Sky Bright – AW26/27’s Coolest Hue
Sky blue steps forward this season with unexpected energy – reimagined not as a spring pastel, but as a confident, cool-weather statement. In AW26/27, we’re seeing this vibrant blue tone break out of its seasonal
This season, we drift into a calm and colour-soaked escape with Pastel Tide—a Spring/Summer 2026 trend story that brings together gentle beachside nostalgia and dreamy daywear for the modern child. Anchored in emotion, comfort, and creativity, this mood is all about soft energy and slow play.
The colour palette sets the tone: lavender haze, sandy peach, sun-bleached lemon, seafoam blue, and shell pink come together in perfectly hazy harmony. These shades wash over the collection like sunlight hitting water—never harsh, always mellow. Ideal for head-to-toe pastel stories or tonal blocking, the colours lend themselves beautifully to coordinated sets and tactile layering.
Fabrics take on a lightly laundered feel, mimicking sun-faded seaside memories. Expect crinkle cottons, slubbed jerseys, and soft-touch denims with tonal ombré effects and chalky garment-dye finishes. Surface texture is subtle but present—waffle weaves, fine ribbing, and delicate terry towelling echo beach towels and boardwalk ease.
Underwater creatures get a soft-focus update. Think hand-drawn jellyfish, sleepy whales, and floating seahorses—all with a watercolour wash or sketchy marker effect. Whimsy is toned down in favour of a more artful, quiet approach to storytelling—making it suitable for older kids too. Graphics are perfect for swimwear, tee packs, stationery crossovers, and accessories.
Shapes are relaxed, roomy, and sun-ready. Boxy jackets, button-up coords, pinafore sets, and breezy playsuits take centre stage. Details like tie straps, gathered waists, and soft collars elevate everyday basics. Oversized pockets and turned-up cuffs add just enough detail without disrupting the trend’s calming appeal.
Pastel Tide taps into key macro themes for SS26—emotional comfort, slow childhood, and nature-inspired storytelling. It captures the post-saturation shift in kidswear where tone and tactility now speak louder than novelty. It’s versatile enough to stretch from babywear to junior girls and boys, offering endless merchandising opportunities across loungewear, beachwear, gifting, and sleep.
Pair this story with organic shapes, soft gradients, and watery transparencies in branding and packaging. Illustrated icons and coastal doodles work beautifully on POS and printed collateral for high summer drops.
TREND SPOTTED BY TRENDOLOGY
Looking for more seasonal storytelling? Explore our full SS26 Kidswear Macro Trends.
Sky blue steps forward this season with unexpected energy – reimagined not as a spring pastel, but as a confident, cool-weather statement. In AW26/27, we’re seeing this vibrant blue tone break out of its seasonal
As we move into AW26/27, the baby layette category takes on a gently optimistic tone. Kind Futures captures the feeling of thoughtful comfort, where colour and texture are designed to nurture, calm, and inspire connection. This season,