Winter embraces colour: the shades on trend

The new season brings a palette rich in shades to the wardrobe, where intense tones and more delicate colours come together with great versatility. The fashion colours of 2026 range from bolder shades to neutral, natural hues.

Red, burgundy, purple, blue and brown sit alongside beige, off-white, grey and other essential shades, offering plenty of styling possibilities. This variety of colours also reflects the philosophy of United Colors of Benetton, which has always embraced colour as a distinctive element of style.

Which shades take centre stage this season, and how can they be incorporated into outfits? Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Red: the colour that brings energy and character to winter

Among the fashion colours of 2026, red stands out for its intensity and its ability to make even the simplest look stand out. From bright shades to deeper tones, it is perfect for adding character to the wardrobe.

An all-red outfit offers the chance to experiment with different textures, pairing tailored trousers, knitwear and a coat in the same colour family, for example. The result is bold yet balanced, especially when paired with understated accessories.

For those who love contrast, red can be paired with touches of pink, purple or blue to create dynamic, contemporary combinations. Red trousers with a pink jumper or a blue jacket are simple ways to make the most of this shade.

Burgundy: winter’s chicest colour

Burgundy remains an intense, sophisticated shade, ideal for the colder season. Its depth makes it particularly suited to coats, knitwear, trousers and accessories.

For a monochromatic look, combine several burgundy pieces in slightly different materials and shades. An outfit made up of trousers, a jumper and a coat creates an elegant, enveloping silhouette.

Burgundy can become even more interesting when paired with colours such as pink, light blue or green. A pink jumper with burgundy trousers, for example, creates a refined contrast and offers a way to experiment with the season’s palette.

Purple: a sophisticated touch for the winter wardrobe

Purple joins the fashion colours of 2026 with shades ranging from delicate tones to deeper variations. It is an original choice for those looking to add personality to their wardrobe while still achieving a sophisticated result.

For an outfit based on a single colour, alternate different shades of purple across jumpers, trousers and accessories. A lighter shade on top and a more intense one on the bottom create depth and movement.

For bolder pairings, purple can be combined with red, pink or green. A purple jumper with red culottes, for example, creates a striking contrast, while pink produces a more delicate effect.

Blue: the ideal choice for elegant, versatile winter looks

Blue is one of the most versatile colours for winter 2026, with a palette that includes deep shades and brighter variations. It is a suitable choice for both everyday outfits and more elegant occasions.

A blue ensemble can be enhanced by choosing pieces from the same colour family but with different intensities. Tailored trousers with a blazer and a jumper in tonal shades create a refined look, while accessories can introduce subtle variations.

For those who like to experiment, blue pairs well with red, purple and brown, creating striking contrasts. A blue blazer with red trousers is a bold choice, while purple offers a more sophisticated result.

Brown: a blend of warmth and refinement for winter

Brown is one of the easiest autumn/winter 2026 fashion colours to introduce into the wardrobe, thanks to its many shades. From caramel to chocolate, it is a warm colour that lends itself to elegant and everyday interpretations.

An outfit based entirely on browns can alternate light and dark shades to create a rich, sophisticated effect. A chocolate coat with light brown trousers and a beige jumper is a simple example to recreate.

To make brown feel more vibrant, pair it with red, purple or blue. A purple jumper with brown trousers, or a chocolate-coloured coat with a red piece, adds personality to even the simplest outfits.

Neutral colours to wear in winter and their understated elegance

Beige, off-white and cream: neutral tones are among the leading fashion colours of 2026, reaffirming their importance in building a versatile wardrobe. These are shades that are very easy to combine, yet they can look truly sophisticated when used in the right way.

A monochromatic outfit in neutral tones puts the focus on materials and silhouettes. An off-white ensemble with a cream coat, or a combination of different shades of beige, creates a luminous, elegant result.

Neutrals can also provide a base for introducing brighter shades, from red and purple to blue. Beige trousers with a red jumper, or a grey jacket with a purple top, are combinations that are simple yet capable of giving a look character.