Future Strategies

Global Colour Forecast

A/W 23/24
Our cross-industry Global Colour Forecast presents the
must-know directions for A/W 23/24 and beyond. As
consumer confidence and resilience rebounds, colours
will be re-energised with rich and saturated levels, driven
by the desire for healing, discovery and transformation

Jenny Clark
10.01.21 · 18 minutes

WGSN original image

Overview
Global Colour A/W 23/24

A er a period of immense challenge, consumers will adjust and focus on building for
the future in A/W 23/24. As a result, our Global Colour Forecast encapsulates the
diverse lifestyle influences and motivational forces that will drive consumers as we
head into 2024, including wellbeing, discovery, transformation, simplicity and pleasure.
There will be a stronger and more holistic focus on health and healing, and this will
see so , mindful pastels evolve into brighter, digitally infused wellness colours that
feel sensorial and energising.
Rest and recuperation will also be important as consumers remain sensitive to over-
stimulation, and this, combined with a broader understanding of environmental issues
and the ongoing desire to relax and recharge outside, will boost the importance of
natural, quiet colours.
On the flip side, travel and discovery will reignite the imagination. Near-neons will
reflect the rebound of consumer optimism, and stimulating hyper-brights will return,
inspired by growing interest in the metaverse, space travel and commerce, and the
pursuit of pleasure.
To help with your long-term forecasting and sustainability goals, we have organised
this forecast into a Seasonal A/W 23/24 palette, a transseasonal Annual 2024 palette
that will work across the entire year, and a Long-Term palette set to reach beyond
2024.

Josh Sperling

Josh Sperling's exhibition, Spectrum, features a collection of free- owing sculptural paintings that
use shifting hues and textures

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

13-0650 TCX 049-86-36

Limonite Mindful Mauve
16-0950 TCX 034-56-24 17-3014 TCX 147-55-21
Carambola Digital Lavender
15-0956 TCX 036-74-35 15-3716 TCX 134-67-16
Sundial Violet Light
16-1148 TCX 028-59-26 18-3737 TCX 134-42-26
Dark Oak Lazuli Blue
19-1016 TCX 017-23-07 19-3953 TCX 122-25-24
Wholegrain Tranquil Blue
18-0933 TCX 030-41-18 17-4139 TCX 114-57-24
Candied Orange Oceanic
16-1164 TCX 026-58-35 19-4326 TCX 098-26-13
Beacon Orange Marine Teal
17-1464 TCX 020-54-37 19-4540 TCX 095-32-22
Intense Rust Seafoam
18-1442 TCX 015-33-25 13-5309 TCX 088-76-13
Dark Cherry Alpine Frost
19-1528 TCX 008-23-14 16-5808 TCX 071-65-06
Luscious Red Liquid Lime
17-1663 TCX 010-46-36 15-0545 TCX 060-71-33
Luminous Pink Murky Green

/ Pantone Coated
18-2436 TCX 154-51-37 19-0417 TCX 056-26-07
Pink Clay Bay Leaf
14-1309 TCX 014-73-08 16-0430 TCX 051-62-15
browns ground this palette, while pastels such as
are balanced against intense darks such as Dark

Seafoam and Pink Clay bring seasonal so ness.

brights return, adding an extra punch, and they
Our 25 seasonal colours for A/W 23/24 include
brights, darks, mid-tones and pastels. Hyper-

Cherry and Oceanic. Autumnal mid-tones and

Seasonal colour
A/W 23/24

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Annual colour
A/W 23/24 and S/S 24

This palette of 15 annual colours will be

18-1657 TCX

17-1537 TCX

16-1422 TCX

18-1250 TCX

15-1247 TCX

16-0928 TCX

13-0941 TCX

15-6317 TCX
important for both A/W 23/24 and S/S 24 seasons.
This transseasonal selection includes four A/W
23/24 Key Colours: Astro Dust, Galactic Cobalt,

Ginger Biscuit

Apricot Crush
Sage Leaf and Apricot Crush. The balance of

Italian Clay

Parchment
Astro Dust

Pineapple

Green Fig
Crimson
colours in this palette includes a mix of pastels,
mid-tones, saturated brights and neutrals.

022-40-26

024-65-27
010-38-36

010-42-20

022-62-16

035-81-23
031-63-17

062-71-14
18-5611 TCX

19-5421 TCX

14-4123 TCX

19-3952 TCX

19-3424 TCX

14-4501 TCX

18-4214 TCX
Galactic Cobalt

Dusted Grape
Glacial Blue
Malachite
Sage Leaf

Pumice

Basalt
072-45-06

078-33-24

120-28-32

031-77-03

103-45-01
143-36-17
112-75-11

* 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

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Long-term colour
A/W 23/24, S/S 24 and beyond

Our long-term palette of 10 colours is forecast to

19-1934 TCX

18-1441 TCX

14-1208 TCX

19-1220 TCX

18-0529 TCX
reach beyond 2024. New introductions include the
dark red tone of Cranberry Juice, which replaces
Bloodstone from previous seasons, and Sea Kelp,

Cranberry Juice
which replaces Olive Oil with a deeper shade.

Terracotta

Sea Kelp
Oat Milk

Sepia
Circular Grey is another new addition, signalling a
shi to more neutral tones for this colour group,
and Unbleached Cotton is updated to the warmer

008-26-26

030-69-10

050-40-14
017-43-20

019-27-14
off-white of Chalk.

19-3932 TCX

17-5104 TCX

12-0304 TCX

11-4800 TCX

19-4203 TCX
Midnight Blue

Circular Grey

Optic White
Chalk

Black
000-64-00

037-93-00
034-84-05

153-19-00
120-22-18

* 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

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Colour hues
Global Colour A/W 23/24

We grouped the seasonal and annual palettes Pink Red Orange Brown Yellow
together by hue to highlight the dominant colour
groups. There is a broader range of reds for A/W
23/24, incorporating autumnal and russet tones.
Pink steps back, and purple divides into two
distinct groups – warm and cool. Green and blue
remain dominant, with an expansion of teal
shades, and brown and grey maintain their
relevance.

Green Blue Purple Grey

 

For colour codes, please refer to the following colour system reference pages: Coloro / Pantone TCX / Pantone Coated

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Key Colours A/W 23/24
Introducing our ve new Key Colours for A/W 23/24. These tones are set to play a
signi cant role in all industries and de ne the mood of the season.

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Digital Lavender
Key Colour A/W 23/24

Coloro / Pantone

134-67-16 15-3716 TCX

Why is it key? Our 2023 Colour of the Year will remain closely connected to
themes of digital wellness and escapism. In our Mental Health Entertainment
report, we explore the growing demand for health-boosting digital therapy
and 'calm-tainment'. As the pursuit of mindfulness becomes embedded in
consumers' wellness routines, immersive VR platforms such as Tripp are
evolving the quest into a gamified sensorial experience. Digital Lavender has
a soothing and balancing property that connects it directly to this growing
mental health movement.
How to us e it: Embrace the health and wellness attributes of Digital
Lavender by using it for smart fitness, wearables, training apparel, light
therapy and sleep-focused products. This hue is perfect for virtual beauty
filters and digital fashion skins, especially when combined with lustre and WGSN original image

iridescence. This gender-inclusive purple also aligns with the

# so masculinity trend, and can be applied to knitwear, loungewear,
workwear, kidswear, footwear, bags and colour cosmetics. Colour evolution

Purist Lilac Lavender Silk Digital Violet Digital Lavender

A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23 and A/W 23/24

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Astro Dust
Key Colour A/W 23/24

Coloro / Pantone

010-42-20 17-1537 TCX

Why is it key? Astro Dust is a captivating mid-tone red that connects to

themes of space exploration. As commercial space travel evolves and space
tourism becomes a reality, colours of the universe will excite and inspire us.
This deep mineral tone evokes the dusty and desolate landscape of Mars and
captures the desire to explore remote terrains and planets. Astro Dust
exemplifies a shi towards off-kilter colours that feel intriguing and forward-
looking.
How to us e it: Use this colour as a gender-inclusive red update for fashion
essentials, outerwear and knitwear. Within the beauty space, implement for
cosmetics using lab-grown colourants and extremophile products. Dial up
surface texture through glossy finishes, stained wood effects, anodised and
leather applications. Apply Astro Dust to large-scale furniture along with
smart home products, TVʼs and home theatres.

Colour evolution

Burnished Sunset Astro Dust

A/W 21/22 A/W 23/24

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Galactic Cobalt
Key Colour A/W 23/24

Coloro / Pantone

120-28-32 19-3952 TCX

Why is it key? Back in 2019, we forecast Electric Blue in our 2024 Advanced
Colour report as a high-impact, digitally derived colour. In A/W 23/24, hyper-
brights will step up, influenced by next-generation colour technologies, and
Galactic Cobalt will be the most important and influential of these. This
intense and dynamic hue also takes inspiration from the new space age and
the evolution of the metaverse. Transformative experiences that are driven
by technology will influence the rise of this intense and dynamic blue, and
consumers will associate it with escapism and extended reality.
How to us e it: This versatile colour can be used in multiple ways. Embrace its
technical character for highly functional activewear, smart fitness,
computers, tablets and virtual experiences. Treat it as a jewel tone for party
dresses, occasionwear, jewellery and colour cosmetics. Elevate and intensify
Galactic Cobalt through transformative finishes, satin lustre, metallics and
anodising. It can also be used in playful ways for kidult beauty, kidswear and
gaming. Colour evolution

Satin Sky Galactic Cobalt

S/S 23 A/W 23/24

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Sage Leaf
Key Colour A/W 23/24

Coloro / Pantone

072-45-06 18-5611 TCX

Why is it key? Slowed-down lifestyles have introduced consumers to new or

forgotten concepts around rest, as explored in our report, Post-Covid-19
Rest: Shi s & Strategies. As lifestyles adjust further, consumers will be
sensitive to over-stimulation, and they will look for environments and colours
that reduce anxiety and stress levels in the brain. Sage Leaf is a quiet and
settling green that instills a sense of contemplation, rest and reflection.
How to us e it: Sage Leaf will be an important colour for pared-down,
considered design. Within the home, itʼs a great all-rounder for walls and
furniture, and it can also be used to so en smart home devices. Embrace
Sage Leaf's therapeutic quality for bath and body products, connecting it to
algae- and seaweed-based ingredients. Apply this so green to all fashion
categories, with a focus on elevated utility, better basics and smart separates.
Combine with texture to instill a sense of comfort, working with faux furs, so
knits, brushed jersey, velvets and stone-washed linen.
Colour evolution

Leaf Wavellite Jade Sage Leaf

A/W 21/22 S/S 22 A/W 22/23 and S/S 23 A/W 23/24

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Apricot Crush
Key Colour A/W 23/24

Coloro / Pantone

024-65-27 15-1247 TCX

Why is it key? In our Advanced Colour 2026 report, we forecast the evolution
of mindful pastels to a full spectrum of saturated, vitamin-balancing hues. By
A/W 23/24, orange will step up and provide a fruity injection of energy for the
season. Apricot Crush is an activating mid-tone with a restorative quality,
aligning with a focus on balanced lifestyles that nourish the body and mind.
How to us e it: This orange will bring a warm luminosity to the home, both
indoors and out. With its so , sun-bleached quality, Apricot Crush will pair
easily with neutrals, and is suitable for textiles, glass, bath and bedroom
products. Embrace its playful side for joyful beauty products, fragrance,
skincare and hair colour. For fashion, this is a versatile and gender-inclusive
tone, making it great for knitwear, loungewear, activewear and outerwear.
Also work it into seasonal prints, plaids and stripes. Embrace this colour's
restorative attributes for consumer tech products that are focused on health
and wellness.
Colour evolution

Peachy Faded Citrus Papaya Smoothie Apricot Crush

A/W 21/22 A/W 22/23 S/S 23 A/W 23/24

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In uences
Naturally Brilliant Colour
One of the most exciting
exhibitions of the year, this
display at Kew Gardens, London,
showcased Pure Structural
Colour, from its natural origins
to the stunning man-made
technology by Lifescaped. This
landmark exhibition introduces
next-generation colour
technology to the public.
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Blue: In Search of Nature's
Rarest Colour
This wonderful new book by Kai
Kupferschmidt delves into the
history and chemistry of the
colour blue. The science
journalist unravels its natural
origins and travels the world to
understand the alchemy and
science behind blue, touching on
the discovery of pigments and
dyes.
Beyond the Road
This must-see multi-sensorial
exhibition debuted in 2019, and
has now reached Asia, opening
at the Hyundai Seoul Alt. 1
Gallery in South Korea.
Designed by experts in
immersive technology, it
combines audio effects and neon
colours to enhance displayed
artworks and sculptures. The
fully immersive concept gives
visitors a fantastical
contemporary art experience.
Travys Owen
Johannesburg photographer and
artist Travys Owen has a striking
approach to colour. His
figurative work is highly
saturated and shaped in post-
production to achieve hyper-real
effects. The artist has most
recently worked with musician
Wayne Snow, and exhibited his
work at the Kalashnikovv
Gallery, Johannesburg.
Omar Ibáñez and Francisco
Muñoz
RGR art gallery in Mexico City
presents the works of Omar
Ibáñez and Francisco Muñoz.
These two contemporary artists
use colour in distinctive, graphic
ways. Omar Ibáñez's work
explores geometry and the
integration between painting
and sculpture, while Francisco
Muñoz refers to the chimallis or
shields used in ancient
Mesoamerica.
1 234
Action points
Build in transseasonality
Choose colour with longevity in mind.
Through careful planning and data
analysis, make responsible choices and
define the lifecycle of the hues in your
palette
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Health-check your palette
Ensure your palette is feasible and
check which colours work on each
substrate and product type, before
sharing with your supply chains. If you
would like your Coloro palette health-
checked, or if you would like feasibility
data for our 50 Coloro A/W 23/24
colours, click here for further
information
Take steps to minimise impact
Minimise your environmental impact by
using low-impact chemicals, dyes and
pigments, combined with energy-
efficient processes. Seek certified
sources of synthetic and natural
colours, and work with suppliers that
follow a regenerative strategy. Share
the responsible steps you are taking
with your consumers
Acknowledge the gender
spectrum
As inclusion becomes more important
to consumers, make colour choices with
gender fluidity in mind. Break down
preconceived colour associations and
choose hues that allow people to
explore their gender identity
 051-62-15 153-19-00
049-86-36 037-93-00
034-56-24 034-84-05
036-74-35 103-45-01
035-81-23 000-64-00
028-59-26 031-77-03
017-23-07 143-36-17
019-27-14 147-55-21
030-41-18 134-42-26
031-63-17 134-67-16
030-69-10 120-22-18
026-58-35 122-25-24
024-65-27 120-28-32
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Coloro here
022-40-26 114-57-24
020-54-37 112-75-11
017-43-20 098-26-13
022-62-16 095-32-22
015-33-25 088-76-13
010-42-20 078-33-24
008-23-14 072-45-06
008-26-26 071-65-06
Colour Reference A/W 23/24

010-38-36 060-71-33
010-46-36 062-71-14
154-51-37 056-26-07
Coloro 014-73-08 050-40-14

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 16-0430 TCX 19-4203 TCX
13-0650 TCX 11-4800 TCX
16-0950 TCX 12-0304 TCX
15-0956 TCX 18-4214 TCX
13-0941 TCX 17-5104 TCX
16-1148 TCX 14-4501 TCX
19-1016 TCX 19-3424 TCX
19-1220 TCX 17-3014 TCX
18-0933 TCX 18-3737 TCX
16-0928 TCX 15-3716 TCX
14-1208 TCX 19-3932 TCX
16-1164 TCX 19-3953 TCX
15-1247 TCX 19-3952 TCX
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here
18-1250 TCX 17-4139 TCX
17-1464 TCX 14-4123 TCX
18-1441 TCX 19-4326 TCX
16-1422 TCX 19-4540 TCX
18-1442 TCX 13-5309 TCX
17-1537 TCX 19-5421 TCX
19-1528 TCX 18-5611 TCX
19-1934 TCX 16-5808 TCX
Colour Reference A/W 23/24

18-1657 TCX 15-0545 TCX

17-1663 TCX 15-6317 TCX
Pantone TCX

18-2436 TCX 19-0417 TCX

14-1309 TCX 18-0529 TCX

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 5777 C 426 C
388 C 7541 C
7563 C 7527 C
7549 C 431 C
134 C Cool Gray 8 C
7570 C Warm Gray 2 C
Black 5 C 525 C
7595 C 681 C
7575 C 2665 C
7508 C 2645 C
4685 C 2767 C
716 C 288 C
1565 C 287 C
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here
7585 C 284 C
Orange 021 C 1 543 C
7600 C 309 C
7514 C 7470 C
181 C 628 C
7419 C 3298 C
188 C 5487 C
7428 C 5635 C
Colour Reference A/W 23/24

200 C 368 C
Pantone Coated 

Red 032 C 558 C

213 C 5605 C
503 C 7750 C

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Colour methodology
WGSN's A/W 23/24 Global Colour Forecast is developed and peer-reviewed by our
international team of forecasting experts, who combine research, insight, analysis
and critical debate throughout the two-month process. Our contributors come from
the Americas, Asia, Europe and Africa, offering a truly global view of the forces
shaping colour trends.
We assess WGSN's proprietary retail, e-commerce and social media data to track the
path of the colours and inform our decision-making process.
To reflect the needs of multiple industries, our palette is organised into three
sections – Seasonal, Annual and Long-Term – which define the longevity of each
colour. Over 40% of the tones in this palette are carried forward from a previous
season. The five Key Colours are forecast to play a significant role for all industries
and define the mood of the season.
All colour names are unique to WGSN and are evaluated by our Equality Vision Team.
Coloro
Coloro is the primary colour system for WGSN forecasts. You can purchase the A/W
23/24 Key Colours here. Each tone in the Global Colour Forecast is selected directly
from the Coloro library of 3,500 contemporary hues. Each colour is then rigorously
tested by Coloro experts to ensure achievability across substrates and acceptable
fastness, so you can trust that they are feasible 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.

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WGSN’s forecasts are created by our global team of experts
Colour forecas ting team Yvonne Kostiak, Senior Strategist, Active Contr ibutors
Jenny Clark, Head of Colour Gemma Riberti, Head of Interiors Europ e
Helen Palmer, Head of Materials and Textiles Clare Varga, Head of Beauty Arantxa Ravettino, Trend Specialist
Sara Maggioni, Head of Womenswear Annie Johnstone, Analyst, Beauty Amer icas
Erin Rechner, Head of Kidswear Reiko Morrison, Head of CMF, Consumer Tech Sofia Martellini, Strategist, Youth and Womenswear
Jane Collins, Senior Strategist, Footwear and Martina Rocca, Strategist, Insight APAC
Accessories Joanne Thomas, Head of Content, Coloro Alison Ho, Consumer Researcher
Nick Paget, Senior Strategist, Menswear

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