We’re reporting a case of the winter blues… but not the one that causes your seasonal affective disorder to linger around ’til spring. It’s the cobalt blues—and like the snow in New York City—it’s everywhere.
First endorsed in 2025, it took—like most bolder trends—a few seasons to marinate in the zeitgeist and gain momentum. On the spring 2026 runways, cobalt blue, also known as IKB, or colloquially Klein Blue (per the artist Yves Klein) made a significant statement—reflecting the broader shift toward expressive dressing. The saturated hue appeared in color-blocked accents at Loewe, Jil Sander, and Wales Bonner; then head-to-toe at Tove, Chanel, and Fforme. At Lanvin, it was less of a splash and more of a dive into the deep end; the runway itself an infinite pool of blue.
Vogue’s Favorite Cobalt Blue Picks:
Electric, confident, and unexpectedly versatile, this striking shade delivers more than just an outfit dopamine rush. It’s also a color chameleon, pairing well with not just neutrals—but also more unexpected tones, like purple, red, pale pink, and lime yellow.
As far as color trends go, cobalt blue is vibrant without being overwhelming, making it ultra wearable, whether you commit to a bold outerwear moment à la Bella Hadid, or mix it in more subtly, the way we’re seeing street style right now.
Expect this shade to lead the fashion conversation as we transition to spring—below, a few ways to wear it right now.
As a Skirt
Inspired by the Auralee FW26 show, you don’t need to go full monochromatic blue to achieve a chic look. Style a Nour Hammour leather jacket over a blue skirt, and top off with a purple scarf—another key color trend for spring.
