Future Strategies
Youth Colour Forecast A/W
22/23
Key colour directions for the A/W 22/23 youth market
include calming pastels and neutrals, bold digital brights,
and reassuring blues and earth tones
the WGSN Colour team
12.15.20 · 26 minutes
Poppy Lissiman
Action points
This season's palette re ects highs and lows that the younger generation will navigate in the later half of
1 234
2022. Choosing the right colour for your product will be a crucial way to connect with this emotionally
charged consumer group.
Select colours that transcend Prioritise balancing and calming Expand your palette of digital Continue to work nostalgic
across seasons tones rich colours colours into your seasonal
palette
We expect younger shoppers' spending The transseasonal appeal of mineral Saturated brights will endure as Capitalise on youth nostalgia by using
habits to change in the future. As pastels will continue into 2023. Instagram-friendly colours. Shi to vintage tones that span multiple eras.
conscious consumerism comes to the Combine with desaturated mid-tones richer jewel tones such as Lazuli Blue Embrace familiar blues and browns and
fore, make sure to build transseasonal such as Jade and connect to mental and Orchid Flower, and pair with shi them into a modern context
palettes with longevity in mind health and wellness contrasting accents to maximise their
impact
1
Overview
These difficult times will have a big impact on youth consumers. The Recession
Generation is facing an uncertain future, and this will have an effect on their
emotional state, resulting in behavioural and spending shi s. Colour will play an
important role in providing a sense of reassurance, resilience and exhilaration.
The younger generation will bear the brunt of the global recession, and they will
navigate some difficult emotional challenges. Health and wellbeing will be a
priority, so colour that feels grounded and balancing will be appealing. Mineral
pastels will be mixed with reassuring dusted mid-tones such as Jade for a
transseasonal mood.
A greater ecological awareness and growing appreciation of plants and nature will
reach a peak in 2023. We expect Gen Z to embrace outdoor adventure as a way to
support their emotional state. Nurturing natural tones such as Dark Oak, Burl Wood
and Olive Oil will feel grounding.
In contrast invigorating, exaggerated and psychedelic brights will be important for
those looking for escapist moments. Combinations of punchy pinks such as Orchid
Flower, Verdigris teal, Digital Violet and Lazuli Blue will be important for upli ing
sharable interactions.
McQ
2
Butter Nickel
* All colour names are speci c to WGSN. For colour codes, please refer to the following colour system reference pages: Coloro / Pantone TCX
12-0824 TCX 040-86-20 14-6408 TCX 040-66-04
Honeycomb Zinc
13-0942 TCX 034-76-27 17-3802 TCX 158-56-00
Satin Brass Pewter
15-0953 TCX 034-61-29 18-4214 TCX 099-38-02
Mango Sorbet Lilac Chalk
15-1058 TCX 030-67-34 17-1605 TCX 156-55-06
Orange Oxide Beetroot
16-1448 TCX 022-50-29 19-2315 TCX 152-25-17
Faded Citrus Orchid Flower
15-1334 TCX 022-63-24 19-2434 TCX 150-38-31
Italian Clay Digital Violet
16-1422 TCX 022-62-16 17-3930 TCX 128-61-22
Wild Mushroom Lazuli Blue
17-1417 TCX 024-51-12 19-3953 TCX 122-25-24
Copper Sea Ice
17-1147 TCX 024-45-20 16-4013 TCX 120-65-07
Burl Wood Arctic Blue
18-1130 TCX 023-36-14 16-4519 TCX 103-60-14
Dark Oak Verdigris
19-1016 TCX 017-23-07 18-4834 TCX 092-38-21
Artisanal Red Dark Cedar
/ Pantone Coated / Archroma / CSI
18-1555 TCX 013-39-31 19-5411 TCX 076-27-12
Pink Clay Wavellite
14-1309 TCX 014-73-08 17-5912 TCX 069-43-12
Sweet Coral Jade
16-1620 TCX 009-62-21 17-0210 TCX 062-57-10
Dark Cherry Algae Green
19-1528 TCX 008-23-14 16-0435 TCX 053-61-26
colours that transcend from S/S 22 into A/W 22/23,
encourage longevity and allow for newness to be
The colours in this palette have a more grounded
combination of new seasonal colours, and annual
the youth market which is taken from our Global
Colour Forecast. More than 40% of colours have
This A/W 22/23 palette is a curated selection for
and authentic look than past seasons, and many
have an earthy, plant-based quality. Optimistic
palette's pastel tones and bringing a sense of
such as Olive Oil, Pink Clay and Lilac Chalk.
brights also feature, complementing the
excitement and escapism to the season.
been carried over from past seasons to
mixed with familiarity. This palette is a
Palette A/W 22/23
Youth colour
3
Youth core colours
Palette A/W 22/23
Our core palette highlights the must-have colours
18-1250 TCX
14-1208 TCX
11-0103 TCX
19-0516 TCX
17-0636 TCX
for the season. Mostly taken from the long-term
palette in our Global Colour Forecast, these
Unbleached Cotton
colours reflect the importance of commercial
Uniform Green
Ginger Biscuit
tones, encapsulating elements of functional and
Olive Oil
Oat Milk
practical dressing. These colours will be
important for core denim, casualwear and
outdoors-inspired silhouettes.
036-89-06
022-40-26
030-69-10
044-52-13
041-28-11
19-4122 TCX
18-4034 TCX
19-4203 TCX
13-4201 TCX
11-4800 TCX
Optic White
French Navy
Atlantic Bue
Silver Grey
Black
037-93-00
039-75-01
153-19-00
115-35-20
115-23-11
* All colour names are speci c to WGSN. For colour codes, please refer to the following colour system reference pages: Coloro / Pantone TCX
/ Pantone Coated / Archroma / CSI
4
Give utility-inspired stories a
softer edge with laundered
tones
Why are they key? Nourishing and natural
tones come to the fore, bringing with them a
calming balance. This message is also driven
by Gen Z consumers prioritising their mental
and physical wellness in turbulent times. Most
noteworthy is the pairing of Jade and Pink Clay,
which add interest to neutrals stories and hold
appeal for both young men's and womenʼs Sacai
Ader Error
markets.
How to us e them: This assortment of easy-to-
wear mid-tones holds strong commercial
appeal for A/W 22/23. These restful and
harmonious colours will see most success
when use on brushed cottons, heavier-weight
jersey and short-pile sherpa and faux fur.
A: Silver grey
E: Optic White
B: Italian Clay
F: Oat Milk
@justynhegreberg
Mannahatta NYC Fear of God
C: Wavellite G: Pink Clay
D: Olive Oil H: Jade
Coloro:
A: 039-75-01, B: 022-62-16, C: 069-43-12, D: 044-52-
5
13, E: 037-93-00, F: 030-69-10, G: 014-73-08, H: 062-
57-10
Pantone:
A: 13-4201 TCX, B: 16-1422 TCX, C: 17-5912 TCX, D: 17-
0636 TCX, E: 11-4800 TCX, F: 14-1208 TCX, G: 14-1309
TCX, H: 17-0210 TCX
Dial up jewel tones to update
outerwear stories and create
on-screen appeal
Why are they key? Orchid Flower proves its
transseasonal appeal and asserts relevance as
a key carryover colour from summer. As formal
and casual categories blur, due to stay-at-home
lifestyles, energetic pinks update classic
winter berry stories for more directional youth
markets, and create a natural colour harmony
when paired with enriched verdigris. we11 done Teen Vogue
How to us e them: Balance out the high energy
of punchier jewel tones with commercial levels
of Arctic Blue, Ginger Biscuit and Uniform
Green to stand out in the digital realm.
Although this palette has broad appeal, the
real magic of these tones lies in application on
fabrics that hold shine, or heavier jerseys that
have a fluid, dramatic drape.
A: Orchid Flower
D: Verdigris
@goodhood Needles Phipps
B: Arctic Blue
E: Ginger Biscuit
C: Lilac Chalk
F: Uniform Green
Coloro:
6
A: 150-38-31, B: 103-60-14, C: 156-55-06, D: 092-38-
21, E: 022-40-26, F: 041-28-11
Pantone:
A: 19-2434 TCX, B: 16-4519 TCX, C: 17-1605 TCX, D: 18-
4834 TCX, E: 18-1250 TCX, F: 19-0516 TCX
Partner power pinks with clean
primary tones for a playful edit
Why are they key? With strong catwalk and
street-style presence, powerful pinks begin to
emerge as a playful alternative to traditional
festive reds, and will also have appeal in the
southern hemisphere. The punchier pairing of
Atlantic Blue and Sweet Coral gives this story a
contemporary edge, and ensures this palette is
accessible for all genders.
How to us e them: Use these tones most
@seanewyork @rikoostenbroek
effectively for matching separates, knits and
high-lustre bases. Make a stronger impact with
statement top-to-toe dressing, and look to
introduce a tonal print direction, and use
splices of core whites to ground bolder brights
for commercial appeal.
A: Atlantic Blue E: Unbleached Cotton
B: Butter
F: Beetroot
C: Sweet Coral
Noah NY @adwoaaboah @spa__boy
G: Orchid Flower
D: Pink Clay
Coloro:
A: 115-35-20, B: 040-86-20, C: 009-62-21, D: 014-73-
08, E: 036-89-06, F: 008-23-14, G: 150-38-31
Pantone:
7
A: 18-4034 TCX, B: 12-0824 TCX, C: 16-1620 TCX, D: 14-
1309 TCX, E: 11-0103 TCX, F: 19-1528 TCX, G: 19-2434
TCX
Explore the versatility of
pastels with bold, modern
accents
Why are they key? The traditional approach to
seasonal colour drops feels increasingly
outdated for Gen Z, as personal preference
takes precedence over classic winter tones.
This demographic lives an on-demand, on-
screen lifestyle, where URL is as important as
IRL, so colour is a key motivator to create
impact on social channels.
Cold Laundry Love Closely
How to us e them: Previously key tones for
young women's party drops, these tones –
particularly the coupling of Lilac Chalk and
Pink Clay – shi firmly into casualwear
categories. Apply cooler greys such as Pewter
and Nickel to emerging two-mile-wear
silhouettes to create looks that are modern yet
accessible, and add a level of modernity with
an energetic splice of Artisanal Red.
A: Black D: Pewter
@hypebeast
@secallenyang Fivestory NY
B: French Navy
E: Pink Clay
F: Nickel
C: Lilac Chalk
G: Artisanal Red
8
Coloro:
A: 153-19-00, B: 115-23-11, C: 156-55-06, D: 099-38-
02, E: 014-73-08, F: 040-66-04, G: 013-39-31
Pantone:
A: 19-4203 TCX, B: 19-4122 TCX, C: 17-1605 TCX, D: 18-
4214 TCX, E: 14-1309 TCX, F: 14-6408 TCX, G: 18-1555
TCX
Update perennial vintage
denim stories with saturated
turquoise and cobalt tones
Why are they key? Driven by an uptick in
cra ing and repurposing, vintage denim
products and colours emerge as a key direction
for the youth market. As youth consumers look
to embrace year-round wardrobes colour that
works with a range of tones is preferred,
however that doesnʼt mean the excitement and
newness offered by clean accent tones such as Ambush @olivermalcolm
Verdigris and Sea Ice is to be overlooked.
How to us e them: As part of the desire for
casual styling due to increased working and
studying at home, apply these tones to chore
jackets, wide-leg shapes and layer-able cotton
shirting.
A: Optic White
D: Sea Ice
F**king Young! Hypebeast @boyishjeans
B: Verdigris
E: Arctic Blue
C: Lazuli Blue
F: Pewter
Coloro:
A: 037-93-00, B: 092-38-21, C: 122-25-24, D: 120-65-
07,
9 E: 103-60-14, F: 099-38-02
Pantone:
A: 11-4800 TCX, B: 18-4834 TCX, C: 19-3953 TCX, D: 16-
4013 TCX, E: 16-4519 TCX, F: 18-4214 TCX
Pops of near-neon green
reinvigorate core palettes
Why is it key? Green continues to be an
important hue with broad appeal, linking to
emerging outdoor themes and increased
ecological awareness, and popular for its
calming and restful properties. Also
noteworthy is its ability to appeal to all
genders and elevate familiar neutrals.
How to us e it: Capitalise on the energy that
Algae Green delivers when it is styled back
Off-White x Vivendii Marriam Webster
with traditionally formal colour schemes. Its
inherent playfulness can be used to enliven
core casual and sports product. Look to build
this usage around accessible greys such as
Zinc and Pewter for party deliveries.
D: Arctic Blue
A: Lazuli Blue
E: Algae Green G: Zinc
Dries Van Noten F**king Young! Moose Knuckles
B: Sea Ice
F: Dark Cedar
C: Pewter
Coloro:
A: 122-25-24, B: 120-65-07, C: 099-38-02, D: 103-60-
14, E: 053-61-26, F: 076-27-12, G: 158-56-00
Pantone:
A: 19-3953 TCX, B: 16-4013 TCX, C: 18-4214 TCX, D: 16-
10
4519 TCX, E: 16-0435 TCX, F: 19-5411 TCX, G: 17-3802
TCX
Explore the evolution of
performance palettes with
saturated golden hues
Why are they key? Copper and Burl Wood
emerge as refreshed nature-derived levels,
evolving from the classic chocolatey browns
seen in previous seasons. Accent these with
pops of warming golden tones and versatile
khaki to ensure youthful appeal.
How to us e them: Apply Wavellite as an accent
tone to trims and hardware, or use Satin Brass @rusthebrand adidas
as a high-contrast accent for outerwear,
accessories and footwear.
A: Olive Oil E: Copper
B: Dark Oak F: Satin Brass
C: Burl Wood
Rosaline Shahnavez
G: Wavellite
@rochasof cial @storymfg
D: Arctic Blue
Coloro:
A: 044-52-13, B: 017-23-07, C: 023-36-14, D: 103-60-
14, E: 024-45-20, F: 034-61-29, G: 069-43-12
Pantone:
A: 17-0636 TCX, B: 19-1016 TCX, C: 18-1130 TCX, D: 16-
4519 TCX, E: 17-1147 TCX, F: 15-0953 TCX, G: 17-5912
TCX
11
Balance bold brights with
grounding core levels to give
party drops a transseasonal
appeal
Why are they key? Bold brights will remain
important for youth product categories, but
dial down primary brights and instead look to
explore off-kilter colour such as Digital Violet
and Orange Oxide for newness in more
occasionwear-focused stories. These levels
Edwin @lunarc.studio
will create on-screen drama and serious
shareability on social channels.
How to us e them: Intersperse true pop
brights such as Artisanal Red with the
intriguing levels of Beetroot and Dark Oak for
suiting, prints and statement knits.
A: Oat Milk
E: Orange Oxide
B: Digital Violet
F**king Young! @carlijnjacobs Design Scene
F: Artisanal Red
C: Beetroot
G: Dark Oak
D: Wavellite
Coloro:
A: 030-69-10, B: 128-61-22, C: 152-25-17, D: 069-43-
12, E: 022-50-29, F: 013-39-31, G: 017-23-07
Pantone:
12
A: 14-1208 TCX, B: 17-3930 TCX, C: 19-2315 TCX, D: 17-
5912 TCX, E: 16-1448 TCX, F: 18-1555 TCX, G: 19-1016
TCX
Apply playful coral and
refreshed citrus tones for
greater global appeal
Why are they key? Evolving summerʼs themes
with a supercharged approach to pastels, this
usage explores levels that will have the most
commercial appeal for southern hemisphere
climates and seasonal product development.
Use these colours to promote active lifestyles
and harness mood-boosting properties.
How to us e them: Explore materials such as @culturemachinestudios
Dr Collectors
nylon, denim and lighter-weight textured knits,
as they will best showcase the impactful
nature of this palette. Sweet Coral and
Honeycomb work as fashion accents against
the more commercial tones of Arctic Blue and
Copper.
E: Faded Citrus
A: Sweet Coral
B: Copper
F: Satin Brass
@jaynelies @garbstore Etsy
C: Arctic Blue
G: Honeycomb
D: Digital Violet
Coloro:
A: 009-62-21, B: 024-45-20, C: 103-60-14, D: 128-61-
22, E: 022-63-24, F: 034-61-29, G: 034-76-27
13
Pantone:
A: 16-1620 TCX, B: 17-1147 TCX, C: 16-4519 TCX, D: 17-
3930 TCX, E: 15-1334 TCX, F: 15-0953 TCX, G: 13-0942
TCX
Take inspiration from
authentic outdoor apparel
tones, using off-primary
details to enliven casualwear
Why are they key? This palette balances true
performance inspiration with wearability, as
the desire for functional wardrobes increases.
Almost uniform-like, these tones combine to
create a practical but playful message for Gen
Z.
Not Just a Label @billieeilish
How to us e them: Use combinations of Burl
Wood, Faded Citrus and Olive Oil to update
traditional young menʼs core messaging and
denim stories. These levels are enlivened with
the introduction of transseasonal Butter and
Orange Oxide in bold blocked applications, as
well as patchworked panels.
A: Black E: Burl Wood
F: Butter
Design Scene @federicocurradi F**king Young!
B: Olive Oil G: Artic Blue
C: Artisanal Red
H: Orange Oxide
D: Faded Citrus
Coloro:
A: 153-19-00, B: 044-52-13, C: 013-39-31, D: 022-63-
24,
14 E: 023-36-14, F: 040-86-20, G: 103-60-14, H: 022-
50-29
Pantone:
A: 19-4203 TCX, B: 17-0636 TCX, C: 18-1555 TCX, D: 15-
1334 TCX, E: 18-1130 TCX, F: 12-0824 TCX, G: 16-4519
TCX, H: 16-1448 TCX
037-93-00 153-19-00
036-89-06 039-75-01
041-28-11 117-38-07
022-40-26 115-35-20
011-27-26 115-23-11
044-52-13 158-56-00
040-86-20 099-38-02
040-76-30 042-45-01
034-76-27 040-66-04
034-61-29 014-73-08
030-69-10 152-25-17
029-50-19 150-38-31
024-45-20 156-55-06
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Coloro here.
024-51-12 128-61-22
023-36-14 120-65-07
019-27-14 122-25-24
017-23-07 103-60-14
030-67-34 098-80-12
028-55-30 092-38-21
022-62-16 090-27-16
022-63-24 076-27-12
Colour Reference A/W 22/23
022-50-29 069-43-12
013-39-31 062-57-10
009-62-21 053-61-26
Coloro 008-23-14 048-39-19
15
11-4800 TCX 19-4203 TCX
11-0103 TCX 13-4201 TCX
19-0516 TCX 18-3918 TCX
18-1250 TCX 18-4034 TCX
19-1652 TCX 19-4122 TCX
17-0636 TCX 17-3802 TCX
12-0824 TCX 18-4214 TCX
13-0746 TCX 18-0306 TCX
13-0942 TCX 14-6408 TCX
15-0953 TCX 14-1309 TCX
14-1208 TCX 19-2315 TCX
17-1134 TCX 19-2434 TCX * This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here.
17-1147 TCX 17-1605 TCX
17-1417 TCX 17-3930 TCX
18-1130 TCX 16-4013 TCX
19-1220 TCX 19-3953 TCX
19-1016 TCX 16-4519 TCX
15-1058 TCX 13-5410 TCX
16-1149 TCX 18-4834 TCX
16-1422 TCX 19-4914 TCX
15-1334 TCX 19-5411 TCX
Colour Reference A/W 22/23
16-1448 TCX 17-5912 TCX
Pantone TCX
18-1555 TCX 17-0210 TCX
16-1620 TCX 16-0435 TCX
19-1528 TCX 18-0430 TCX
16
7541 C 426 C
663 C 428 C
7771 C 2376 C
7585 C 2152 C
188 C 547 C
7503 C 7653 C
7402 C 431 C
129 C 424 C
143 C 7535 C
7563 C 503 C
4685 C 7658 C
7574 C 675 C * This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Pantone here.
7586 C 5215 C
4715 C 271 C
4705 C 536 C
7595 C 288 C
Black 5 C 549 C
1375 C 304 C
1385 C 323 C
7514 C 7722 C
472 C 3308 C
Colour Reference A/W 22/23
7578 C 5555 C
Pantone Coated
1797 C 7494 C
177 C 7745 C
7428 C 581 C
17
660-120 660-940
215-140 659-280
547-970 653-530
108-850 330-720
104-920 653-980
548-580 658-530
215-230 659-560
214-450 659-540
213-240 548-230
213-650 542-180
546-270 439-930
212-810 439-780 * This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about Archroma here.
109-720 657-220
543-470 432-270
543-580 653-380
543-760 432-870
542-820 328-410
212-580 327-220
211-750 326-840
110-310 325-930
109-310 324-910
Colour Reference A/W 22/23
109-630 550-560
106-840 550-450
Archroma
104-340 217-760
102-910 217-920
18
1200317 CO 1000180 MC
0800580 CK 1100740 MC
0903137 CO 1101078 CO
0201932 CO 0503664 MC
0301072 MC 0503595 CO
0900158 MC 1101287 CK
0100186 CK 1100230 MC
0101179 CO 1100119 MC
0101118 CO 0801195 CO
0101258 CO 0303142 CO
0800461 MC 0401743 MC
0701351 MC 0400097 MC
0201612 CO 0401967 CO
* This is a reference guide only. Colours on computer screens vary. Find out more about CSI here.
0701446 CO 0502955 MC
0700113 MC 0501021 MC
0700194 MC 0503659 MC
0701931 MC 0501122 MC
0200076 MC 0600360 MC
0201842 MC 0601270 CO
0701653 CO 0601333 MC
0201841 CO 0900195 MC
Colour Reference A/W 22/23
0202198 CO 0900574 MC
0201421 MC 0901287 MC
0200331 MC 0903622 CO
CSI 0400616 MC 0901140 CO
19
