Across red carpets, runways and streets, blue is quietly making the season’s spotlight.
A choice that sparked both approval and hesitation, Cloud Dancer — a soft, airy shade of white — was announced by Pantone last year as the official colour of 2026. Fair enough, seeing as how stars have already begun wearing it to the recent red carpets and socialite events. But beyond official declarations, fashion has a way of revealing its own preferences and another colour has been steadily catching the eye— blue
From the Golden Globes to the GRAMMYs, from Couture Week to Menswear Week, we sifted through the standout looks and found that blue is gradually taking the spotlight this season. Quietly powerful and endlessly versatile, it has been appearing everywhere from runways to red carpets — a range that makes its rise impossible to ignore.
Read also: How to find your style in 2026 without following microtrends
The runways and award shows have set the tone
The runways and red carpets have been signalling this shift for a while now, with blue steadily asserting its presence until it became impossible to ignore.
Wunmi Mosaku stunned in a gorgeous midnight blue dress at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards. Jessie Buckley leaned fully into the movement in a razor-sharp, ice-blue Dior gown with a dramatic high slit. Singer EJAE made a compelling case for the colour’s depth in a rich, midnight-blue silk Dior gown at the recently concluded Grammys.
At Schiaparelli Couture Week, a striking blue-and-black sculptural dress — reminiscent of a bird in motion—stood out, while Valentino embraced opulent icy and pastel blues across its collection.
Menswear echoed the same sentiment. Houses like Solid Homme and Louis Vuitton introduced thoughtful touches of blue, using the colour to bring freshness, balance, and confidence to their looks.
Read also: The biggest shoe trends we’re looking to still see everywhere in 2026
How to style your personal blue
The appeal of blue lies in how natural it is. It just so effortlessly belongs as a natural part of a look.
For everyday dressing, deep navy or midnight blue works beautifully as a grounding neutral. It works in tailored trousers, a sharp blazer, or even a dress. These darker tones are especially powerful when paired with clean silhouettes and minimal accessories.
If you’re in the mood to experiment, cobalt or metallic blue makes the strongest statement when it stands alone. Rather than creating a full look of tops and bottoms, wear a dress, a coat or even a bold accessory.
Softer powder, icy and pastel blues shine when styled with texture. Lace, silk, organza, and sheer layers add depth to these lighter shades, keeping them from feeling overly delicate. These blues pair perfectly with browns, greys, white and butter yellow.
Blue for every you
What I love about blue is that it’s never just one thing. Midnight, cobalt, icy, pastel — they all carry different moods, and each aura has a place in real life. This year, blue has felt like a companion for confidence and for elegance. It’s the colour I’ve returned to again and again, and it’s always here to stay.
Read more: Irresistible colours to wear when you’re ready to move beyond red
