If you scroll right now on TikTok, you might notice a very specific trend where users spin and twirl around in an outfit silently with simple bold text layered on top of the video. The content of the video and the meaning of the text isn’t what matters here, instead its the very specific shade of color used for the latter.

Everyone right now seems to be gravitating towards light pastel colors, particularly in a baby blue, millennial pink, buttery yellow or mint green tone. And what seemed to start out as part of a content creating trend has now proliferated into the fashion trend cycle at large. Light dainty pastel tones are on track to be everywhere by the start of Spring 2026.

There’s something about the look that feels reminiscent of the indie sleaze look of the early 2000s. Remember wearing pastel blue tights underneath a silver spiral skirt? Look around and you’ll see a lot of people recreating that exact look right now in New York.

The pastel color trend though is more than just a little nostalgic. It’s also easy to wear. Neon colors can feel too abrasive and neutrals can feel, well, too neutral. Pastel colors are a nice in between. They’re more exciting than black or white but less loud than brat green.

They’re also just delightful and soothing on the eyes. As we officially bid farewell to quiet luxury and prepare for a maximalist wave, pastel colors feel like the perfect transitional trend for right now.

Shop the pastel color trend.