THE 'UNRIPE GLOW' COLOR PALETTE FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026. FASHION SNOOPS

Color trends are conceptualized years before they actually hit the market, and the forecasters at Fashion Snoops (FS) have allowed a glimpse into their crystal ball of fashion to identify emerging shades and must-have hues for spring/summer 2026.

The style forecasters at FS said they looked to a number of large and small trends, cultural shifts and other data to formulate the palettes.

“Our global experts conduct extensive research delving into macro trends, cultural sentiments, and emerging innovations using both quantitative and qualitative data,” said Joanne Thomas, the firm’s director of color. “Then we analyze historical, regional and industry intelligence, ensuring chosen hues are relevant across all markets and regions that we serve.”

With that in mind, Sourcing Journal has highlighted three color palettes that the FS team flagged as influential for spring/summer 2026.

Fundamental Primaries

Taking it back to basics, the Fundamental Primaries palette offers a fresh take on red, blue and yellow, anchored by Tomato red. Humble Blue and Sunny Day round out the primary hues, with complementary shades such as Basic Brown, Plain Pink and Green Apple adding variance.

“With a lively palette of playful primaries and Crayola-like hues, it offers an inclusive canvas for self-expression, highlighting that even in tough times, the allure of small pleasures and lighthearted humor prevails these basics,” said Hallie Spradlin, FS director of visionary. “They exude a euphoric energy transcending eras and demographics to evoke a sense of nostalgia and appeal to all ages with their inherent charm.”

Spradlin pointed to cultural trends such as the care economy and a more human-centric approach to aging, the unifying effect of common causes and renewed enthusiasm for sports and hobbies as drivers of this color shift.

Tomato red comes to the forefront of the Fundamental Primaries palette, capturing the nostalgia and joy this color grouping represents.

THE ‘PRIMARIES’ COLOR PALETTE FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2026. FASHION SNOOPS

“With a vivacious energy reminiscent of nostalgic childhood moments such as picnics in the sun, bright red swimming costumes and ketchup accompanying barbecues, Tomato really encapsulates those fleeting joys with sensual and sumptuous warmth,’ Thomas said.

Thomas sees Tomato being applied to stretchy base layers, pliable leathers, ceramic and foam.

Cold Plunge

Capturing the refreshing sensations of dipping in cool water, the crackle of ice in a glass and the sensation of bare feet on chilled tile, Cold Plunge provides relief from the heat of summer.

Cold Plunge is anchored by Soured Citrus and includes Black Sand, Frozen Ice, Luminous White, Muted Mauve and Cooled Clay.

“These chilled neutrals extend the palette of wellness colors from a clinical perspective, but with a sophistication and approachability that transcends sterility,” Spradlin said. “They evoke a sense of calm, exhale and revitalizing inhale, inviting consumers to expand rest and breathe deeply amidst the uncertainties and constraints of our times.”

Soured Citrus, a pale green with yellow undertones serves as a pop of color, but in a muted way.

“Our anchor color for this shift injects a touch of uplift to the palette, yet retains a restrained and cooler disposition, mirroring the essence of the other hues,” Spradlin said.

Spradlin says she sees Soured Citrus being applied to footwear as well as light knits and supple leathers.

Unripe Glow

For the Unripe Glow palette, pastels take on the tones of budding flowers or yet-to-ripen fruit, with a dreamy, hazy glow.

“The hues within Unripe Glow beckon with the promise of pastels touched by a delicate sourness, yet radiant with the anticipation of a full bloom,” Thomas said. “There’s an animatic peculiarity to these shades, reminiscent of flush tones caught in the midst of ripening, a captivating blend of neutrals and pastels that ventures boldly into uncharted territories of wellness colors.”

Moody Blue, a soft, chalky hue, anchors the palette, with complimentary Bulbous Yellow, Sour Melon, Prickly Pink, Ginger Root and Peeled Lychee rounding out the tableau.

“Moody Blue captivates with its nuanced blend of post-exaltation clarity and a subtle melancholy alongside the delicate pink of Peeled Lychee and the radiant peach glow of Prickly Pink harmonized with hints of unripe green in Sour Melon,” Spradlin said. “Complimenting these vibrant tones are the off-kilter neutrals of Bulbous Yellow and Ginger Root, imparting subdued elegance with a touch of understated beauty.”

Spradlin says she sees the versatile anchor Moody Blue working in a number of material applications.

‘MOODY BLUE,’ FROM THE ‘UNRIPE GLOW’ COLOR PALETTE. FASHION SNOOPS

“This color imparts a weightless energy to finishes for core product offerings,” she said. “Brushed, sueded, puckered and felted techniques work well for soft goods, while stone washed, lime washed and patinated treatments stripped back materials to their foundational glow.”

While each palette has its own harmony, Thomas said the anchors from each can serve as a guiding point for incorporating these colors into a design scheme.

“Whether they act as a captivating accent, headline, making full application shades or contemporary updates to more historical colors, anchor colors consistently infuse the season with a refreshing touch and a subtle innovation,” she said.