You May Disagree, But We Think These 7 Colour Trends Are "Dated" in Spring 2026

With spring finally here, the days when I can live in my black, grey and burgundy clothing are gone, and it’s time for me to start thinking about the fresh capsule colour palette that I’ll be relying on to ensure my warm-weather outfits look put together and expensive. I have to be honest, I find elegant dressing much harder in the spring and summer than I do in autumn and winter, so naturally, I decided to ask my fellow Who What Wear editors about the colours they've already invested in for spring 2026, in hopes it would spark some inspiration for my own wardrobe.

And after much discussion in the office, I couldn't help but notice that the same point kept coming up when talking to them: certain colours just aren't working right now. In an era where colour is doing the heavy lifting in taking our outfits from simple to elevated, there are just some hues that feel outdated to fellow editors and me. And for spring 2026 specifically, we’re all about swapping out trendy, hard-to-style shades for intentional, elegant hues that look fresh, can be styled with ease and last in our wardrobes for many years to come.

To help you bring you some inspiration, below, I’ve rounded up the seven colours that we’re pausing on for spring 2026, and of course, the seven that we’ll be wearing instead.

7 Colours Our Editors Feel Are Outdated for Spring 2026 (and the 7 We'll Be Wearing Instead)

1. Pausing: Tan, Wearing: Chocolate Brown

Style Notes: "I’ve always turned to tan as the base colour for my warm weather outfits; however, the shade is starting to feel “samey” and honestly a little boring on its own. Of course, the colour is timeless, and I’ll never get rid of it, but for spring 2026, I’ll be adding in the chocolate brown hues we typically only see in winter that will complement my tan basics, yet also feel fresh and unexpected for the spring season. It’s elegant, sophisticated, and, most importantly, just as easy to style as any neutral.” — Brittany Davy, junior writer.

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2. Pausing: Chartreuse, Wearing: Sage Green

Style Notes: “Chartreuse was the colour trend that I never expected to take off this year. It’s a divisive one for sure, and although I appreciate the vibrancy and playfulness of shade, it feels just a bit too out-there for me to incorporate into my spring outfit rotation. Instead, I’ll be turning to softer shades of sage green that feel wearable and pared back but still allow me to incorporate some colour into my otherwise neutral outfits.” — Natalie Munroe, news writer.

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3. Pausing: Stark White, Wearing: Black

Style Notes: “Aside from the occasional button-up shirt or classic tee, I've never been one to opt for white in spring. Not only does clothing in this colour stain easily, but I think wearing stark white in the warmer months is far too obvious a choice. Not to mention that more often than not, it ends up looking a little cheap if you don’t invest in high-quality pieces. So instead, I'm opting for black this spring. It’s versatile, polished, and I find it to be much more expensive-looking, regardless of your budget.” — Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer.

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4. Pausing: Navy, Wearing: Pale Blue

Style Notes: “I practically live in navy throughout winter, as a softer but no less elegant alternative to black. But as spring comes around, I always look to lighter pastels to add to my wardrobe. Pale blue is sure to brighten up my outfits, and can also easily take the place of the navy I’d usually opt for, pairing well with both neutral and bold hues alike. Not only does this pretty shade look extremely put together, but I’ll also be investing in dresses and accessories alike in the hue just in time for wedding-guest season.” — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolakis, junior fashion editor.

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5. Pausing: Burgundy, Wearing: Cherry Red

Style Notes: "I usually love deeper, moodier hues in summer, and this typically includes shades like burgundy. However, this season, I’m all about those brighter, mood-boosting hues that bring a fresh touch to my outfits. And cherry red is my shade of choice for spring 2026. It's bold, eye-catching, and most importantly, pairs well with all neutrals." — Remy Farrell, fashion editor.

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6. Pausing: Bright Pink, Wearing: Powder Pink

Style Notes: “Whilst the bright, Barbie-esque pinks that dominated last spring were fun, I often found them tricky to style with my otherwise pared-back wardrobe. So for spring 2026, I’m opting for what is by far the most elegant hue in the pink family—powdery blush shades. They feel grown-up and understated but also surprisingly versatile, pairing well with creams, black and even chocolate brown. To me, it adds just the right amount of colour to my minimalist wardrobe without feeling overbearing or too bold.” — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, acting deputy editor.

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7. Pausing: Butter Yellow, Wearing: Canary Yellow

Style Notes: "Butter yellow has been “trending” for many years now. So much so that it’s practically become a neutral in the wardrobes of fashion people and editors alike. But personally, I’ve never felt that this pastel shade suits me very much. So for 2026, I’m looking to its punchier, dopamine-boosting older cousin, canary yellow, that feels elevated for the spring season. Not only can canary yellow blouses and tees pair well with my indigo and black jeans, but I can also see myself investing in a linen midi dress in this eye-catching hue." — Poppy Nash, managing editor.

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