IN STYLE

It Takes Two

Discover the colors that are inspiring 2021 and how to incorporate them into your everyday life.

By Christie Fogarty

Each year, the Pantone Color Institute chooses one Color of the Year to represent the styles and trends seen across many industries. Color trends in the entertainment industry, art and fashion, along with all areas of design, travel destinations and lifestyle collections, influence the selection of the next Color of the Year. However, the selection looks a little bit different this year.

Chosen as two independent colors that come together to support one another, PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating (yellow) will share the title of 2021’s Color of the Year. It’s no secret that 2020 was a challenging year. In bringing these two colors together, the institute gives the world a message of hope and confidence that the days will become brighter.

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Practical and rock solid, but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

Here are some ways to incorporate the colors into your everyday life in order to continue to look forward with positivity.

Dress Up Your Wardrobe

While working from home is likely to continue, many are beginning to return to their office buildings and in-person meetings. Why not start off 2021 with a new, inspiring wardrobe? Ground your energy with blazers, pants and skirts in Ultimate Gray then lift yourself up with accessories in Illuminating yellow. Go subtle with an Illuminating necklace or earrings; or go bold with a shirt or handbag in the inspiring color.

Be Bold With Your Beauty Routine

It may be a bit more difficult to include these two colors into your beauty routine, but all you have to do is get creative. Opt for a smoky eye with shades of charcoal eye shadow or pick a trendy gray nail polish for a more classic look. Go bold with a gold or yellow eyeliner or choose a cheery yellow polish for an accent nail.

Brighten Your Work Space

As many continue to work from their home offices, it’s important to create a space separate from the rest of the home to create a work-life balance. Take this time to redecorate a room in your home where you can focus on work. Paint the walls in Ultimate Gray as a base of composure then dress the space up with Illuminating accessories to bring forward cheer and hope. Whether it’s bright yellow picture frames, pillows or wall art, it will bring a touch of cheer. If you’re feeling extra bold, incorporate the color into your office chair or an area rug.

No matter how you choose to use this year’s colors, have fun with it.