Last Updated on February 18, 2026 by Eve Dawes
Magenta & pinks are still a big fashion color trend & in style. Here’s what you need to know about everything from Viva Magenta to pastel pink
Pantone color of the year Viva magenta, is keeping hot pink and fuchsia very much still in fashion and one of the biggest color trends. A couple of fashion editors are moving towards softer pinks which are also trending. However, if the runway shows like Versace, Prabal Gurung, Giambattista Valli, Del Core and the Valentino Pink PP Collection are anything to go by I’m going to say that’s it’s most definitely the bright pinks and magentas that are the biggest fashion color trend. Magenta wasn’t just all over the Spring Summer fashion shows but Pantone announced ‘Viva Magenta’ as their Pantone color of the year. There’s also the upcoming Barbie movie to consider and we all know how heavily movies and pop culture influences our fashion trends. With Barbiecore already being a big fashion trend. So yes, hot pink is here to stay for and I couldn’t be happier.
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I’ve been all over the hot pink color trend since it first started. It’s called dopamine dressing for a reason and there’s a lot to be said for the power of color to change your mood and color pyschology. So whether you fully embrace Barbiecore or just add a magenta bag or pair of shoes to your look, you’ll be right on trend.
What shades of pink are in style
It’s not just hot pinks and the Pantone color of the yea ‘Viva Magenta’ hogging center stage. Ballet pink and softer pastel pinks were a big part of the runway shows and are also a nail color trend. Who What Wear is one of the fashion editors moving from magenta to pastels.
Some people may come for me for saying this because fuchsia is still very much a hot color…but super-saturated colors have never truly been my thing. I’ll personally be skipping bright pinks in favor of the softer ballet pink shades I saw plenty of throughout the S/S 23 collections.
Who What Wear
So if bright pinks too much for you, opt for one of these paler hues or style a neutral shade, pastels, pale grey or pretty blue with a fuchsia piece. It’s one of those colors that also works really well for statement evening wear. Basically you can’t go wrong whatever shade you want to wear to rock the pink color trend.
Pantone color of the year
Viva magenta is the perfect color although they’re clear to point out that it’s more of a “warm and cool red than a pink“. The color Viva Magenta represents:
Pantone’s Color of The Year, Viva Magenta 18-750, vibrates with vim and vigor…descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength. Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration…
Pantone
An unconventional shade for an unconventional time:
a new vision. Color of the Year: PANTONE 18-1750 Viva MagentaVibrating with vim and vigor, a shade rooted in nature descending from the red family demonstrating a new signal of strength.
— PANTONE (@pantone)
What’s the difference between hot pink and Pantone color of the year Viva Magenta
Viva magenta isn’t quite the same as fuchsia or hot pink. It’s more of a neutral crimson red tone that’s a balance between warm and cool which means it suits most people.
This structured magenta pink mini dress is a Revolve best seller and top of my wishlist. It’d be super cute for Valentine’s Day.
Shop the trending pink dresses, outfits & matching sets
Grab any one of these pink dresses, matching coord sets, separates, bags or shoes to instantly update your look with the Pantone color of the year and pink color trend. I tend to go for magenta year round and then pale pinks for when I’m tanned so that it doesn’t wash me out. It’s kind of taken over my entire wardrobe as I love monochromatic fuchsia looks, it’s taken over from red for power dressing for me.
The best ‘Viva Magenta’ Pantone color of the year, fuchsia and hot pink dresses to wear
From designer to luxe for less these viva magenta and bright pink dresses check off this Pantone color of the year and hot pink color trend in the most fashion forward way.
The best pale & pastel pink dresses & accessories to wear
Soft, feminine styles, bags and heels to wear the pink color trend in a more subdued way. Whether you’re dressing for the day or a special occasion, there’s a designer or more affordable pink outfit for all budgets.
Valentino Pink PP collection
Valentino’s Pink PP collection is one of the most extensive designer collections to shop for hot pink. It’s not only chic and fashion forward it’s one of the most on trend shades of pink, conceived with Pantone to create this striking shade. It’s so pretty it deserved it’s own section. As much hot pink as I have in my closet, I’m still really tempted by Valentino Garavani’s pink crystal bag.
The Pink PP color developed by the Maison and Pantone Color Institute becomes the protagonist of a range of everyday items enhancing the uniqueness of every moment.
Valentino
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More ways to wear pink
If the Viva Magenta Pantone color of the year isn’t for you, there’s lots of other ways to add the pink color trend to your wardrobe.
