Is the orange and Mint combo going to be a thing in 2026?

2 years ago I suddenly found myself pulled to create more teal, orange and turquoise designs, which led to the creation of the "Mediterranean Patio" collection. Now it seems I might have been onto something as I have noticed those warm 70s colors making a comeback this year. So, is the orange and mint combo going to be a thing in 2026?

My vote goes for yes, there have been several signs it's trending. Not only has burnt orange been a color used by fast fashion brands like H&M this autumn/winter season. It's also the color scheme of Taylor Swift's latest album : The life of a showgirl. Then there has been a number of design challenges on Spoonflowers on the 70s retro theme like the 1970s geometric/floral challenge or the current thrift store treasure challenge.

Social media has been full of posts condemning fast fashion recently, especially in the wake of Shein making its way into brick and mortar stores in Paris. The push for buying second hand vintage stuff is growing and the 70s aesthetic and its color palettes is getting popular with the Gen Z cohort.

I see it as a sign people are ready to move away from the sad beige aesthetic and the Mocha Mousse horror Pantone tried to pass as trendy in 2025. It also looks like the western world is entering a period of recession, which according to some experts has lead to people making more conservative and sober choice with fashion but that in my opinion has also pushed people to buy second hand a lot more. Another trend on the rise is the Art Deco one. People are revisiting the past and as aesthetic goes Art Deco is pretty timeless with it's geometric designs, gold and jewel tones and it can easily be adapted, and has been recently. My prediction for Pantone's 2026 color is either a orange, teal, or dark green. I hope I'll be right on the money this time. Last year many designers and artists were dead sure forest or emerald green was going to be it but Pantone gave us chocolate on valium instead. A color I am happy to report has not been used as much in design all this year. Not the way people went CRAZY for the 2016 Rose Quartz and Serenity combo or the Viva Magenta in 2023.

So let's all root for happy colors in 2026 people! I'm partial to mint green and turquoise and I'm totally here for bright oranges and yellow, because just because the world is going insane doesn't mean we have to dress like post apocalyptic survivors living in concrete bunkers.