Two weeks into the new fashion week season, and trends are starting to emerge from the runways. The standout for us at Stylist so far? Electric blue. The hue first found its feet at New York Fashion Week, where Phillip Lim used it for oversized sleeveless blazers, while Eckhauss Latta and Sies Marjan offered slinky vest dresses that pooled at the floor — a great choice for a late night beach party in Ibiza next summer. 

Marc Jacobs, meanwhile, showed bright blue military coats cinched with a belt that would sure brighten up the dullest of days, while Roland Mouret sent high-waisted tailored trousers down his runway, and Tibi – a go-to brand for chic, everyday staples – showed a bright blue structured overcoat. The trend continued at London Fashion Week: Molly Goddard designed tulle tutu-style dresses in a vivacious blue hue — similar in feel to that stellar dress Rihanna wore in 2018 — and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi offered up flouncy chiffon evening dresses with segmented frills that looked Mediterranean but felt distinctly Latina. 

The best thing about this hue of blue is its absolute wearability. A quick glance at the runways so far highlights how versatile the shade is — it was used for everyday wardrobe staples like trenches and tailored trousers as much as it was for eveningwear. 

Why? The fact is, electric blue isn’t too distant a relative to the ever-humble navy. Unlike other Crayola colours, like hot pink and zingy orange (which definitely) feel like a sartorial statement) blue is a colour we can all easily get on board with. And depending on the colours you style it with depends on the vibe it gives off. Pair with white and images of long hazy days spent on holiday in Greece come to mind; or on a boat at sea, such is the nautical theme. But dress it down with black and it feels understated and fresh; camel and browns gives it a certain earthiness that makes the hue work beyond the summer and well into autumn. 

We suggest teaming a bright blue jacket or top (or both!) with black trousers and a fun bag for the office; or throwing a blazer over a formal evening dress to give it that sort of edgy wearability. If that’s too bold, though, there are a ton of bright blue accessories you can get on board with — best paired with neutrals. 

Here’s the best ways to wear the trend now. 

1. Self Portrait

British brand Self Portrait is our absolute go-to for fancy cocktail wear; this bright blue dress is just the ticket, with a flattering sweetheart neckline and layers of delicate lace. Team with nude sandals and a coral lip for the last of the weddings — wear it again for your Christmas party. 

Cold-shoulder dress, £350, Net-a-Porter

2. Zara

These electric blue trousers from Zara are the ideal choice to brighten up your working wardrobe — pair with a chic roll neck and ankle boots. Or, for the full effect, team with the matching blazer. Going out after work? Simply shed the top underneath and add strands of on-trend gold necklaces. 

Cropped trousers, £19.99, Zara

3. & Other Stories

This oversized, slubby yet soft sweater from & Other Stories is giving us serious autumn vibes. On colder days, wear with a contrasting roll neck underneath to give your outfit an extra lift (and an extra layer); wear it with dark navy trousers and ankle boots for a seriously chic off-duty look. 

Oversized sweater, £135, & Other Stories

4. COS

Last of the summer dresses. Get autumn wear out of this one by wearing a fitted sweater underneath with trousers, or wearing it to a warm-weather wedding abroad on a beach somewhere. Come next summer, you’ll rarely have it off your back. Bang on trend and easy to wear — just add sandals. 

A-line cotton dress, £69, COS

5. Marks & Spencer

The trench coat is reinvented this season — Marks and Spencer’s bright blue version is an easy throw-on style, with a double-breasted fastening, contrast buttons and a cinch waist. Wear with a navy sweater and trousers for a new take on a tonal look. 

Blue trench coat, £49.50, Marks & Spencer

Main image: Staud, Molly Goddard, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. All Getty