How to Wear Pantone 2021
Sweater (similar) || Skirt || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings
Hey folks! Today’s scheduled post was originally scripted to be a fun guide all about the Pantone 2021 colors of the year. Because many of you are here solely for that reason, I promise I’ll get there. First, I want to start by continuing with reflections from this week’s disturbing events in Washington. Watching the horrifying images unfold left me feeling a whole litany of emotions, ranging from anger to sorrow to embarrassment. Right now, I’m reminding myself that brighter days are soon ahead. As I said in yesterday’s Instagram post… Hug your loved ones, keep taps of your own mental health, and look forward to the better days ahead.
What is Pantone Color of the Year?
Since 2000, Pantone has named a Color (or Colors) of the Year. While they reflect trends in the fashion, entertainment, and travel industries, they are also used to reflect current events. For 2021, they have a duo of colors that almost couldn’t more diverse. Ultimate Gray reflects our joint experiences from 2020, both from the global pandemic around the world and civil unrest in our country. There is ambiguity, uncertainty, and irresolution. Gray at the same time represents composure and resiliences, both being important virtues during this first few days in 2021.
On the other end of the spectrum is Illuminating. It’s a bright and cheerful color that is a stark contrast against nearly any shade of gray. Unsurprisingly, it’s also incredibly optimistic and can be thought of like the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.
When the 2021 Pantone colors were first announced, I noticed a lot of disappointment. I know yellow can be a hard color to sell and gray is just a little boring. On the other hand, I thought it was a unique color combination. The fact that I know I look decent in yellow only helped its cause. This pairing is tricky, so I wanted to share a simple way to make it happen and how to make yellow work for you.
How to Wear Pantone 2021
Find the Perfect Shade of Yellow
Yellow is a beautiful color, but it can admittedly be difficult to find the ‘right for you’ shade. The more it stands out against your skin tone, the better it will complement. For my fair-skinned friends, I recommend a deeper, mustard tone. As your skin gets darker, the lighter you can go in the shade. It’s also important to know that when you do find that perfect hue, it’s going to make you look perfectly sun-kissed. There is some trial and error, but I think there’s a shade for everyone.
Be Strategic on Color Pairing
As your yellow gets light and brighter, your gray should get deeper. It took digging to find a combination of yellow and grey that I would be happy with. I was trying to avoid color-blocking, looking for something that seemed like a natural fit. This J. Crew cashmere sweater was a perfect choice. The yellow is as buttery and soft as the cashmere itself. The dark gray donegal midi skirt from Talbots was also an instant decision. With help from my yellow espadrille wedges, yellow and grey come together in perfect harmony.
Invite Another Pop of Color
Do this day, one of my favorite red carpet looks was Reese Witherspoon in a yellow cocktail dress from the Golden Globes in 2007. She made the bright color even more of a statement by pairing bright red accents. As you put yellow and grey together, consider adding a pop of color into the mix. With my outfit, I could add a swipe of ruby red lipstick or trade my yellow espadrilles for my red ones. Emerald Green accents could also be welcome with your perfect shade of yellow.
Sweater (similar) || Skirt || Wedges || Clutch || Earrings
So, this blog post obviously has two things going on. Sure, talking about color trends and fashion are fun, but it pales in comparison to the greater issues at hand. Try to remain positive, always be respectful, and find the little joys in life.
Love from Florida,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.