Pastel Promises: Pantone’s Spring/Summer 2016 Colors

If you have not heard then you will very soon. Pantone, the leading authority on all things color and color related has announced the color of the year for 2016. This in of its self is not news at all. This has been going on for decades, and it really only matters to those who care about fashion, trends, influences, décor, furnishings, design, and the like. No, the big news this year is that instead of only one color being chosen there were two!

Those colors being a classically romantic pink called Rose Quartz and a tranquility inspiring blue called Serenity. Without all the fluff we are looking at pink and baby blue… no this is not a baby shower we are planning.

When I decided to share this information with my sister, she replied with, “Oh, so we are going back to basics,” and I realized she had a point. Unless our parents insisted on battling the status quo, the majority of us were either bathed in blue or plastered in pink for the beginning of our lives. This was the beginning of our gender identity indoctrination. This was how the world knew you were a boy or a girl.

The people at Pantone say that this coming year’s palette is meant to be unisex. A color palette for men and women’s fashion. In keeping with this theme it is interesting to note that the argument for these color choices is to address the evolving trends in gender norms, the growing acceptance of fluid sexuality, and the realization that transgender identification is becoming a commonplace occurrence. How oddly appropriate it is to take the first two colors most people in this society have learned to build their identities around, and to turn that upside down on its head. In a way, by choosing these colors for 2016,  society is acknowledging that it is time to redefine who wears pink and who wears blue… and it seems to be decided that we ALL do.

However, though those are the color choices of 2016, the palette does not end there. In actuality, there are a grand total of 10 top color choices for next year. As a whole, I am excited about the announcement. That being, rose pink has always been my favorite and best color to wear. Next to red, it is the color I feel my most beautiful in. It is the color that dominates my wardrobe. So, I’ll be honest, I am looking forward to upcoming collections featuring airy dresses, delicate tops, and feminine skirts in this hue!

Does the 2016 top 10 color picks mean we have to sculpt our wardrobes around them? The answer is a resounding NO. Just do not be shocked when you see any of the colors as the option of choice when you see that adorable, light-weight, knit. These are merely suggestions. A forecast for what businesses believe will sell among the mass of consumers, but even these colors can be edited down by the every day Jane or Joe. For example, I am not a fan of blue, so do not expect to see me wearing too much of Serenity or any similar colors aside from the basic, long-sleeve, button down.

For an in-depth look at all ten colors, including descriptions, influences, and more click here: Top 10 Color: Spring 2016 Fashion Color Report.

Remember, fashion can be worn by any body, but style is a personal relationship between yourself and your wardrobe. So, use your discretion when deciding on what you think will be best for your next garment purchase.

With this in mind I decided to take a look around some of my favorite online retailers to see if I could spot the coming palette’s influence on the e-tailing market. Or if I have already made purchases falling close to the palette. This is in no way a comprehensive survey, nor are all 10 colors represented, this is just a quick list of the few items that caught my eye.

Rose Quartz:
Tatiana Midi Skirt – Ruche
Cedar Street Mini Nora – Kate Spade New York

Rose truly is the color in which I view my hopes and dreams. It is usually not difficult to find, but I especially adore it on feminine pieces that up the girlyness of it. Eh… la vie en rose.

Buttercup:
Kimchi Blue Clean Colorblock Backpack – Urban Outfitters
Sweater with Side Slits – Zara
I just bought this sweater on Black Friday. It’s of a soft fabric, and a gorgeous vibrant yellow hue that brings excitement to the eye. For the fall season I found it to be on the bright side. But then again, that is what led me to choose it in the first place. Of all colors, yellow has always had an amazing ability to effect my mood so completely.

Green Flash:
Tiffany Premium Blazer – Misguided
Kenzo Tiger Silicone Strap Watch – ASOS
I was seriously apprehensive about this color. Aside from athletic gear, I could not imagine how one could tastefully pull off this shocking shade of green. Then I thought, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. Upon reflection, I realized how this color really does impact the eye and creates a mood of inspired exploration. I feel the need to be active in nature and society. I want to meet people, see picturesque landscapes, and discover new scenes; and this shade of green creates a sense of empowerment. I feel like I could do anything.

Another fun find is that Sephora has announced a line of cosmetics in honor of the Pantone colors of the year. Lipsticks, lip glosses, and an eye-shadow palette all in the hues of the upcoming season will soon be available for purchase. For more details and to be kept up to date on its debut, be sure to take a look here: Sephora + Pantone Universe. Personally, I’m dying to get my hands on the Serenity shade lipstick. It comes in a sophisticated matte finish; and I have fallen in love with matte lipsticks of all shades over the autumn season.

Aside from the promise of a new year, let’s have fun looking forward to a new palette of color that is meant to:

“…transport us to a happier, sunnier place where we feel free to express a wittier version of our real selves.”

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Until next time my darlings.

May we all be sweetly inspired.

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Featured photo image created by A. Reneé for Darling Afflatus, 2015. This image is a derivative of the images credited below:

Pink Rose via photopin (license)
Just above surface via photopin (license)

All other images were created by A. Reneé for Darling Afflatus, 2015, and may not be used without permission.