How can you not think of the iconic line by Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada: that famous “cerulean” blue worn so casually by Emily. This season, it’s no longer just about classic light-wash denim, perfectly faded over time, or the more raw, almost black version, both enduring staples of men’s and women’s wardrobes. Blue is stepping off the beaten track and making its way everywhere, covering accessories, shoes, bags and jewelry. It rides every wave of style, carrying with it a whole world of imagery, far from insignificant in times like these.
A key shade on the runways
Even if luxury ready-to-wear is worn by a minority of affluent clients, the collections of major fashion houses shape all trends. In an era of micro-trends, emerging and fading within weeks, blue is establishing itself as a key color for the upcoming summer season. Celine, Loewe, Victoria Beckham, Saint Laurent, Versace, Dior and Courrèges have set the tone. Three shades stand out, ranging from the iciest to the deepest hues.
“Icy blue”—a term straight out of TikTok. A kind of very cool, steely blue, is leading the way. It pairs perfectly with sheer or airy fabrics like mesh or organza, instantly giving outfits a refreshing feel. It will dress our summer beach outings and work beautifully with grey or fuchsia.
Turquoise, or Tiffany blue, once thought to be firmly left behind in the early 2000s is making a comeback in thrift stores and on second-hand platforms. You find yourself drawn to a shade you disliked not so long ago. To make an even stronger statement, it’s paired with neon hues: a guaranteed Y2K silhouette. Cobalt blue, darker and more intense, also making waves, particularly on leather pouch bags. The quiet luxury aesthetic is especially fond of this shade, which stands out without being extravagant.
How to make it your own?
This season, you can embrace azure blue head to toe or adopt it more subtly in touches: a bag, a pair of shoes, or a basic piece is enough to tap into the trend. If it dresses us, blue can also be worn on the eyelids through makeup. A blue eyeshadow, paired with long, voluminous lashes, subtly echoes the gaze of Twiggy in the 1960s. Another option: opt for a blue mascara, which enhances both hazel and blue eyes alike.
From head to toe, this trend is a sure bet. Even the outdoor world is embracing it, as Salomon and Naked Copenhagen unveil their second collaboration around the XT-6—the brand’s best-seller—here reimagined in a soft, luminous sky blue, far from the usually darker tones of the outdoor wardrobe.
Philosophy and symbolism of blue
In the history of fashion, blue has lived a thousand lives. In the 19th century, it was associated with femininity, while pink was linked to masculinity before this convention was reversed. The expression “born in a blue collar,” now largely forgotten, once meant being born into a wealthy family, as blue fabrics were particularly expensive.
Today, blue tends to evoke masculinity, order and authority from police uniforms to naval attire. But it also symbolizes freedom, recalling the vastness of the sea and the infinity of the sky. It can also feel unsettling, like the blue of the night or that of raging waves.
In a world where freedom is often under threat, blue becomes a banner. This season, fashion rides this wave, turning this color into far more than a simple chromatic choice. It becomes a true statement.
