Colour-spotting is one of my favourite pastimes each season. From runways looks to street-style pics and my daily commute, I take note of the shades I see the most, consider how they’re styled and question whether I could pull them off myself. After years of quiet luxury's neutral-only wardrobe reigning supreme, 2026's shift towards embracing more impactful silhouettes and bolder colours is one I've welcomed with open arms. And, as days get greyer and darker, it’s quickly become apparent that one vivid colour family dominates the best outfits I’ve seen so far this season: blue.
And it’s not just me. As fashion editors, we're constantly reviewing data and trend cycles, trying to forecast the next big thing. During my seasonal research into which colour trends that we predict will make the biggest impact on style for autumn/winter 2026, I noticed when reviewing the popularity of cobalt blue this year in comparison to last, that "M&S cobalt blue midi dress" was a breakout trend—this means that searches for this exact term are up 5000%. Once again, Marks and Spencer has delivered a seasonal collection that's in high demand and will no doubt sell out quickly.
The latest M&S Love That Drop celebrates some of the trending blue tones of A/W 26. Cobalt (often referred to in fashion and art circles as Yves Klein Blue) is the loudest shade: a graphic mid-tone with green and cyan undertones that is complemented and elevated by black and navy. Both blues are incredibly versatile and will easily cut through a wardrobe built on dark, moody hues. Even the most classic, neutral dressers might find themselves persuaded.
This edit doesn't just celebrate blue, but also pays heavy attention to satin (a classic fabric for party season), and takes inspiration from the '80s, with powerful silhouettes, razor-sharp tailoring and even a stirrup trouser (fun!). Adding to this is a playful polka-dot print; the autumn/winter answer to summery patterns.
I had the chance to run through the collection in person, along with Rebecca Rhys-Evans, senior fashion and beauty editor for branded content. Our tastes are equally discerning but very different, so we gravitated towards different capsule highlights and doubled down on the styling to really make them our own. Keep scrolling for our favourite ways to style bold cobalt.
Style Notes: I found out through trial and error that cobalt blue really pops against my skin tone (and it isn’t a million shades away from my football team’s signature royal blue!). Arguably even more regal, this vivid shade feels particularly sophisticated and electrifying in this dress. Everything about it is elegant, from the way the neckline drapes beautifully to the nipped-in waist and midi length. It clicked why people are searching for dresses like this when I noticed how weightless this one feels when you slip it on, and how it skims the body without clinging.
The dress carries an abundance of main character energy, so I styled it with darker neutrals to ground the cobalt without diluting it. M&S knows how to do a signature winter coat, and I'd argue this understated yet deliciously elegant black style is one of the brand's trophy outerwear pieces for the season. Almost as if it were designed with this dress in mind, its side slits at the back allow the blue to peek through—chic! I’m very into a blue-and-brown pairing, so these rich chocolate satin heels were a no-brainer, but, of course, they could easily be paired with flats or a knee-high boot to make the look more low-key. If you want a head-turning, no-fuss dress that you’ll repeat for date nights, birthday dinners and festive parties, this is it.
Style Notes: This look clearly draws inspiration from the ‘80s. Though pussy-bow blouses were a more popular silhouette in this era, Rebecca’s satin blouse, tied at the back of the neck and fitted with a slight shoulder pad, is definitely a contemporary nod to this bygone era that celebrates unapologetic glamour. The tapered stirrup trousers have been given a modern update, and when looped around these pointed satin heels, they feel appropriate for the work Christmas party.
"M&S has always excelled at footwear, but this season feels stronger than ever. Not only do we have party heels like these pictured (yes, I’m obsessed with this rhinestone-fringe detail), but there are pony-hair zebra flats, sumptuous leather boots and more," says Rebecca. "Mixing proportions is one of the oldest—and best—styling tricks in the book. The slight sharpness of the shoulders with the fluidity and sheen of the blouse contrast with the sleek tapering of the trousers."
Style Notes: Usually I find the phrase "a pop of colour" a bit trite and cliché, but this season we've noticed many chic dressers turning to a bold knit, sock or scarf to brighten up a neutral look. Whilst last year it was all about red, this year, it's blue. What also feels a little newer is looking to a shirt for this burst of brightness. Smart but punchy, a top like this will break up the monotony of your current workwear rotation. Slim-fitting and soft to the touch, the sleeves are long enough for my 5'11" frame, which is harder to find than you'd think!
I’m debating whether adding a tie would make this look too "school uniform", because the only way I’d wear this shirt is tucked into a skirt. I know which silhouettes work for me, like this A-line example, and that black creates the highest contrast. I knotted a knit around my waist to add further definition, which also acts as a handy extra layer if the temperature falls. Even though I’ve gone matchy-matchy with the colour of my accessories, I felt like a croc heel would add texture and elevate the outfit overall.
Style Notes: Though we love to see these bold displays of colour, this look exemplifies that not all blues need to be statement-making. "Navy is just as much a neutral in the Who What Wear UK editor palette as black, white, cream and grey, so this satin skirt, as well as the satin top I’m wearing under the high-neck knit, will be well worn throughout the season. I love to style satin midi skirts with a slouchy, sumptuous leather boot in the winter, and come summer, I’d pair it with ballet flats or flip-flops. Win-win," says Rebecca.
Knitwear is an obvious staple for the colder months, and whilst almost any shape works with sleek satin skirts and dresses, there’s something low-effort yet elegant about a boxy, high-neck style when styled with something slim in silhouette below. In this instance, the slouchy boots pair well with this super-soft leather hobo bag, but the styling possibilities are basically endless. Monochrome or "close shade" dressing is a go-to for Rebecca (and anyone with fashion know-how). Doubling or tripling up on the same shade or tones in similar families is so easy and supremely chic. The key to making it feel luxe and not too samey is to mix your textures: think satin, wool, cotton and leather.
