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'That sweater is not just blue. It's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually cerulean.' It's the line that fashion people still quote nearly two decades later, delivered by Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. In the scene, Miranda Priestly dismantles Andrea Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway)'s indifference to 'just blue', revealing how even the most seemingly insignificant colour choice is the result of a carefully orchestrated fashion ecosystem. It's a monologue that has become shorthand for how trends trickle down from runway to real life – and right now, it feels more relevant than ever. Because cerulean is back.
Andrea Sachs's 'lumpy blue sweater' remains one of the film's most iconic costumes. If the SS26 runways were anything to go by, blue is the shade defining the season – but not in its palest or safest forms. Designers leaned into saturated, high-impact hues, from Capri brights to electric cobalt, with cerulean sitting firmly at the centre of the conversation. It's punchy but polished, bold yet wearable – the kind of colour that instantly elevates even the simplest silhouette.
There's also a certain poetic timing to its return. Meryl Streep herself recently revisited the shade during press for the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, stepping out in a custom cerulean knit by J.Crew, styled by Micaela Erlanger. It felt like a full-circle fashion moment – one that cemented cerulean's status not just as a passing trend, but as a colour with real cultural staying power.
Why Cerulean Works for 2026
What makes cerulean particularly appealing for 2026 is its versatility. Unlike some statement shades that can feel intimidating, this is a colour that works hard across your wardrobe. It pairs effortlessly with crisp whites and soft neutrals for a clean, minimalist look, but it's just as effective when worn head-to-toe for a more directional, tonal take. Think a linen shirt worn with matching wide-leg trousers, or an oversized blouse tucked into tailored shorts – easy, polished, and quietly impactful.
Dresses, too, are where cerulean really comes into its own this season. From breezy cotton midis to more sculptural, occasion-ready silhouettes, the colour does all the heavy lifting, requiring little more than pared-back accessories to feel complete. It's the kind of throw-on-and-go dressing that still manages to look considered – arguably the ultimate fashion sweet spot.
High Street Heroes
And perhaps the best part? You don't need a designer budget to tap into the trend. The high street has already embraced cerulean in a big way, with brands like H&M and Zara offering affordable entry points (including an oversized blouse for under £20), while the likes of COS, Mint Velvet and Whistles deliver more elevated takes in linen and tailored cuts. Meanwhile, stalwarts such as Marks & Spencer and Next offer easy, wearable dresses that slot seamlessly into everyday wardrobes.
Ultimately, cerulean's return is a reminder that fashion rarely moves in straight lines. What once felt like a niche, insider reference has become a full-blown trend again – proof that Miranda Priestly was right all along. That 'lumpy blue sweater' was never just blue. And in 2026, neither is anything else.
The Best Cerulean Blue Buys for SS26
- Mango Ruched Strapless Dress
- River Island Blue Hybrid Asymmetric Maxi Dress
- M&S Cotton Rich Panel Midi Waisted Skater Dress
- Next Blue Cotton Sleeveless Midi Belted Shirt Dress
- H&M Broderie-Anglaise Cotton Shirt Dress
- M&S Linen Rich Scoop Neck Mini Swing Dress
- H&M Oversized Blouse
- Zara Poplin Balloon Sleeve Shirt
- Mango 100% Ramie Shirt
- Mint Velvet Blue Linen Blend Shirt + Mint Velvet Blue Linen Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers (£99)
- COS Oversized Short-Sleeved Linen Shirt + COS Tailored Elasticated Linen Shorts (£55)
- Whistles Blue Fiona Linen Button Jumpsuit
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