There has been no end to the colour trends we’ve tried this season, from cobalt blue and lemon yellow to chilli red and lawn green. The sartorial MO really did dictate the brighter the better. However, there is one shade we have so far ignored: aqua blue. And for that, all we can say is shame on us.
Featuring in the spring/summer 2026 collections at Stella McCartney, Burberry and Cult Gaia before going on to appear on the Jacquemus AW26 runway, the vibrant blue-green hue was also spotted in the 2027 Chanel and Hermès resort edits.
Off the runways, we’d direct your attention to Charli XCX’s ‘Wink Wink’ video released last month, in which she dons a number of aqua ensembles, most notably a custom Chrome Hearts leather biker jacket with coordinating low-rise flared trousers. The set eventually ends up slathered in mud, but the zingy turquoise tone is constantly visible. Its popularity figures, given WGSN named Transformative Teal the colour of 2026.
Well, you know what they say: better late than never to add this colour to your wardrobe. In fact, late summer is arguably the most perfect time to do so. Literally translated as “water” in Latin, aqua evokes strong vacation vibes – be it chlorine-infused swimming pools or crystal-clear waters of far-off, tropical destinations. Which is perhaps why this aqua blue satin miniskirt from Next caught our eye.
As well as nailing the on-trend colourway, the slinky, shiny fabric possesses the same easy movement and light-catching qualities as water. Style it with a simple white tank top or an oversized linen shirt while the temperature is still in the 20s, but this satin midi transcends the seasons and will work just as well come autumn. Simply swap your sandals for boots and throw on a warm layer, and you’ll be good to go.
Below, shop more of the high street's best aqua buys available now:
COLLUSION Eyelet Detail Off Shoulder Top
Reformation Layla Silk Knee Length Skirt
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
