The Best Runway Trend Recently? “Ugly” Color Combinations

Technically, there are no ugly colors—only “bad” combinations. And yes, the use of quotation marks is necessary as what works in fashion and what doesn’t are often subjective. According to the traditional laws of color theory, though, these palettes shouldn’t work. To a critical eye, the hues might even appear to clash. However, recent F/W26 collections show designers purposefully defying expectations. Instead of sticking to the safety of the color wheel, they’re embracing composites that challenge conventional taste.

RELATED: Fashion’s Fruit Bowl: The Runway Colors Taking Over 2026

Challenging the Eye

There’s a multitude of reasons as to why brands are opting for this visual dissonance, with standing out in a competitive industry as a primary driving force. There’s also the fact that 2026 has seen a massive maximalist resurgence. But the cause of celebration, really, is the apparent willingness to break the rules in pursuit of true self-expression. The more your brain glitches upon seeing these clashing shades, the more you’ll be exposed to the creative abundance the world has to offer. 

Life’s too short to stick rigidly to one aesthetic. Let the runways guide you to liberation, no matter how messy it gets.

Photos: AREA, DIESEL, MARNI, and MOSCHINO