Where is colour going for the 2020s? - YouLookFab Forum

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Where is colour going for the 2020s?

Helena

Veteran

Hi all, before I start TWO disclaimers:

1. I know trends and fads come and go season to season and there will be many, many exceptions to any 'rules' one might define ...
2. The best colours are ALWAYS the ones we love! So I don't want this to sound negative or judgy AT ALL towards either myself or what anyone else loves to wear! xx

That said:

where do we think the general movement of colour is going for the 2020s? For example, I associate the 80s with black, neon and brights ... the 90s with browns, beiges and black ... the 00s with jewel tones, charcoal and certain brights such as cobalt ... and 10s with muted shades like blush, gray, and heathered tones ... what of the 20s?

I feel the general shift is going back to the brighter shades, as well as the caramels, etc. I am seeing the younger and trendier adult set in town wearing saturated hues like red, blue and green, sometimes in combination with black, for the first time in years ... and the heathered tones are feeling a *touch* dated to my personal eye generally speaking (see disclaimer 2!!! and for the record I still have and wear these!!) ...

What do you think? Am I reading it right? Way off? What are you seeing around you? Imagine looking back from 2030 - what do you think we'll be saying re: colour?

General

25 replies

Latest reply was from Zaeobi

cat2

Veteran

Hmm, not sure about color, I think that in a given year different merchandising levels have different color stories. I do think we will look back at all the blush and the ditsy prints as iconic representations of era.

Lana

(website)

Veteran

I think it’s going to be bright because we need it and the industry needs it after the last 2 years. I read in another blog it’s going to be a “ Rainbow Bright Sparkle Party (RBSP)!”

nuancedream

Veteran

I think color will be trending brighter for all seasons. TBH, it is trend that I'm happy to see.

Irina

Veteran

I would guess, bright colors are coming in strong. Cream is still very well represented in retail. I figured, I will be OK as long as they continue to make clothes in black and in shades of white

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I feel like I'm starting to see some jewel tones creep back in, and I say hurray! I'm really tired of dusty pinks and yellows and the ubiquitous beiges.

Helena

Veteran

Ah ok thx all! I am getting the same vibes, so that's helpful - I am wanting to add a *touch* of colour to my wardrobe but want some longevity, but I am not feeling my usual muted shades so maybe some slightly subdued version of jewel tones will fit the bill for me.

Janet, I love soft pinks but I agree ... it's just feeling a little tired, like I've got everything I would want in those dusty shades and am ready for something new. You look so great in jewel tones so this will be fab for you! and ND you look so great in bright colour too!

Irina, high five - I am going for 95% black and white and 5% colour lol

Lana, that sounds like a fun party!

cat2 - yes it's true - the ditzy prints and blush - they almost span from the mid 10s to now don't they ...

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Idk about anyone else, but I’ve been strangely drawn to pastels lately. I think everyone is sick of grey, beige, and other lifeless in-between things. The Covid rebound will last a while, and will include all kinds of bright & happy & strong; that’s my bet anyway.

Anonymous

I've been seeing a lot about Barbiecore lately-so hot pink. Brights in general I've seen a lot of, including lots of bright green shoes this year. Not feeling any of that for myself. Too loud, too forced, too BE HAPPY. I'll be sticking with mostly black, burgundy, rust, and olive for the foreseeable future.

Helena

Veteran

SF that makes sense!

suntiger, wise - stick with what works for you is the best way! I have a range of colours I like ... generally quieter, but with a range of saturation ... I will interpret the 'brights' as meaning push to the more saturated end of *my* colours ... vs. trying to copy exactly what's trending ...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh god, I hope we're not going to the other extreme of the spectrum -- Barbiecore, LOL! I don't like loud brights or neons on me. Well, if it goes that way, I'll continue to spend less on new stuff!

Runcarla

Veteran

I’m not sure about predicting a decade long colour story, but post pandemic dopamine dressing (bold, saturated colours) seems a ‘thing’ now. Lots of hot pink in the couture fashion shows.

https://www.refinery29.com/en-.....reet-style

Of course it all boils down to what is available at retail…

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

The way you’re planning to interpret brights, as the side of your core that’s closest to trends, is always best, imo. Why end up with a bunch of stuff you’re not comfortable wearing unless you’re constantly being assured by everyone else?

As for Barbicore, there is a woman at my gym who wears incredibly bright-colored gear by Bombshell sportswear and similar makers—the leggings that go in between the butt cheeks somehow—and has long (bleach bottle?) blonde hair and very thick, long, dark eyelashes. She is strong as can be, and super nice. Makes me feel better about “Barbies”!

Back on topic about colors—I’ve always found it easy to combine blues & greens, but now am enjoying similar mixes over on the warm side of the color wheel. Orange with red was a no-no, but now is the thing. I hope that continues.

Ana

(website)

Veteran

I really hope a variety of brights make a comeback! They’re my favorites.

kkards

Veteran

I don’t know, I’m definitely thinking that brights and “feel good” colors will continue to trend. But at the same time I’m seeing lots of browns and I’m reading that black is back (not sure where it went, but any way). And I’m seeing all manner of greens. I’m hoping that we are going to see in color what we are currently seeing in jeans- lots of options and variety.

cat2

Veteran

At retail I am seeing cool muted colors, not brights. If brights are next I will shop my closet.

Joy

Veteran

I have been shopping my closet or second hand to avoid all the cool colors that have overtaken retail the past couple of years. I predict that bright saturated colors will be next up. I hope that brown will replace grey as a common neutral.

rachylou

Veteran

I’m thinking deep but muted… not crystal clear primary colour…

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Yes, I see what Runcarla sees - lots of dopamine dressing references. Not sure if it will last the entire decade but it seems to be going strong. And white as the new black. I *think* I am more influenced by silhouette trends than color trends - but maybe I am wrong!

rachylou

Veteran

Just expanding on my thoughts—I’m seeing deeper jewel tones in home decorating mags and fashion pics, but they aren’t festive Renaissance jewel tones. They’re more sober.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow I’m still seeing earth tones all over. And got me, that means very little shopping. I hope it changes soon!

Bijou

Veteran

I always look to the couture shows to show what colours are likely to trend. Valentino's ode to hot pink was simply amazing. YSL did the most fabulous show with lots of elegant black and chocolate pieces... with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, it was an ode to timeless and sophisticated style. Monochromatic dressing seems to feature prominently in the fashion shows which I find exciting.

Sal

Veteran

I think the trend is moving to brighter colours again too. How we interpret that will all be really different.

I am definitely up for Kelly green and tomato red and I love coral too.

RobinF

Veteran

Hmm, interesting. I wear most colors but not really at the bright level. I usually seem to find some version that I like though. No Barbiecore for me!

notsaf

Veteran

Helena, I'm with you! You and I have similar coloring and preference for neutrals, but I find I've been leaning into a more colorful palette that isn't the muted mustards/rusts of the past few years and a little bit juicier: not sure what to call it, but popping some recent purchases/finds here below!

Almond Toe Ballerinas

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DAGNE DOVER Ace Water Resistant Neoprene Belt Bag

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Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote

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Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

I agree that we'll be seeing more saturated colours these days, usually in solids (like the colour blocking that @Stag mentioned, or athleisure wear separates from the likes of 'Colourful Standard'). Even the pale Millennial Pink is being replaced by a much more vibrant Generation Z Green.

That said, it's funny how everyone in this comment chain is still seeing a different mix of exact shades at retail - everything from cool tones to muted to Barbiecore! I haven't been out shopping much in the UK yet, but just before I left HK it was still mostly neutral shades (like black or khaki) but with the occasional bright yellow or red thrown in. Maybe I'm just getting old & not paying much attention anymore, though