Is Blue the New Pink?

 I've been singing “Color” by Halsey for the past month, and it just dawned on me why the lyric “everything is blue" has been resonating with me: everything is blue — tops, bottoms, accessories, outerwear, etc. Since the color has been popping up in my inbox for months at this point, I’m officially calling it: bold shades of blue — and, in particular, cobalt blue — is the color trend to wear for fall and winter 2022, and it will continue to rise in popularity through spring 2023. If you haven’t yet, you’re about to see blue everywhere, too.

Ever since Barbie Pink went viral (again), the fashion world started adding even more bright colors to its designs. Suddenly, shades of purple, tomato soup red, citrusy oranges, lime green, and peach were taking precedence over neutrals and moody hues in our closets. But according to fashion designer and brand founder, Kiya Tomlin, the shift wasn’t as spontaneous as it may have felt.

“The colors we wear have the potential to uplift and inspire hope, and one way we are helping our spirits heal from the effects of the pandemic shutdown is through the use of color,” Tomlin tells InStyle over email. Blue, in particular, she says, is calming, and the statement is actually heavily backed by scientific research. 

According to a 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, participants preferred cool interior colors, such as blue, violet, and green for their residential space, as visually absorbing the colors promoted a feeling of serenity. Research also suggests that colors can be physically healing, and that, specifically, the color blue can lower blood pressure. If that isn’t reason enough to incorporate the color into your wardrobe, I don’t know what is.

The Color Blue Is Trending for 2022 and 2023

Obviously, blue isn’t new to the color wheel, but there are two specific shades of blue that are reigning supreme for upcoming seasons: bright, almost electric-pastel cyan and deep cobalt blue. 

According to designer Simon Spurr, the spike in cyan is a reflection of fashion’s recent inclination towards a more vibrant palette, “signifying a presence or a return to more optimistic times ahead.” As for the rise of cobalt, which is a naturally richer, deeper shade of blue, SIMON MILLER Creative Director and CEO, Chelsea Hansford and Ramy Sharp of Ramy Brook, credit the spike as likely inspired by French artist Yves Klein’s “International Klein Blue.” 

“It’s such a cheerful and happy color,” Sharp tells InStyle of the hue that the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) describes as “a shade of pure ultramarine.” “After the last couple of years, everyone wants to feel joy.”

Is Blue the Next Barbie Pink?

While designers don’t think blue will necessarily dethrone Barbiecore shades of pink, the consensus is the blushing hue will likely need to share its seat. 

“What we believe is key about blue is it gives the same level of vibrancy but in a more wearable way [than Barbie Pink],”  activewear designer Lorna Jane Clarkson tells InStyle. “We had seen the popularity of this color in our activewear ranges in 2021 and we wondered how long the trend would continue. But as we saw the high-end fashion market adapt the tone into modern and contemporary outerwear through autumn/winter. we knew the popularity of the shade would continue to grow."

Sergio Hudson x Target Teal Crossover Satin Bodysuit

Lorna Jane Rib Polo Sweater in Corn Flower

Ramy Brook Cheri Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Simon Miller Disco Drop Earring

Express x Simon Spurr Electric Blue Suit Jacket

Bernardo Packable Hooded Jacket

Endless Rose Ruffle Tie Front Long Sleeve Minidress

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qrrSrbClnV6YvK57wqiZmqSkYq%2BtwcRmnZqrmJ68r3nTq5ynnF1rhHZ%2BlGxv