2020 Fashion Colour Trends

10 Key Colour Trends That Will Define Fashion In 2020

With Australian fashion week well and truly over, one thing is certain: the colours of 2020 consist of two distinctly opposing schools of thought.

As ensembles become as carefully considered for the online space as they are for the real world, this season designers did away with flat, obvious brights, replacing them with off-kilter, acidic tones. A preference for kitsch was obvious on the runways, with designers trading the pastel hues of yesteryear for starkly futuristic colour palettes consisting of neo-mint, purple and near-electric blues.

In contrast, enhanced neutrals—think the rusty oranges of Kata Tjuta, turmeric-yellow and the grey-green of sages—offered an alternative for those partial to a more low-key colour palette. These fresh-take neutrals were most often realised in head-to-toe renditions, with accompanying accessories worn in almost identical hues.

While last season fashion's retreat from all things minimalist was seen throughout, black and white made a notable return to the runways—likely a result of eco-minded shoppers looking to invest in pieces inspired by slow fashion, in shades that rarely lose appeal.

Brands known for their minimalist leanings, like Christopher Esber, Bassike, Matteau and Anna Quan, all presented looks ranging from rust and military green, to aqua and fluorescent yellow (albeit, flanked by pieces in black and white, as per their brand signatures).

Here, the 10 key colour trends you'll be seeing (and wearing) in 2020.

Digital Brights

Cerulean blue

The early noughties staple (famously dissected in The Devil Wears Prada) made a welcome comeback on the 2020 runways, after multiple seasons of paler blues.

Cerulean blue at Camilla and Marc Resort 2020

Neo-mint

Predicted to be the "Millennial Pink of 2020", prepare to see neo-mint on your Instagram feed in high rotation come 2020.

Purple wave

After the proliferation of lilac in 2019, a deeper, brighter purple made an unexpected comeback to the fashion foray.

Enhanced Neutral

Sage green

Pay close attention—directional, wearable and transeasonal, sage green has all the necessary credentials to become a major colour trend for 2020/2021.

Earth brown

With head-to-toe beige reaching fever pitch in 2019, beige fatigue is imminent. Instead, opt for chocolate brown, mahogany and anything that tips the scale into richer territories.

Turmeric yellow

The grown up, bougie-alternative to Gen-Z yellow, turmeric-hued pieces dominated the Australian and international runways this resort season. Play it safe with pastel accessories, or if you're particularly bold, wear from head-to-toe.

Red earth

For those wanting to update their head-to-toe beige looks with a single piece, opt for something in rust. Like sage, its transeasonal quality, paired with it's fresh presence on the trend scene, make it a safe option for investment pieces.

Cool grey

Going back to basics, cool-toned greys, clean whites and inky blacks are back with a vengeance. With a renewed focus on sustainability and slow fashion, both designers and consumers are demanding a change of pace when it comes to fashion. This season, it's more evident than ever.