Future Strategies

Women's Colour Forecast

S/S 23
WGSNʼs colour forecasts provide a roadmap for choosing
the most relevant, impactful and sustainable colours for
S/S 23. For womenswear, natural and nostalgic tones will
continue to hold sway, and so will upbeat, celebratory
brights

Angela Baidoo
05.11.21 · 18 minutes

Wi Geumyeomg
Overview
This season's Global Colour Forecast for S/S 23 responds to the need for optimism
and stability a er a prolonged period of uncertainty, and brands can respond by
making responsible decisions around colour. Humble everyday hues will resonate
with The Predictors consumer group, and these should be balanced with upli ing,
mood-boosting brights, which will appeal to those who spend their time between
the physical world and the virtual metaverse.
Consumers will be seeking calming, restorative shades that can provide balance and
connect them to nature as an everyday healing practice. There will also be a
heightened expectation for brands to align with their values, and provide affordable
responsible solutions, which can be addressed by adopting naturally-derived plant
dyes that simultaneously celebrate and protect the environment as standard
practice.
This season's dialled-down primary brights will also tap into a sense of wellbeing –
when combined, they can provide lo-fi colour therapy, and the contrast between
dramatic dark tones and ethereal pales will be even more keenly felt. Deeper hues
not typically associated with spring and summer add an unexpected directional
update, and are set to make an impact across the season and into the transseasonal
autumn period. Extend the life of these colours to move them beyond classic fashion
shades.

@maygelcoronelof cial

1
Women's colour
Palette S/S 23

This palette features 40% of hues carried over

16-1710 TCX

17-1736 TCX

19-1860 TCX

16-3118 TCX

17-1663 TCX

15-1319 TCX

16-1422 TCX

15-1333 TCX

18-1441 TCX

17-1361 TCX

18-1354 TCX

15-1245 TCX

14-1208 TCX

16-0928 TCX

18-1027 TCX

13-1025 TCX

13-0942 TCX

16-1148 TCX
from previous seasons – reinvest in these
according to consumer demand. This considered
method offers a more responsible and

Papaya Smoothie
Orange Selenite
Raspberry Pink

Luscious Red
Vintage Pink

Honeycomb
Vanilla Cake
Setting Sun
Peach Sand
sustainable approach to colour development,

Pink Punch

Italian Clay

Parchment
Terracotta
Wild Rose

Oat Milk
Rooibos

Sundial
ensuring fabric stock is used beyond one season,

Silt
which will reduce waste and lower the
environmental impact of the dyeing process.

028-59-26
030-69-10
026-70-32
010-46-36
006-39-31
005-57-28

036-82-16
022-62-16

034-76-27
018-49-28

025-35-14
017-43-20

018-54-37
001-62-12

147-64-24

024-75-15

018-65-21

031-63-17
This season, nourishing tones of rich brown and
12-0435 TCX

17-0636 TCX

15-6317 TCX

17-0210 TCX

14-6329 TCX

18-6018 TCX

18-4834 TCX

14-4522 TCX

17-4139 TCX

18-3949 TCX

15-3716 TCX

17-3730 TCX
yellow take precedence over cooler shades, as
they feed into the need for optimism and joy.
Neutrals are tinted with earthy undertones, while

Jacaranda Flower
Digital Lavender
Turquoise Sea

Tranquil Blue
Celery Juice

pinks take on a so vintage feel and an energising

Apple Mint
Green Fig

Palm Leaf

Satin Sky
Verdigris
Olive Oil

Jade
orange takes its cue from the golden hour.
Greens dominate the cooler palette and offer a
balance that reconnects with nature, while lighter

065-68-24
052-82-23

097-70-23
092-38-21
062-57-10
044-52-13

124-38-32

134-52-27
062-71-14

134-67-16
071-36-17

114-57-24
calming blues offer a sense of wellbeing.

* All colour names are speci c to WGSN. For colour codes, please refer to the following colour system reference pages: Coloro / Pantone TCX
/ Pantone Coated / CSI

2
Women's core colours
Palette S/S 23

An expanded foundation palette provides the

19-1652 TCX

17-1134 TCX

19-1016 TCX

16-0430 TCX

19-3932 TCX
base for timeless year-round colour. A greater
emphasis is placed on tinted whites and greys –
Digital Mist from S/S 21 and Unbleached from

Midnight Blue
Butterscotch
A/W 22. Build on deeper core tones that will

Bloodstone

Dark Oak

Bay Leaf
extend the life of volume drivers. The practical
tone of Bloodstone, which first appeared in A/W
21, maintains its relevance, while Dark Oak and

029-50-19

017-23-07

051-62-15

120-22-18
011-27-26
Butterscotch are warmer takes on neutrals.

14-3906 TCX

11-4800 TCX

13-4303 TCX

11-0103 TCX

19-4203 TCX
Unbleached Cotton
Optic White

Digital Mist
Pearl Grey

Black
036-89-06
037-93-00

047-82-01

153-19-00
157-72-02

* All colour names are speci c to WGSN. For colour codes, please refer to the following colour system reference pages: Coloro / Pantone TCX
/ Pantone Coated / CSI

3
Unnatural naturals
Hyper-real colours in uenced by synthetic
nature will offer consumers an ultra-
sensory experience.
Why are they key? As # designfordigital
becomes an industry standard, the potency of
colour should be dialled up to make an impact
at all levels of the market. Source vivid hues
from synthetic nature, as well as metaverse-
inspired shades, to align with the shi of
consumers living their lives on-screen.
@mexakitsch Tomo Koizumi
How to us e them: Reimagine hyper-real tones
through a digital lens by pairing WGSN's colour
of the year for 2023, Digital Lavender, with
shades of Pink Punch and Papaya Smoothie.
Combine brights to optimise the sensory
experience, but balance these with summer
darks of Bloodstone and Verdigris.

C: Papaya Smoothie
A: Pink Punch

D: Verdigris

@brrch_ oral @the_attico Toni Bertran

B: Digital Lavender E: Bloodstone

F: Jacaranda Flower

Coloro:
A: 005-57-28, B: 134-67-16, C: 026-70-32, D: 092-38-
4
21, E: 011-27-26, F: 134-52-27
Pantone:
A: 17-1736 TCX, B: 15-3716 TCX, C: 15-1245 TCX, D: 18-
4834 TCX, E: 19 1652 TCX, F: 17 3730 TCX
Warm midcentury
A continuing focus on home-based
wellbeing rituals will see inclusive colour
extend the life of practical yet comforting
silhouettes.
Why are they key? The focus on interiors will
continue well in 2023, and innovative periods in
design history will stand out as a key reference
for more saturated mid-tone colours. This
palette will have particular appeal for The
Predictors consumer group, thanks to its
Brooke Didonato Victoria Beckham
practicality and longevity.
How to us e them: S/S 23 will see a refined spin
on nostalgic colours, with raw clay inspiring
Terracotta and Rooibos. Use these alongside
Tranquil Blue – a midcentury blue update – to
give designs a grounded and reassuring quality.
Consider the gender-inclusive hues of Green
Fig and Peach Sand for use within solids and
prints.

A: Terracotta @maisie_wilen Acler Schneid Studio

D: Rooibos

B: Tranquil Blue

E: Green Fig

C: Peach Sand
5 F: Digital Lavender

Coloro:
A: 017-43-20, B: 114-57-24, C: 024-75-15, D: 018-49-28,
E: 062-71-14, F: 134-67-16
Pantone:
A: 18-1441 TCX, B: 17-4139 TCX, C: 15-1319 TCX, D: 18-
1354 TCX, E: 15-6317 TCX, F: 15-3716 TCX
Not-so-basic brights
Bold colour combinations will remain a
de antly optimistic choice, so approach
with con dence and experiment with
brights.
Why are they key? These effervescent brights
have been dialled down for broad appeal, but
they are still impactful and, when paired
together tone-on-tone, can provide an
emotional connection to mood-boosting colour.
How to us e them: Experiment with confident Rejina Pyo Hello Artists
combinations of Luscious Red and Turquoise
Sea to create merchandising statements in-
store, highlighting endless styling options for
cut-and-sew fashion and core items. Look to
Polish brand Aggi and Mumbaiʼs Payal
Khandwala for how to work Apple Mint, Papaya
Smoothie, and Digital Lavender across fashion
shirts, relaxed tailoring, and the re-emerging
partywear category.

A: Turquoise Sea
D: Digital Lavender
Utopia & Utility @tibi a.p. bio

B: Luscious Red

E: Papaya Smoothie

C: Apple Mint

6
Coloro:
A: 097-70-23, B: 010-46-36, C: 065-68-24, D: 134-67-
16, E: 026-70-32
Pantone:
A: 14-4522 TCX, B: 17-1663 TCX, C: 14-6329 TCX, D: 15-
3716 TCX, E: 15-1245 TCX
Lo-  sunrise
Amplify the life-enhancing effects of sun-
kissed colours by harnessing the narrative
around the golden hour.
Why are they key? Transporting us to the
golden hour, when the day's first light appears
as a warm glow, this colour story emphasises
the sense of solace that comes from the sun.
How to us e them: Providing restorative
escapism, Setting Sun's glowing orange is a
classic summer tone that gains a modern Emily Lewis @terry_towelling
relevance through the addition of tinted neutral
Peach Sand. Sundial, which is one of our key
colours for S/S 23, evokes an elevated sense of
luxury, and Dark Oakʼs rich brown is a new
neutral base that moves on summer black.

C: Papaya Smoothie
A: Sundial

D: Peach Sand

Simon Miller Mirae Paris Michael Kors

B: Setting Sun
E: Oat Milk

F: Dark Oak

Coloro:
A: 028-59-26, B: 018-54-37, C: 026-70-32, D: 024-75-
15, E: 030-69-10, F: 017-23-07
Pantone:
A:7 16-1148 TCX, B: 17-1361 TCX, C: 15-1245 TCX, D: 15-
1319 TCX, E: 14-1208 TCX, F: 19-1016 TCX
Domestic neutrals
Warmer neutrals are updated with earthy
tints that provide a long-lasting connection
to homestead themes.
Why are they key? Domestic neutrals continue
the narrative around the importance of the
home, where everyday mundane objects and
materials can serve as inspiration.
How to us e them: As more consumers
embrace a frugal lifestyle, their fashion and
home choices look to a celebration of the The Edition 94 @stylebop
simple life. Naturally derived humble colours
that are hard-working and practical will
resonate. Oat Milk, Jade, and Honeycomb are
influenced by the produce shared at family
gatherings around the kitchen table, while
earthy brown Silt and Italian Clay can be
applied to naturally textured GOTS linen
bases.

A: Silt

D: Italian Clay
Apres Ski Kate Monteith @bohemegoods

B: Oat Milk

E: Jade
C: Honeycomb

Coloro:
8
A: 025-35-14, B: 030-69-10, C: 034-76-27, D: 022-62-
16, E: 062-57-10
Pantone:
A: 18-1027 TCX, B: 14-1208 TCX, C: 13-0942 TCX, D: 16-
1422 TCX, E: 17-0210 TCX
Desaturated romance
Look to the past with a romantic lens, with
oral-infused pinks that are pared down for
a nod to vintage style.
Why are they key? Gentle, mindful tones of
washed pinks update the occasionwear
category. Use these risk-averse shades of quiet
pigments with subtle-shine fabrics, as more
over-the-top embellishment down-trends.
How to us e them: Greyed-off Vintage Pink
works as a gender-inclusive tone, playing into The Leo Is All in the Mind The Leo Is All in the Mind
the # newfemininity and # so masculinity
trends that we have been tracking. Tinted
neutrals of Oat Milk and Unbleached Cotton
can be used as solids or print bases, and
darker tones offer a twist that will carry-over
into the transseasonal period.

C: Oat Milk
A: Vintage Pink

@nanushka Studio William Fan Studio Mary Lennox

D: Unbleached Cotton

B: Italian Clay E: Dark Oak

F: Palm Leaf

Coloro:
A: 001-62-12, B: 022-62-16, C: 030-69-10, D: 036-89-
06, E: 017-23-07, F: 071-36-17
9
Pantone:
A: 16-1710 TCX, B: 16-1422 TCX, C: 14-1208 TCX, D: 11-
0103 TCX, E: 19-1016 TCX, F: 18-6018 TCX
Dried greens
Use this restorative green palette to
stimulate a stable emotional state, using
both grounded and uplifting shades.
Why are they key? The soothing properties of
mid-tone greens make them one of the most
important colour groups for S/S 23.
Reconnecting the consumer with nature, plant-
derived shades will provide low-impact
sustainable solutions for the dyeing process.
How to us e them: Grounded, saturated greens Hannah Thornhill @doblist
of Jade and Olive Oil offer much-needed
restorative tones, and the unexpectedly bold
hue of Celery Juice can be layered with Orange
Selenite and Parchment for a contemporary
casual uniform, which will work across
recycled cotton, delicate sheers and utility
twills.

D: Orange Selenite
A: Jade

@arecipeforgluttony Girlfriend Collective Wax Atelier

B: Celery Juice E: Parchment

C: Olive Oil
F: Unbleached Cotton

Coloro:
A: 062-57-10, B: 052-82-23, C: 044-52-13, D: 018-65-
10
21, E: 031-63-17, F: 036-89-06
Pantone:
A: 17-0210 TCX, B: 12-0435 TCX, C: 17-0636 TCX, D: 15-
1333 TCX, E: 16 0928 TCX, F: 11 0103 TCX
Indigo
Cobalt blue works with contrasting primary
tones as a fashion palette update for the
evolving #workleisure uniform.
Why are they key? As consumers evolve their
# workleisure uniforms, offer directional
variations on familiar colours, which will
transcend seasons.
How to us e them: The statement-making tone
of Satin Sky emerges as a modern classic that
will perform across # collectionessentials. Noir Deco J Yamusangie
With the addition of Setting Sun and S/S 23 key
colour Luscious Red, this tightly edited palette
can be used to offer confident pops of primary
colour. Vanilla Cake is a so er take on pastel
yellow, while Midnight Blue grounds the
palette with a timeless base.

A: Satin Sky C: Midnight Blue

@agnesvita Xou Xou Judith Atelier

D: Luscious Red

B: Setting Sun

E: Vanilla Cake

Coloro:
A: 124-38-32, B: 018-54-37, C: 120-22-18, D: 010-46-
36, E: 036-82-16
11
Pantone:
A: 18-3949 TCX, B: 17-1361 TCX, C: 19-3932 TCX, D: 17-
1663 TCX, E: 13-1025 TCX
Summer darks
Use unexpected summer darks to evoke a
sense of luxury and escapism.
Why are they key? Deep darks tones form an
elevated palette that speaks to the luxury of
escapism, associated with summer months
spent vacationing in far-away destinations.
How to us e them: Pair drama-fuelled S/S 23
key colour Verdigris with Raspberry Pink to
evoke a true sense of luxury at all levels of the
market, from youth to value. These Suzanne Saroff The Attico
progressive darks, which are not usually
associated with the season, are enhanced by
the pretty tone of Wild Rose, which will work
with the warmer neutral of Italian Clay for silky
cupros and smooth twills, sitting alongside
summer crochet in recycled metallic yarns.

A: Verdigris
C: Wild Rose

Dion Lee The Leo Is All in the Mind Duro Olowu

D: Italian Clay

B: Raspberry Pink

E: Black

Coloro:
A: 092-38-21, B: 006-39-31, C: 147-64-24, D: 022-62-
16, E: 153-19-00
12
Pantone:
A: 18-4834 TCX, B: 19-1860 TCX, C: 16-3118 TCX, D: 16-
1422 TCX, E: 19-4203 TCX
Transcendent whites
Approach this palette of off-whites in an
elevated way by applying subtle shine to
surfaces.
Why are they key? Appeal to the need for a
palette refresh mid-season by using ethereal
white tones. This palette strikes a balance
between # everydaydecadence and hyper-
femininity, achieved through gentle iridescent
coatings reminiscent of oyster shells.
How to us e them: Illuminate the pale colours @fendi Mai Izumitani
of Unbleached Cotton and Digital Mist with
light-catching matte-and-shine effects, using
high-definition silky fabrics and sheers that will
benefit from sustainable water-based PU
coatings. The earthy tones of Italian Clay and
Vanilla Cake provide a foundation for these
tinted whites.

C: Italian Clay

A: Unbleached Cotton

Beverly Nguyen 18.01 London Oma the Label

D: Digital Mist

B: Vanilla Cake
E: Optic White

Coloro:
A: 036-89-06, B: 036-82-16, C: 022-62-16, D: 047-
13
82-01, E: 037-93-00
Pantone:
A: 11-0103 TCX, B: 13-1025 TCX, C: 16-1422 TCX, D: 13-
4303 TCX, E: 11 4800 TCX
1 234
Action points
Explore sustainable solutions as
a standard for volume drivers
Focus on the sustainable attributes of
your colour choices to lower negative
environmental processes throughout
the supply chain and during production.
Use naturally derived and low-impact
pigments for basic EPP (entry price
point) ranges as a standard, and work
towards adding more gender-inclusive
tones within your palettes so colours
can be used across a range of shared
categories
14
Use unexpected summer darks
to drive newness and evoke a
sense of luxury at all market
levels
Use richer darks not typically
associated with summer to add drama
and unexpected appeal to seasonal
ranges. Far from being reserved for
dressier categories, these moodier
hues can provide the perfect base for
dark-ground florals and youth-led
# newwave prints. They will also drive
engagement in-store and on-screen
when applied to graphic tees, wide-leg
trousers or technical outerwear
Use mood-boosting colour to
create impact and build
con dence
A er a season of hyper-brights that
emerged in response to a heightened
sense of optimism, dial down hues to a
mid-tone level to increase their appeal
across a broader market. These mood-
boosting shades will be amplified
further in the virtual world, with bold
pairings styled for campaigns, colour-
blocking and patchworked prints to
make an impact online
Look to humble neutrals to
celebrate the everyday
Use neutrals as a new nourishing
palette, and explore gentle iridescent
sheens and ethereal coatings to elevate
tinted whites for a directional take on
summer event dressing. The joy of
everyday mundanity will be an equally
valid source of inspiration, appealing to
consumers who want to balance their
lifestyles by keeping things simple
 037-93-00 153-19-00
036-89-06 047-82-01
044-52-13 120-22-18
019-27-14 115-35-20
011-27-26 158-56-00
036-82-16 157-72-02
017-23-07 134-52-27
025-35-14 134-67-16
029-50-19 122-25-24
031-63-17 124-38-32
030-69-10 114-57-24
026-70-32 097-70-23
018-49-28 105-75-12
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Coloro here
018-54-37 092-38-21
017-43-20 071-36-17
018-65-21 065-68-24
022-62-16 062-57-10
024-75-15 062-71-14
013-43-37 048-39-19
010-46-36 051-62-15
152-45-32 052-82-23
147-64-24 043-71-30
Colour reference S/S 23

006-39-31 039-81-31
005-57-28 028-59-26
Coloro 001-62-12 034-76-27

15
 11-4800 TCX 19-4203 TCX
11-0103 TCX 13-4303 TCX
17-0636 TCX 19-3932 TCX
19-1220 TCX 18-4034 TCX
19-1652 TCX 17-3802 TCX
13-1025 TCX 14-3906 TCX
19-1016 TCX 17-3730 TCX
18-1027 TCX 15-3716 TCX
17-1134 TCX 19-3953 TCX
16-0928 TCX 18-3949 TCX
14-1208 TCX 17-4139 TCX
15-1245 TCX 14-4522 TCX
18-1354 TCX 14-4318 TCX
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here
17-1361 TCX 18-4834 TCX
18-1441 TCX 18-6018 TCX
15-1333 TCX 14-6329 TCX
16-1422 TCX 17-0210 TCX
15-1319 TCX 15-6317 TCX
17-1563 TCX 18-0430 TCX
17-1663 TCX 16-0430 TCX
17-2034 TCX 12-0435 TCX
16-3118 TCX 14-0750 TCX
Colour reference S/S 23

19-1860 TCX 14-0849 TCX

Pantone TCX

17-1736 TCX 16-1148 TCX

16-1710 TCX 13-0942 TCX

16
 7541 C 426 C
663 C 420 C
7503 C 2767 C
7595 C 2152 C
188 C 7653 C
7401 C 435 C
Black 5 C 2655 C
7603 C 2645 C
7574 C 288 C
7508 C 2726 C
4685 C 284 C
1485 C 305 C
7580 C 550 C
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here
1655 C 323 C
7600 C 343 C
487 C 360 C
7514 C 7494 C
7415 C 558 C
179 C 581 C
Red 032 C 5777 C
675 C 372 C
236 C 7752 C
Colour reference S/S 23
Pantone Coated

1945 C 122 C
1777 C 7570 C
694 C 143 C

17
 660-120 660-940
215-140 659-140
548-580 431-920
543-760 330-720
104-920 658-530
214-240 658-330
542-820 434-370
545-880 434-260
212-810 432-870
213-420 432-550
546-270 330-380
211-430 327-340
108-750 328-160
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Archroma here
108-680 326-840
107-720 322-820
109-240 321-330
110-310 550-450
110-150 550-380
106-670 217-920
105-580 218-710
440-570 218-250
438-360 215-680
Colour reference S/S 23

103-760 214-370
Archroma

103-460 212-670
101-310 213-240

18
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.
19
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
20
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