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Pantone® Top Colours for A/W 2025/26 for Capsule Wardrobes

Colour is an essential part of any Fashion Week. It is always exciting to learn about upcoming colour trends to prepare for what is coming next in the world of fashion.

With changes in materials, styles, and silhouettes comes a shift in a world of colour as well. Ten defining colours from New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025-2026 palette strike a balance between timeless familiarity and forward-looking innovation, opening the door to fresh, confident forms of self-expression.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Autumn/Winter 2025/2026 TOP COLORS

As mentioned in the article “Pantone® Fashion Colour Trend Report For New York Fashion Week“, Pantone Colour Institute experts describe the NYFW Autumn/Winter 2025/2026 palette as a representation of a poetic difference between balancing effortlessness with ever so delicate sophistication. Initiating visual drama, while leading fashion in a fresh direction, the season’s colours provoke a dialogue between timeless neutrals and striking, saturated tones. This colour palette inspires self-exploration, individuality, and self-expression by blending familiar shades with hues that symbolise optimism and forward momentum.

Key Colours and Their Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Lemon Grass

Lemon Grass (Pantone 12-0626) is a yellow-green that finds its place between colours like fresh lime and muted chartreuse. In Autumn/Winter Colour Trends 2025, it can be applied in many ways due to its ability to link neutral softness and bold freshness. Here’s where it can be applied most sufficiently:

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear accents: This colour would work very well as an accent colour for lining in statement outerwear or perhaps as contrast stitching on a statement outerwear.

Evening/Occasion wear: Designers like Christopher John Rogers and Marc Jacobs presented their collections, using Lemon Grass. It looked so great in gowns and dresses, showing how flattering and effortless it looks when paired with colour combinations of burgundy, bronze, or navy.

Accessories: Another way to incorporate this colour into your capsule wardrobe is through accessories, such as scarves or handbags, or as possible accent pieces like cardigans. You can also use it as a hair accessory, for example, with colour-coordinated clips, bows, or silk scarves.

  1. REGULAR LONGLINE LINEN-BLEND BLAZER by COS | 2. Sleeveless Cut-Out Cowl-Neck Blouse by COS | 3. STRIPE KNIT BLAZER by Central Park West | 4. Linen Slim-Leg Trousers by COS | 5. Cedars RWS Merino Mid-Wt Baselayer 1/4-Zip Top by Backcountry | 6. Skye Compression One Piece by Carve Designs | 7. Lil Peace Sign Dad Cap by Dalix | 8. Jaunt Merino Wool Midi Tote by Graf Lantz | 9. FAVIL MI LEMON PATENT LEATHER by Midas

Brandied Melon

Brandied Melon (Pantone 16-1340) is a warm, muted orange. Having hints of orange and pink in its make-up makes this colour’s application quite versatile:

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear & tailoring: If you are someone who suits warm colours, Brandied Melon would look great as a colour for a statement coat or leather trench. Pair it with warm neutrals (camel, mocha, charcoal) to tone down the “boldness” of this colour. Alternatively, pair it with teal tones for an extra vibrancy.

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: To achieve an instant warm autumnal feel, look into buying ribbed midi dresses or skirts, turtlenecks, sweaters, or cardigans in Brandied Melon.

Accessories: In case this colour does not suit your personal or capsule wardrobe palette, you could always incorporate it as an accessory group. Suede handbags, belts, or boots in this shade read as luxe and seasonless, pairing very well with colours like chocolate browns and deep indigo.

1. Leonie Mini Dress | 2. JACKET WITH POCKETS | 3. DARTED TROUSERS | 4. Melissa Glass Bag | 5. LEATHER MAXI BUCKET BAG WITH HANDLE DETAIL | 6. Bambino top-handle bag | 7. 100% LINEN BLOUSE ZW COLLECTION | 8. DARTED TROUSERS WITH ELASTIC WAIST | 9. Jacqueline Maxi Dress

Lyons Blue

Lyons Blue (Pantone 19-4340) is described as a deep, teal-tinted blue. This colour was presented during the New York Fashion Week 2025 by brands such as Chanel, Marques’Almeida, and Saint Laurent.

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Statement outerwear & suiting: Lyons Blue is an excellent colour for long-term investment pieces, such as longline coats, tailored blazers, or a leather trench. A colour palette consisting of this colour, paired with mocha brown and grey, would make it a great colour combination for an everyday capsule wardrobe.

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: Cashmere polos, ribbed midi dresses or even slip dresses paired with bottoms in Brandied Melon or long cardigans in Primrose Pink would make it a great outfit combination for a weekend outing.

Accessories: To achieve a polished, monochromatic outfit idea, finish off your look by picking structured handbags, tall boots, and gloves in Lyons Blue.

  1. Ivy Column Skirt by Adrift | 2. Laine Medallion Jacquard Maxi Shirtdress by Finley | 3. Strapless Stretch Mikado Mermaid Gown by Aidan Mattox | 4. Off-Shoulder Applique Crepe Midi Dress by Aidan Mattox | 5. Logo-print round-neck T-shirt by Chloé

Damson

Damson (PANTONE 18-1716 TCX) is a deep purple leaning into a plum colour. As stated in Fashion trendsetter, it is “an intense purple whose contemporary glamour conjures a dramatically vintage feel.” This deep purple hue could have been a great alternative to the usual and familiar colours like black, navy, or even the much-loved burgundy for evening wear.

Who What Wear, in their article “Burgundy Is Nice, But This Up-and-Coming Color Trend Is About to Dethrone It“, reigns in Damson as the colour of the autumn season 2025, saying that “While burgundy has been the go-to pop of colour for fall, experimenting with purple will give your outfit an expensive-looking vibe.”

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear Investment Pieces: Damson would work very well as a subtle accent and a great alternative to usual outerwear colours such as black, brown, and navy.

Evening/Occasion wear: Choosing a velvet or silk evening gown, a satin slip dress, or suit separates in Damson colour would give an outfit a regal, luxurious feel. Vogue suggests to “Go head-to-toe and wear Khaite’s Keefe top with a pair of satin Dries trousers, or use it as a punchy statement separately.”

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: For everyday wear, Damson would look great in combination with other neutral colours like creamy yellow and off-white shades (possibly like Wax Paper from Autumn/Winter 2026-2027 colours palette by WGSN) or steel grey. This purple would also look good in a combination of a neutral colour of choice and a colour from the blue family, such as Transformative Teal, or Blue Aura from the Spring/Summer 2026 colours palette.

Accessories: Alternatively, if purple is not the colour that takes a place in your capsule palette, you can have a creative play with the colour and try to introduce it through the accessories like bags, shoes and gloves. The main thing is to keep the colour out of your porter zone.

Primrose Pink

Primrose Pink (PANTONE 12-2904) is described by Pantone as a soft, delicate pink that balances out dark and rich colours, adding light and uplifting notes to the overall palette.

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear Investment Pieces: Although Primrose Pink may feel like a “spring” colour, it would make an excellent choice for a statement outerwear item for the Autumn season. Paired with more autumnal colours, Primrose Pink would be fabulous for pieces such as a wool coat or a tailored trench coat for an evening out.

Evening Wear Occasion: For special events, opting for a designer slip, silk column dress, or even a suit in Primrose Pink can be a fresh and somewhat romantic alternative to the seriousness of autumnal palettes, combined with modern minimalism.

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: Primrose Pink could add versatility and subtle sophistication to your smart casual capsule wardrobe. Mix it with neutral hues like grey or brown, such as Hot Chocolate or Bronze Brown. Adding a pastel accent colour from the current palette, like Lemon Grass, could give you a lot of choice when it comes to outfit idea inspirations. Combining a soft pink suit or a cashmere with brown, like Mocha Mousse, or deep blue colours like Lyons Blue could give you another great autumnal working combination. From workwear capsule wardrobe essentials, as well as for weekend outfit ideas, to even transitional looks that balance comfort with elevated style.

Winterberry

Winterberry (Pantone 17-1640) is a delicious berry red that combines the passion of a red colour and the romanticism of a pink one. Winterberry brings instant energy and striking brightness to any look, making it a great pick-me-up colour for the Autumn/Winter season.

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear Investment Pieces: A leather jacket or a tailored blazer in Winterberry would straight away give a boost of energy to any look done in a neutral palette. Pairing it with mocha/caramel, grey, or navy will provide it with a polished finish.  

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: A wool or cashmere fabric would look great in Winterberry colour. A funnel-neck sweater or a turtleneck knit top would provide a layer of warmth, while keeping your look sophisticated when paired with a midi skirt and high boots in Hot Chocolate.

Accessories: If wearing a monochromatic look in this berry colour may feel a bit much, using it smartly as an accent may be just the solution. A top-handle bag, leather gloves or even sunglasses in Winterberry could lift a quiet luxury look without going head-to-toe.

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate (PANTONE 19-1325) is a versatile neutral colour and a close relative to the Colour of the Year 2025. Pantone describes this colour as a “cozy and comforting” neutral with warmth and depth, the colour that conveys stability and reflects the season’s bold expression. Being an excellent canvas for brighter statement shades and the most wearable colour for the upcoming season, which makes Hot Chocolate a great investment hue.

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear Investment Pieces: Investing in a shearling coat or a leather trench coat in this shade would make it a timeless winter investment piece.

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: Hot chocolate can be an excellent alternative to black colour for colder seasons. Being a great choice for trousers, blazers, knit or leather midi skirts, or even leather coats, it pairs well in a combination with brighter accent colours.

  1. LOE DENIM VEST by Jag | 2. Single Breasted Suede Blazer by H&M | 3. Lace Trim Shirt Dress by H&M Studio Collection | 4. Jodie Leather Jacket by Sandro Paris | 5. BURKE Syrup Patent Leather Loafer by Wittner | 6. Coated Straight Leg Jeans by H&M Studio Collection | 7. ALINA Chocolate Suede Leather Ballet Flat by Wittner

Chili Oil

Chili Oil (PANTONE 18-1440) is warm red-brown. Pantone describes it as “a vital and robust red, seasoned yet season-less”. Being another great alternative to black, this colour, as well as Hot Chocolate, will be great for wardrobe staples like a statement coat, a leather skirt or for accessories group items.

Capsule Wardrobe Integration

Outerwear Investment Pieces: Upgrade your capsule wardrobe palette by substituting neutral colours like grey, navy, camel, or even black with this warm, red-brown hue. A leather coat, a cropped jacket, or a shearling-trim coat in Chilli Oil will give your outfit a sophisticated feel.

Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe: Having one or two pieces in this colour will instantly refresh the neutrals in your wardrobe. Pair a merino turtleneck, a satin blouse, or wide-leg trousers in Chili Oil with grey, navy, or camel to uplift the look.

Which colours from the NYFW Autumn/Winter 2025/2026 palette are you going to be experimenting with this Autumn/Winter season?

What are the top colours for Autumn/Winter 2025–2026 from New York Fashion Week?

According to the Pantone® Fashion Colour Trend Report, the key shades include Lemon Grass, Brandied Melon, Lyons Blue, Damson, Primrose Pink, Winterberry, Hot Chocolate, and Chili Oil. These colours balance timeless neutrals with bold, expressive tones.

How do I wear Lemon Grass in a capsule wardrobe?

Lemon Grass works beautifully as an accent shade. Add it through outerwear linings, statement dresses, or accessories like handbags and scarves. Pair it with burgundy, bronze, or navy for a sophisticated look.

Is Brandied Melon suitable for everyday wear?

Yes. Brandied Melon is versatile — it looks polished in tailored coats or trenches and adds warmth in knitwear like ribbed dresses and sweaters. For a subtle touch, try suede accessories in this hue.

Which NYFW colour is best for investment pieces?

Lyons Blue and Hot Chocolate are excellent investment shades. Both offer timeless appeal for coats, blazers, or suiting, while still feeling fresh and modern.

Can I wear Damson instead of Burgundy this season?

Absolutely. Damson is predicted to dethrone burgundy as the go-to rich shade for Autumn/Winter 2025–2026. It works well in velvet gowns, tailored separates, or even subtle accessories.

How can Primrose Pink fit into an autumn capsule wardrobe?

Primrose Pink pairs well with neutrals like grey, brown, and deep blue. Consider a tailored trench or soft cashmere knit to balance darker seasonal tones.

What’s the difference between Winterberry and Chili Oil?

Winterberry is a vibrant berry red with pink undertones, perfect for making a statement with outerwear or accessories. Chili Oil is a deeper red-brown, ideal for coats, skirts, and tailored trousers that serve as seasonless staples.

Which colour from the A/W 2025–2026 palette is easiest to style?

Hot Chocolate is the most versatile. It replaces black seamlessly in winter wardrobes, acting as a grounding neutral for brighter accents like Winterberry or Lemon Grass.

How can I use these colours without buying a whole new wardrobe?

Start with accessories — handbags, belts, gloves, and shoes are low-commitment ways to experiment with new hues while still complementing your core wardrobe palette.

Which colours will still be relevant beyond Autumn/Winter 2025–2026?

Neutrals like Hot Chocolate and Chili Oil are seasonless and can remain staples for years. Damson and Lyons Blue also have strong staying power thanks to their luxe yet wearable tones.

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