It may be hard to believe, but winter is just around the corner. It’s time to set aside your summer white linens and bring back those beloved knee-high boots that you’ve been missing since April Showers and May Flowers.
For those that dabble (or obsess) over the fashion industry and all its various cycles and trends, the start of September is like the start of a new year. It’s the moment where a vibe shift occurs, and trendsetters reset their approach to dressing. It’s generally the time we see the riskiest, most fun outfits before everyone gets sick of the cool weather, and we wear athleisure for most of January — guilty.
These same people tend to think of seasons as palettes. In addition to trends like low-rise jeans or shearling coats, each season also tends to have trending colors, as multiple designers invariably are drawn towards a certain palette. This is what gave us millennial pink and burnt sienna.
So as summer draws to a close, we’re sure you’re wondering what colors will be popping up this fall and winter. Reader, we know! Keep going to get the guide for the winter color palette for 2022/2023.
How Palettes Can Guide Your Seasonal Mood
In winter, we tend to reach for neutrals. If you’ve ever noticed that you’re wearing all-black outfits over and over and over again — again, guilty — you’re not alone. The LBD is a staple for a reason; there’s something so incredibly chic about an all-black ensemble.
For people who live in New York, green things are hard to come by in the winter. So, we tend to mirror our surroundings, and so slate grays, blacks, and creams dominate the seasonal palettes.
On that front, we have some exciting news. While neutrals will always be in, it’s looking more and more like this season, we’ll see lots and lots of color.
They’re calling it “dopamine dressing,” and it’s a response to all that time indoors we’ve gone through over the last few years. Now that social life is getting back to its new normal, people aren’t so willing to give up elaborate, fully saturated color schemes just because the leaves fall off the trees.
If forecasts hold up, it’s going to be a colorful season.
Colors We’ll See Lining the Streets This Winter
This winter, we’ll be seeing bright jewel tones paired together in unexpected ways. Expect sunglasses-to-shoes colorful outfits, with patterns and shades almost clashing in glorious, risk-taking fashion fun.
Va-Va-Va Red
The color experts took a look at the Fall/Winter 2022 runway shows and put together their list of trending shades. Topping that list? Red.
Fiery, electric red will be big this winter, making standing out from a crowd pretty easy — unless they’re all in red too.
While red is usually used as a focal point in an outfit, we’re definitely going to see all red ensembles, as the shade variations give a look to its texture and definition. On that note, do you know what would go perfectly with an all-red power suit? The Kuei Bag in Red Croc Embossed Leather.
Aqua Teal
The Y2K comeback has ushered some life back into this current fashion moment, and it's bringing with it all the colors we loved and left in the early aughts. For example, aqua teal.
Both influencers and magazines are calling aqua the color of the moment — and citing our Syl Bag in Blue Nylon as a prime example.
Similar to red, we’re seeing a ton of designers pairing slightly mismatched aqua and teal pieces together. Whether you go full aqua or just pick a standout piece, we know this color will attract attention.
Royal Purple
Lavender has had its time; royal purple is ready for the big leagues. This deep, majestic color is made for kings and queens. Darker than some of the purples we’ve seen of late, it follows that same trend of this season’s colors being fully saturated and ready to party.
Look for ways to bring royal purple into your outerwear and accessories. We think there’s nothing chicer than a purple fur coat, matching hat, and knee-high socks under slinky black heels. Ugh, we’re already obsessed.
Golden Yellow
On the other side of the color wheel is this season’s yellow.
Yellows, oranges, and reds just make sense as the year winds down. And with knitwear looking like it’s going to be one of the most dominant trends of the season, a 70s-inspired golden yellow is ready to take the stage. There’s just something delicious about the word “marigold” that captures the imagination.
We also see this color making it big in cosmetics. Just wait, you’ll see lots of yellow nails, and yellow eyeshadow looks this winter.
Dark Navy Blue
On the darker side of things, we’re seeing a lot of navy blue on the subway these days.
Usually, it’s paired with a punky pleated skirt that gives school uniform, Saturday detention energy. Look for items that evoke the word “midnight,” “polar,” and “starry,” and you’ll be heading in the right direction.
Navy blue also provides the perfect base for you to take some other color risks. Red-orange, yellow, and aqua all look incredible with it.
Hot Pink
Barbiecore is not staying in the summer. We’re taking her to the winter with us. Like aqua, hot pink is experiencing a big comeback, thanks to early aughts fashion cycling back around.
Your instincts may say to retire hot pink for the season and leave her on the shelf until spring rolls back around. Fight those instincts.
Hot pink is an excellent option for winter and the perfect opportunity to bring some flavor into your cold weather wardrobe. What’s more ski bunny than a bright pink lip under the falling snow and moonlight skies?
We’re especially fond of pink and orange and purples mixed together. Like an orange dress with the Mini Kendrick Trunk in Hot Pink Satin with brass hardware? Divine.
Kelly Green
Hunter green tends to be the girl of winter wear, and frankly, we’re over it.
While the leaves are gone, and the grass is covered up by snow, it’s up to us to give the color green its moment during winter. All respect to olive, but kelly green is here to stay. This vibrant, artificial green is pumped with energy and a classic mid-century style that is sure to turn heads.
Pair a kelly green beret with a kelly green purse and see how quickly the compliments will roll in.
Peachy Beige
Okay, we honestly couldn’t get through this list without mentioning at least one neutral. Naturally, whites, blacks, and grays will also be all over the place this winter.
If you’re looking for a white that will scream “taste, “go for a peachy beige with warm undertones. Crisp white with cool undertones is a summer girly. A peachy beige will keep you cozy. Bonus points if she comes in cashmere.
Hot Colors for the Cold Season
When it comes to fashion, color theory is an inexact science. Everyone has a different skin tone, and rules are meant to be broken. Take all this info about where the designers are headed and then make it yours.
Style is a personal expression. It should feel unique to you.
Direct Communication for Unparalleled Inspiration
At the end of the day, the people of New York are one of the best barometers we have for what colors will pop this season. We get so many ideas from simply walking around the streets of this city and watching. This place and its people will always be our biggest source of inspiration — and you, of course.
That’s why we always take to social media to talk to our friends and see what they’re getting into and what they want to see more of. For us, it’s a no-brainer. These are bags for the people. They’re meant to be worn! Why shouldn’t the people have a say in what we produce?
Speaking with Essence, Brandon himself said this is what sets this brand apart from others. As a brand, Brandon Blackwood prioritizes communication — what are individuals looking for? Organic conversations > focus groups. Social media connects labels to direct customers; it’s totally new and allows the “customer to be the curator.”
Speak loud, fam — we’re listening. So what colors are you planning on wearing this winter, people? What shades do you want to see on your arm? We’re all ears.
Sources:
Should we all be dopamine dressing? | Harper's Bazaar
These Iconic Y2K Fashion Trends Are Back In A Big Way, And We're Not Mad About It | Elle
Why Barbiecore decor is having a hot-pink moment | Washington Post