Pantone’s fashion colors for spring/summer 2023

Pantone selects a range of colors for each fashion season that are likely to be seen on the runways and set the current climate of the industry.

While the colors of the SS23 season’s central color palette were intended to encourage experimentation and individual expression, Pantone’s compilation of the New Classics was limited to “ultra-calm tones” that symbolize calm and serenity. Each shade has been chosen to reflect the coming era that will herald the coming season. They are also intended to show how the past few years have affected the relationship with colors.

FashionUnited has taken a closer look at each of these Pantone featured key colors, showing which SS23 catwalks they’ve been spotted on.

SS23 color palette

Fiery Red

SS23 collections. Photos: Givenchy, Salvatore Ferragamo, Schiaparelli

Pantone’s Fiery Red is no ordinary red but has an “energetic intensity” meaning any garment in this vibrant hue will make an instant statement. Its essence was captured in flowing dresses that graced the silhouettes of models in various SS23 collections.

Beetroot Purple

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SS23 collections. Photos: Chloé, Rochas, Harris Reed

Beetroot Purple is described by Pantone as an “emboldened fuschia” that represents the “fruits of nature”. The striking hue is reflected in similarly striking designs. The hue was particularly effective as part of Harris Reed’s gender-fluid collection in a statement hat and dress combo.

Tangelo

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SS23 collections. Photos: Christian Wijnants, Bottega Veneta, Marni

This zesty shade breaks away from the citrusy undertones of regular orange and injects hints of red instead. In keeping with his bold stature, Tangelo has been used in a number of daring designs, like Bottega Veneta’s low-rise dress with a feathery petticoat.

peach pink

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SS23 collections. Photos: Erdem, Issey Miyake, Rabens Saloner

An evolution of last year’s popular Pantone shade ‘Coral Rose’, Peach Pink takes a more subtle approach. Whether fitted or plus size, this “nourishing” shade is a warmer alternative to the typical peach hue.

Empire Yellow

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SS23 collections. Photos: Raf Simons, Erdem, Royal Danish Academy

Empire Yellow is a shade that reflects Pantone’s goal to encourage users to be braver and offer a “bright” shade that turns heads. Whether worn as a floor length dress or as a single accessory, pieces using this color are guaranteed to stand out as the color exudes joy.

Blue Perennial

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SS23 collections. Photos: Diesel, Halpern, Fendi

Among the many eye-catching colors, Perennial Blue seemed to be one of the calmer tones. Still, Pantone describes the hue as a “striking blue.” Its use brought a whimsical element to even the simplest of designs, like Diesel’s skin-tight mini dress, where the tone was used in an ombre effect.

Classic Green

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SS23 collections. Photos: Etro, Akris, Chet Lo

In keeping with the goal of encouraging experimentation, Classic Green is a bold shade that provides a stark contrast to its counterparts. Pantone describes this hue as “nourishing” and says it “has health-promoting properties,” possibly contributing to its common use in summer outfits.

Crystal Rose

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SS23 collections. Photos: Ermanno Scervino, Craig Green, Vetements

A far cry from Pantone’s “Beetroot Purple,” Crystal Rose has a softer appearance meant to convey modern romance. While the hue was popular with flowy, lightweight materials, it was also commonly used for structured designs and tailored pieces, like Vetements’ three-piece outfit.

Lovebird

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SS23 collections. Photos: Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham, Gestuz

Love Bird is a shade that was already popular in previous seasons, but for SS23 this color cemented itself as a trend color and featured on many catwalks. The exotic green suits the summer season perfectly as it is a vibrant hue that has been featured in floor length looks by a variety of designers.

summer song

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SS23 collections. Photos: Diesel, Prada, Marni

Unlike many other colors in the Pantone palette, Summer Song emphasized a sense of relaxation and calm. Many brands used the color for coats with long lengths. Designers used a variety of materials, from distressed denim to smooth, leather-like fabrics.

New Classics

skylight

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SS23 collections. Photos: Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Roksanda

Skylight was particularly used in evening wear, adorning flowing or heavily embellished dresses. This applies in particular to the various pleated looks in the Lanvin collection, which featured extravagant silhouettes and daring cuts.

vanilla cream

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SS23 collections. Photos: Simone Rocha, Chanel, Craig Green

This creamy tone was used primarily for feminine designs, such as Simone Rocha’s fluttering evening gowns and Chanel’s signature tweed styles, each exuding the essence of bygone eras. But the shade was also used in menswear and was worn from head to toe, as in Craig Green’s office wear.

Gray Lilac

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SS23 collections. Photos: Loewe, Miu Miu, Baum and Pferdgarten

Among the brands spicing up office wear, Gray Lilac lives up to its name as it’s a lilac grey. In keeping with Pantone’s description of a “dreamy” and “ethereal” color, the shade brightened up back-to-office looks. The tone was particularly common in loose-fitting blazers and collared mini dresses.

Leek Green

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SS23 collections. Photos: Givenchy, Miu Miu, (di) vision

An alternative to khaki green, Leek Green contains a gray undertone reminiscent of plant-based paints. This color was notably used in the various utilitarian designs seen on the runway, including Miu Miu’s military-inspired workwear.

macchiato

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SS23 collections. Photos: Sacai, Fendi, Hermes

Differing from the typically dark undertones of common coffee-inspired hues, macchiato is instead described by Pantone as a “delicious brown with a light layer of foam”. On the catwalks, the color was mostly used for outerwear, like Hermès’ deconstructed cape, or for leather-like materials and pieces with dynamic silhouettes.

This translated article originally appeared on FashionUnited.uk.

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