The world of color always affects product design trends and retail practices. With news of 2025's color of the year circulating among trend forecasters and design enthusiasts, the influential colors promise to influence fashion runways and help define how luxury retailers build or expand their brands.
Why do color trends matter so much? And more importantly, what is the hottest color that design experts and retailers alike should focus on? Let’s find out.
What is the 2025 color of the year?
Future Dusk is the unique shade chosen for the upcoming year. It is described as a dark shade between purple and blue that has a certain moodiness to it while also conveying a feeling of comfort. The color choice is one of the darkest cool tones in recent years. Design experts say that it combines the dependability of a navy blue with a sense of mystery found in the late hours of dusk. It's a highly versatile dark color that would make a good base for many accent colors, too.
One of the deciding factors when it came to choosing this color of the year was the understanding that people have been going through a lot of difficult times lately and that a more restful and familiar shade would feel more comforting. At the same time, this color choice looks toward the future with the slightest spark of brightness in an exceptionally dark time.
Color of the year for 2026 adds more vibrancy and light
With a name like 'Transformative Teal,' design trend followers can clearly see an upswing in the hope and illumination for 2026. Coming from the rather dark and mysterious color palette of 2025, it is easy to see that this jewel tone moves into the brighter range of the color palette. Instead of lying between purple and blue, it lies between blue and green.
Rather than an emergence from the darkness, Transformative Teal offers a more earth-focused color scheme. It represents nature, ecologically sound mindsets, and a new direction and sense of resilience in design choices.
Why do color trends matter?
Very few shoppers would even know that these shades were established as the annual colors. So why does it even matter? Some people see them as simply colors that they should paint the walls or choose for a new sweater because that is the fashion of the time. However, they are chosen because they reflect broader cultural, societal, and emotional shifts. They are chosen by experts who analyze many different facets of both retail and larger reality.
Colors have an undeniable psychological impact. They evoke emotions, create moods, and even drive purchasing decisions. For luxury retailers, understanding and incorporating the upcoming color palette isn't just an exercise in aesthetics. It's an essential part of brand storytelling and customer engagement.
How can retailers capitalize on color trends?
The fact that design experts come up with a specific color for the year doesn’t mean that every company should go out and change their entire brand identity, product lines, or product packaging. After all, it would make no sense at all to re-create your logo or change all your website and marketing material design to something that includes Future Dusk or Transformative Teal.
Many high-end shoppers find value in both traditional items and trendy products. Consumer behavior adjusts based on these types of things in relation to what is going on in the world around them. With all the challenges people face these days, it's understandable to look to inspirational or value-driven options. The same holds true for retailers.
When looking at the two colors for 2025 and 2026 specifically, they represent a shift away from darkness, complexity, and lack of sustainability, which are all things that are negatively affecting the world. Retailers can use these colors to inject a sense of dynamic change and positivity to their product development, purchasing, business operations, and marketing strategies.
Leverage colors of the year for your brand
This doesn't mean overhauling everything you’ve built. Instead, it’s about finding subtle, strategic ways to incorporate these trending shades into your existing framework. The key is balance. You want to align with what’s current while maintaining consistency in what your customers already love about your brand. By selectively integrating these colors, you can attract trend-conscious consumers without losing sight of your core values and aesthetic.
Combine meaningful color in product choice
Make thoughtful decisions that align with both your brand and your customers’ desires. Incorporating the colors of the year into your product selection can add a layer of relevance, but it needs to be intentional. Consider where these colors will make the most impact. Maybe it’s a limited-edition collection, specific high-visibility items, or even accents on classic products.
The goal is to weave these colors into your offerings in a way that feels authentic and enhances the story your products tell. Transformation and sustainability are valuable things to add to your brand story anyway. You can help these ideals along with color.
Use these shades in packaging, displays, and marketing
This is the smartest and easiest way to add trending colors to your retail brand. Add dusk and teal shades to your social media graphics and digital campaigns. A quick update to your color palette in visuals, ads, or email designs can create a fresh, on-trend look that resonates with consumers. They will undoubtedly see other favorite shops doing the same thing. While you do not want your message to feel cookie-cutter, it very well may benefit you to join in on their popularity.
Conclusion
As 2025 begins with the Future Dusk shade at the forefront of design ideas, retailers should continue to collect data on how effective blending this shade into their brand expression is. At the same time, look to the future and Transitional Teal for a brighter and more sustainability focused feel.
As with all other retail brand growth strategies, it takes a lot of data and careful analysis to determine if your efforts are worth the investment. Clientbook’s comprehensive customer relationship management software can improve outcomes over time and color your future with success.
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