Patone’s 2017 Color of the Year: Hooray for Greenery!
Every year the Pantone Color Institute names a Color of the Year: a particular hue that they say serves as a snapshot of world culture and mood. It is sure to garner tons of attention and pop up everywhere, from fashion to makeup to home décor. If you’re looking for an easy way to update your wardrobe and look on trend, the Pantone Color of the Year is a great place to start. With just a few purchases – a dress or blouse plus an accessory or two – your whole closet can be instantly refreshed for the new year.
In 2016, Pantone broke from tradition by announcing not one but two colors of the year: Rose Quartz (a soft pink) and Serenity (a powdery Periwinkle). These colors, while very different, were unified in their soft, feminine aura and easy wearability. For 2017, Pantone went in the opposite direction by choosing a bold, earthy color: Greenery.
The color Greenery is evocative of early spring, the shade of tulip leaves and spearmint. Just looking at it makes me think of the first daffodils of spring pushing up through the snow in my back garden. I don’t think this is by accident – Pantone calls Greenery a, “refreshing and revitalizing shade . . . symbolic of new beginnings.” It’s fun, energizing, and a big change from the soft and easy colors from last year. I love it!
Of course, having worked in fashion retail for as long as I have, I know that there are some people who just find green to be a difficult color. They think it doesn’t match the coloring of their skin or eyes, for example, or believe that most shades draw too much attention to themselves and are hard to pair. But I love green – it’s my favorite color! For those who are unsure of how to wear the Color of the Year, I would mention that Pantone calls Greenery “nature’s neutral.” Think of all the beautiful ways that different shades of green are paired with complementary or contrasting colors in nature: the deep chocolate of tree bark or the vivid purple of an iris, for example. With a color so lively, it’s easy to make neutrals like black, white, and beige pop. If you love a little drama, why not try some, bold contrasting color pairings and really stand out from the crowd!
I think the best way to infuse a little dose of Greenery into your wardrobe this year is a new piece or two featuring the stone Peridot. Peridot is a grassy green stone which is most commonly used as the birthstone for the month of August. This gem-quality version of the mineral olivine tends to form in small crystals, which makes it perfect for adding a subtle punch of on-trend Greenery to your favorite tried-and-true work outfit or cocktail dress. For added impact, go for a whole Peridot set or pair with great shoes, a purse, or a scarf in Greenery – your LBD will look totally new.
What do you think of Pantone’s Color of the Year choice? How will you work Greenery into your looks this year?
