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The Colour Palette of May A Mood-Board in Motion

Anuk Silk Halter Dress

Anuk Silk Wrap Dress

May is a month in full bloom, a transitional moment when the air shifts, the sun lingers, and fashion begins to flirt with summer. And just like that, our colour choices start to reflect the energy in the atmosphere: light, expansive, and quietly bold. This season’s palette feels like a mood-board in motion. It’s not about just one colour leading the charge, but about layering tones; earthy, ethereal, and unapologetically vibrant.


Mocha Mousse: The New Neutral

Dimuthu Sahabandu
Dusky Blue Silk Satin Flared Pants

Let’s start with the unexpected hero of the season: Mocha Mousse. This soft, grounded brown is proving to be more than just another neutral; it’s a statement in subtlety. With a tone that feels both retro and refreshingly modern, Mocha Mousse carries a quiet confidence. It evokes the richness of espresso and the softness of suede, creating a sense of calm, comfort, and understated luxury. Picture it woven into tailored linen suits, flowing satin skirts in sun-warmed tones, or buttery leather sandals that whisper of sun-drenched city strolls and slow weekend escapes. This is not a flat or basic brown, it’s dimensional and deeply versatile. It brings a touch of elegance to casual silhouettes and sophistication to eveningwear. Mocha Mousse pairs effortlessly with a spectrum of shades: crisp ivory for a clean contrast, burnt orange for a toasty warmth, or even a powdery lilac to add a dreamy, modern twist. Its strength lies in its adaptability, it complements a wide range of skin tones and translates seamlessly across seasons. In a world of brash brights and hard-edged minimalism, Mocha Mousse offers something softer and more soulful. It’s the kind of neutral that doesn’t just whisper; it hums with quiet, assured style.


Buttercup, Blush and Baby Blue: Pastels with Purpose

Bardot 
Capri Diamonte Slip Dress
Zara Oversize blazer set mid pink

Pastels are getting their power back, and this time, they’re rewriting the rules. No longer confined to the realm of sugary spring clichés or Easter egg aesthetics, May’s pastels are stepping forward with a new sense of strength and purpose. These aren’t timid hues; they’re modern, intentional, and quietly bold. Picture buttercup yellow tailored trousers that brighten without overwhelming, or dusty pink blazers cut with razor-sharp lines and unexpected details. There’s sheer baby blue that doesn’t melt into the background, but floats with confidence; hovering like a cloud, yet styled to stand out. Designers are using pastels not as background players but as focal points, building them into architectural silhouettes that play with volume, proportion, and contrast. Structured shoulders, boxy shapes, exaggerated hemlines, these elements bring drama to the softest of shades, proving that delicacy can have a defined edge. 

It’s a subtle rebellion against the idea that strength must be loud or dark. This season’s pastels are paradoxical in the best way: light but impactful, romantic but assertive. They’re being paired with unexpected textures, leather, denim, even metallics, giving them a dynamic, contemporary energy. In short, pastels have graduated. They’re no longer just pretty; they’re powerful, polished, and full of potential.


The Bolds: Scarlet and Deep Berry

Podur Ruby Radiance Dres COS Linen set

There’s something romantic about May’s fiercer tones too. Rich reds and deep berry shades are appearing in sleek co-ords, cutout dresses, and lacquered accessories. These aren’t wintry shades repurposed - they’re rendered in light-catching fabrics that make them seasonally fluid. A crimson slip dress at golden hour? Instant icon. 


Greens and Blues: From Earth to Sky

Mukti Studio Amali 100% pure silk dress Massimo Dutti Midi Slip Dress

Nature-inspired colours continue to influence fashion trends. Earthy olive greens and serene sky blues are popular choices, reflecting a connection to the natural world. These shades are versatile, pairing well with both neutrals and other vibrant colours, making them a staple in the spring colour palette.


How to Wear the Palette

   

The beauty of May’s colour story lies in its balance. You can go tonal, dressing head-to-toe in soft sorbets, or punctuate a minimalist look with a splash of red or ocean blue. Play with texture: matte vs gloss, linen vs silk, knit vs mesh. It’s less about trend-chasing and more about energy matching.


 

 

 

 

 

Katen Doe

Anjna Kaur

Anjna Kaur is a prominent fashion columnist for Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror, where her column, “The Fashion Room by Anjna Kaur,” offers readers insightful commentary on contemporary fashion trends and personal style. Her articles cover a diverse range of topics, from seasonal fashion trends to the influence of social media on fashion, providing readers with a comprehensive view of the evolving fashion landscape. Anjna is a post-graduate student at Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design (UK).

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