tones by A/W 21/22, and
they will be more diverse,
ranging from the pale hue of
Good Grey (122-66-02) to the
depth of Bold Graphite (010-34-
00).
Grey will be a foundation for
summer palettes this season.
Silver Grey (039-75-01) works as
a warmer light grey, while Good
Grey (122-66-02) offers a cooler
blue-infused choice.
Grey becomes more compelling
and will diversify into a broader
range of tinted hues. The levels
build from light Silver Grey (039-
75-01) to dark Pewter (099-38-02).
Grey will feel warmer and more
welcoming in S/S 23. Pearl Grey
(157-72-02) complements purple
and pink hues, while Digital Mist
(047-82-01) returns from S/S 21
as a tinted silver.

10
Pastels
Colour Evolution

S/S 21 A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23

Vibia Pleasure Garden Magazine Cecil Kemperink Nadia von Scotti Amanda Ansell

030-87-05 12-0601 TCX 014-73-08 14-1309 TCX 014-73-08 14-1309 TCX 024-75-15 15-1319 TCX
016-77-10 13-1208 TCX

047-82-01 13-4303 TCX 031-82-10 12-0710 TCX 030-69-10 14-1208 TCX 030-69-10 14-1208 TCX

137-78-04 14-3905 TCX

133-84-01 13-4105 TCX 124-84-04 13-4110 TCX 120-65-07 16-4013 TCX 036-82-16 13-1025 TCX

Pastels in their traditional sense
will not be the focus for S/S 21.
The newness will be in so er
tinted tones, influenced by the
washed hues of natural dyes and
unbleached sustainable textiles.
Pastels will become a touch
deeper for A/W 21/22, with
Purist Lilac (137-78-04) and Putty
Pink (016-77-10). Both have a
grey undertone that makes them
feel less sweet, and more
versatile.
S/S 22 pastels will be mineral-
based and saturated, but not
sweet. Pink Clay (014-73-08)
leads as a commercial tint, while
Mother of Pearl (031-82-10) is
more directional.
Pastels become darker and
more pigmented for A/W 22/23.
Mineral qualities also remain
important, with Pink Clay (014-
73-08) continuing from S/S 22.
Sea Ice (120-65-07) highlights the
importance of timeless pale
blues.
Pastels remain pigmented but
become warm and earthy this
season. Yellow will so en to the
creamy tint of Vanilla Cake (036-
82-16) and Peach Sand (024-75-
15) replaces mineral pink hues.

11
Colour methodology
WGSN's S/S 23 Global Colour Forecast is created by our
international team of forecasting experts, who
collaborate throughout the research, colour selection
and palette-building process. Our contributors come
from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe, and share
insights on the taste-makers, social movements,
influential events and new brands from their region,
resulting in a truly global view of the forces that are
shaping trends. All of this research feeds into our
Global Colour Forecast, as well as our three annual
flagship forecasts – Future Innovations, Future Drivers
and Future Consumer.
12
Each tone in the Global Colour Forecast is selected
directly from the Coloro library of 3,500 contemporary
hues. Each of the forecast's key colours is then
rigorously tested by Coloro experts to ensure
achievability across substrates and acceptable
fastness, so you can trust that they are achievable
before lab dipping.
Coloro is a beautifully designed system backed by a
technically sound approach. It offers physical and
digital products, an extensive colour library, and expert
advisory services. Find out more here.
Our palette is broken down into three sections –
seasonal, annual and long-term. We carry over a
percentage of tones from previous seasons to reflect
the importance of choosing colours responsibly. We
recognise that each industry has a different need, and
this strategy provides an indication of the longevity of a
colour.
All colour names used in this report are unique to
WGSN and they are sense-checked by our Equality
Vision Team.
We also reference e-commerce and retail data to track
the path of a colour and inform our decision-making
process.
WGSN’s forecasts are created by our global team of experts
Colour forecas ting team
Jenny Clark, Head of Colour
Helen Palmer, Head of Materials and
Textiles, Fashion
Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear,
Fashion
Erin Rechner, Head of Kidswear, Fashion
Angela Baidoo, Senior Strategist,
Womenswear, Fashion
Jane Collins, Senior Strategist,
Accessories & Footwear, Fashion
13
Contr ibutors APAC
Nick Paget, Senior Strategist, Amer icas Lupi Yao, Trend Director, China
Menswear, Fashion Catalina Marín, Account Manager, Claire Lam, Account Manager, Hong
Yvonne Kostiak, Senior Strategist, LATAM Kong
Active, Fashion Sofia Martellini, Content Manager, Start Yianni Giovanoglou, Client Services
Gemma Riberti, Head of Interiors, WGSN by WGSN Specialist, Australia
Lifestyle and Interiors
Afr ica
Clare Varga, Head of Beauty Mia Du Plessis, Account Manager, Africa
Theresa Yee, Senior Strategist, Beauty
Joanne Thomas, Head of Content,
Coloro