Mint takes over: the next color trend is surprisingly fresh
Forget butter yellow and the lemon-tini craze—fashion's color obsession has shifted to a shade reminiscent of a gleaming tube of Colgate. Yes, we're talking about toothpaste green, and it's rapidly becoming the defining hue of the season.
From the runway to red carpet: a cool-toned ascent
The shift began subtly. Sarah Pidgeon, at the Oscars weekend, described her Matthieu Blazy-designed sequin slip as “super chic toothpaste,” a sentiment that resonated beyond the red carpet. Dua Lipa followed suit, sporting a floral blue-green Roberto Cavalli dress and matching boots, signaling a broader movement away from blush pink and toward a palette of icy freshness.
The Spring/Summer 2025 runways solidified this trend. Fendi showcased gauzy organza dresses, while Chanel presented sparkle-smattered mint tweed suits and diaphanous icy blue capes against a backdrop of botanical greens. Johanna Parv, an Estonian designer based in London, incorporated the shade into sporty silhouettes, proving its versatility. Even traditionally sumptuous fall palettes experienced a refresh, with mint and icy blues appearing at Givenchy and Stella McCartney, softening heavier winter looks.
Chanel's playful nod and the designer embrace
Chanel, in particular, leaned into the concept with playful details: mint-capped pumps and foamy-toned bags, creating a vibrant counterpoint to a palette of reds, pinks, golds, and grays. Alice Betts, a fashion writer, notes, “I love that this fresh colorway is having a comeback all thanks to Blazy. The Chanel small tote bag is top of my wishlist—it adds a perfect pop of color.”
Independent designers are equally captivated. Hattie Tennant, founder of Fruity Booty, explains that her team has been enamored with mint for nearly a year. “It just lifts the whole palette,” she says, citing the color’s ability to infuse a sense of freshness even in more muted fall and winter collections.
Brooke Callahan, known for her vibrant cotton pants and skirts, found that the color's potential could be unlocked through silk, allowing for a more elevated and inviting feel. Her collaboration with Hai utilized a “haze blue,” balancing Brooke’s bolder pieces with Hai’s softer silks, creating a refreshing aesthetic.
More than a trend: a return to storytelling
Lucila Safdie, who initially popularized mint green through her Alice bands, highlights its universal appeal. “It’s flattering for all skin colors and gives a fun touch without being overpowering,” she observes. The emergence of mint green, alongside shades of grape, raspberry, and pastel yellows, signals a broader return to storytelling in fashion—a move away from the sterile aesthetic of the “clean girl” trend and towards a more playful, expressive approach.
For designers like Fidan Novruzova, mint represents boldness, inspired by the striking color palettes of Polish art deco icon Tamara de Lempicka. She paired spearmint with beige and caramel, articulating a confident, modern femininity. Paloma Wool, meanwhile, used mint within disciplined silhouettes, creating a playful contrast to more uniform dressing styles.
The rise of “toothpaste dressing” isn’t just about a color; it's a signal. It's a desire for a fashion landscape rich in narrative and personality. While it might seem initially daunting, the runways have demonstrated its surprising versatility, lending vibrancy to both neutral and bold looks.
The color’s resurgence isn't just a fleeting moment; it signifies a broader shift in consumer desire – a craving for levity and a rejection of the minimalist rigidity that has defined recent trends. Expect to see mint green everywhere, not as a statement piece, but as a subtle, refreshing whisper of joy.