Why do fashion colour trends shift between neon and pastel cycles? What is the current cycle in India?

Fashion colour cycles between maximalist (bright, loud, neon) and minimalist (muted, pastel, earthy) aesthetics in roughly 3–5 year waves — though the cycles are not perfectly predictable. Understanding where we are in the cycle helps wholesale buyers stock strategically:

2018–2021: Maximalist cycle — bright, neon, bold

• Neon pink, electric blue, lime green dominated wholesale catalogs
• Bold colour-blocked prints were the mainstream look

2022–2026: Minimalist/pastel cycle — currently dominant

• Earth tones (rust, ochre, olive, beige) and pastels (blush, powder blue, sage) have replaced neons
• "Quiet luxury" aesthetic — subtle colour, quality fabric — is the dominant trend
• Bold colour-blocking persists but is concentrated in Gen-Z and youth co-ord segments (not mainstream)

What this means for stocking: In 2026, over-investing in neon-heavy catalogs carries significant markdown risk — the current consumer palette favors earthy and pastel. However, watch for early signals of the next maximalist cycle emerging by 2027.