Fashion color trends 2022 - which shades to choose and how to wear them

From bold brights to cool pastels, the fashion color trends of 2022 offer a rainbow wardrobe guaranteed to make you smile

Models in fashion color trends 2022: green, pink and purple
(Image credit: Getty)

After months of lackluster lockdown outfits, the fashion color trends of 2022 have exploded onto our fashion radar. So get ready to go big, bright, and bold and embrace a newfound color confidence 

Gone are drab greys and harsh blacks, the time has come to re-evaluate your capsule wardrobe and inject some life into your outfits. One of the biggest fashion trends 2022 has to offer is bold, attention-grabbing columns of color. Coined 'Dopamine dressing', it was seen on the runway at the likes of Valentino and Christian Dior, encouraging you to embrace mood-boosting bright color clothes and bring the fun back into style. But it isn't all highlight hues, we're seeing lots of soft pastels too. Thanks to the Pantone Color of the Year 2022, lilac has made its way to the top of the fashion ladder after it coined ‘Very Peri’ the shade to be seen in, with other delicate tones making waves on the runways. And finally, there are the classic neutrals. For the more minimal among us, white is staying strong and should be weaved into your wardrobe essentials this summer. 

When choosing which fashion color trends 2022 to sartorially adopt, it’s worth bearing in mind which tones suit you best, ask yourself 'what color suits me', before making any big investments. “The first thing to consider is your natural coloring—your skin tone and the contrast level between your eyes, hair, and skin depth”, says Cliff Bashforth, managing director of image consultancy Colour Me Beautiful.  “Everyone can wear every color, it's just the undertone, depth, and clarity of a shade that matters.” Have a play around and see which hues make you feel most confident. 

Whether you’re looking to ease your way into wearing color with popping accessories, searching for a bold top to elevate your best jeans or want to make a statement in top-to-toe brights, these are the fashion color trends you should know about. 

Kermit the Frog Green

Models wearing kermit the frog green on the runway

Elie Saab/Tods/Yuhan Wang

(Image credit: Getty)

Fashion is known for having unlikely style icons, but it’s been a while since The Muppets have been part of the style set. When it comes to shades of green, it’s the vibrant Kermit color that deserves your attention. Particularly striking for redheads, look to fashion houses Elie Saab and Tod’s for inspiration. “Green is the color of nature and therefore generates a sense of calmness, serenity and helps to reduce anxiety”, explains Cliff. It looks great when clashing with fuchsia pink or toned down with other shades of green. 

Our fashion editor recommends…

Hot Orange

Models in orange on the runway

Michael Kors/Dior/Saint Laurent

(Image credit: Getty)

Forget smoky, burnt tones or pale peaches, this year orange is bolder than ever. It’s not always the easiest color to wear but is guaranteed to get you noticed for all the right reasons. “Orange is cosy, warm, frivolous, and joyful,” says Cliff. “A great hue for the summer or to wear for a night out.” Keep the color warm by teaming with turquoise or bronze and gold jewelry. Cool it down by pairing it with crisp white or violet.  

Our fashion editor recommends…

Fuchsia Pink

Models in fuchsia pink on the catwalk

(Image credit: Getty)

Soft, feminine pinks are out and loud, and proud cerise pink is in. If you've heard the term Barbiecore of late, that's because it's one of the biggest fall 2022 fashion trends and color trends this year. Part in thanks to the Barbie movie - that is set to be released in 2023, it's time to discover what is Barbiecore and execute it in style with plenty of hot pink clothing. 

This strong hue looks great with all hair colors, so have fun with your styling. Try color blocking with other bold shades for a graphic look. Or add fuchsia shoes or accessories to brighten up a simple outfit. Cliff reveals that the color conveys confidence and energy, so it’s a great option if you need a pick-me-up.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Cobalt Blue

Models wearing cobalt blue on the runway

Loewe/Elie Saab/Stella McCartney

(Image credit: Getty)

Cool tones like blue are said to have a calming effect, but this season opt for a more dynamic approach with cobalt. Fashion houses Loewe and Stella McCartney are just some of the big brands that sent top to toe bright blue down the runway and now it's time for us to follow suit. The bolder tone of blue is said to “represent authority but with a calm and confident air”. Look like you mean business and wash the blue moods away with this cobalt shade.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Citrus Lime

Models wearing lime on catwalk

Halpern/MSGM/Prabal Gurung

(Image credit: Getty)

Give your wardrobe a refresh with lime separates. The color oozes vitality, although it can be a tricky one to pull off. More synonymous with summer, lime can sometimes be seen as a piercing neon, but there are some more subtle versions available with pale yellow undertones. A lime suit is a great option for weddings while a lime sandal in the sun is a no-brainer. If you have a pale skin tone, think about weaving it into an outfit with other shades to provide a contrast. 

Our fashion editor recommends…

Soft Lilac

Models wearing lilac on the runway

Edward Crutchley/Jil Sander/Stella McCartney

(Image credit: Getty)

This shade of purple is having a moment. Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain wore a stunning lilac Gucci gown at the Academy Awards, putting her on the Oscars 2022 best dressed list this year, while King Richard actor Demi Singleton opted for a lilac Miu Miu frock at the awards bash, proving it's certainly the color du jour. A great option if you want to instil some sophistication into your look. “Lilac is part of the purple family, thus giving the impression of sophistication and quality. It also shows that you are understanding, supportive and maybe a little bit spiritual”, says Ciff. “Your ultimate aim is to immerse yourself in a peaceful and tranquil environment, so this is a great hue to wear if you’re feeling stressed or you’re the mediator in a business meeting.”

We saw plenty of purple hues during September's New York Fashion Week, suggesting that this color will also form part of the palette for the fashion trends 2023.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Buttermilk Yellow

Models wearing buttermilk yellow on the runway

Christian Siriano/Jil Sander/Chanel

(Image credit: Getty)

Warmer than cream, but paler than a sunshine hue, buttermilk is a hybrid between neutrals and color. For those who dress with a minimal aesthetic in mind, this is a great shade for helping you to edge a little closer to brights. It’s also an optimistic tone. “Yellow offers hope and happiness. It’s known as the most creative hue”, reveals Cliff. Gold jewelry naturally goes well with this shade to keep the warm feeling, but avoid teaming it with black as the contrast can be too harsh.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Chocolate Brown

odels wearing chocolate brown on the runway

Valentino/Tiffany Browns/Miu Miu

(Image credit: Getty)

While always turning back to black might be your sartorial habit, it’s worth considering a softer chocolate brown. Although black is a failsafe option, it can be extremely draining on a lot of skin tones, particularly as skin ages. Instead, look to warmer dark hues like brown. It’s a great choice that can be lightened for summer and kept darker for winter. “Brown is usually associated with resilience, probably due to its earthy tones. It is viewed as a color that provides safety and security”, says Cliff.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Crisp White

Models wearing white on the runway

Chloe/SaintLaurent/Fendi

(Image credit: Getty)

Rarely falling out of style, white is the ultimate color for summer. Think of it as a blank canvas. You can use a white t-shirt as a neutral and keep your outfit pared back or use it as a base for adding brights to your look. “White denotes purity and freshness. It appears clean, hygienic, and sterile” explains Cliff. “Everyone needs a version of ‘their’ white in their wardrobe, but consider wearing it in a textured fabric, i.e. linen, if you wish to soften its appearance. It reflects the lights so is an ideal hue to wear in hot weather.” 

Our fashion editor recommends…

Joely Chilcott

Joely Chilcott is an experienced fashion and features editor having spent over ten years writing, styling and editing for a number of women's lifestyle publications, including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own. 

A certified shopping expert, Joely is always on the lookout for new and exciting brands that she can champion, while holding the high street close to her heart. She has had work published in Drapers, Women's Health, Fabulous, YOU, The Sun and the Metro, as well as being a regular fashion contributor to TalkRadio.