Embrace the Cool: Unveiling the "Toothpaste Dressing" Phenomenon
From Culinary Colors to Cool Tones: The Rise of Fresh Hues in Fashion
After seasons dominated by flavorsome shades like pistachio and butter yellow, a new sartorial direction has emerged: "toothpaste dressing." This captivating trend centers around the cool, refreshing tones of mint green and icy blue, offering a clean and vibrant alternative to previous color fads. This shift signals a desire for a more crisp and contemporary aesthetic in clothing.
Celebrity Endorsements and Runway Revelations: The Minty Moment Takes Hold
The influence of this cool-toned trend is evident on prominent figures and prestigious runways. Actress Sarah Pidgeon described her sequined gown as feeling like a mermaid, highlighting its "super chic toothpaste" hue. Similarly, pop sensation Dua Lipa showcased a blue-green dress with complementary mint-colored boots, further solidifying the trend's presence. Fashion week showcases for spring/summer 2025 featured mint green extensively, replacing blush pink as the preferred pastel. Designers like Fendi and Chanel incorporated these shades into sheer organza, sparkling tweed, and ethereal capes, illustrating their broad appeal.
Designers' Embrace: Crafting with Mint and Icy Blues
The fashion world's embrace of mint green and icy blue extends across various design philosophies. Estonian-London designer Johanna Parv utilized lush light green in her sporty collections, expertly balancing aesthetic appeal with practical function. Fall 2025 saw these pastels infuse heavier winter wear with a lighter, more airy feel at brands such as Givenchy and Stella McCartney. Moving into 2026, a broader spectrum of organic greens emerged, with Simone Rocha's collection featuring frosty blue chiffons and Dior presenting architectural bubble dresses in similar cool tones. These lighter shades provide designers with a flexible canvas to explore different facets of femininity.
Chanel's Iconic Interpretation: A Playful Ode to Mint
Chanel, in particular, delivered a playful interpretation of the "toothpaste tube" aesthetic. Their collections featured mint-accented pumps and foamy-toned bags, with these fresh colors appearing across a diverse range of items including openwork crochet skirts, macrame belts, bouclé dresses, and tweed blazers. When juxtaposed with a palette of reds, pinks, golds, and grays, the mint elements felt both fresh and enjoyable. These green heels have contributed to the widespread excitement surrounding Matthieu Blazy's initial collection for Chanel. Fashion writer Alice Betts expressed her enthusiasm for this resurgence, noting her desire for a mint-colored Chanel tote bag as a "playful antidote" and a much-needed pick-me-up.
Independent Visions: Breathing Life into Cool Tones
Independent designers are also enthusiastically integrating these fresh hues. Hattie Tennant, founder of Fruity Booty, shared that her creative director, Jazz Mignone, developed a strong affinity for mint green a year prior. This led to the inclusion of mintier tones in their fall/winter 2025 collection, which, according to Tennant, "lifts the whole palette" during colder months. She highlighted how a subtle flash of mint, like a bra strap under a gray knit, can feel "really fresh or fruity," and praised its universal appeal and feminine yet not overly sweet quality.
The Challenge and Triumph of Styling Mint Green
While mint green offers a unique charm, it can be challenging to style without appearing sterile or overly saccharine. Designer Brooke Callahan, known for her vibrant cotton pieces, noted the risk of it resembling "hospital scrubs." However, her collaboration with London-based brand Hai, utilizing dupion silks, allowed her to explore lighter blues with sophistication. Callahan found that the elevated texture of silk transformed the color, making it inviting and refreshing. Tessa Vermeulen, Hai's founder, agreed that the "haze blue" created a harmonious balance between Callahan's colorful designs and Hai's softer silks, resulting in a fresh yet gentle aesthetic.
Mint's Versatility: From Playful Accents to Bold Statements
The adaptability of mint green is further demonstrated by designers like Lucila Safdie, who incorporated it into her popular Alice bands, body suits, and micro-shorts. Paired with grape, raspberry, and pastel yellows, mint adds a touch of lightness and humor, leaning into a girlish charm. For Moldovan designer Fidan Novruzova's fall 2026 collection, mint embodied boldness, inspired by the art deco icon Tamara de Lempicka. Novruzova's designs featured spearmint shirts, polo dresses with elongated mint collars, and mint-lined boleros, articulating a confident femininity. Similarly, Paloma Wool's fall 2026 collection utilized mint to create a playful contrast against disciplined silhouettes, adding an ironic touch to uniform dressing.
A Fresh Perspective: The Enduring Appeal of Toothpaste Dressing
The resurgence of romance and whimsy in fashion signals a departure from overly polished aesthetics. "Toothpaste dressing," whether through a complete minty fresh ensemble or a delicate accent, speaks to a renewed desire for narrative and expression in style. Despite initial perceptions of being intimidating, this trend has proven surprisingly adaptable on the runways, capable of both enlivening neutral palettes and enhancing vibrant colors. Embracing these cool, clean hues invites a sense of freshness and optimism into contemporary fashion.
