How to Style the Pantone Colors of 2021
It's that time of year again where Pantone gives us a little prediction on the vibe and energy of what’s to come through their Color of the Year. This year, we’ve got two of them, and they could not be more different.
Here’s how to style Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.
Watch my interview about the Pantone Colors of 2021 on KXAN.com.
ULTIMATE GRAY
The first Pantone Color of 2021 is Ultimate Gray. This color is a light, soft, and cool neutral. If you’re familiar with color palettes and know your own, this color is in the summer palette. So Summers, you’re in luck!
HOW TO STYLE ULTIMATE GRAY WITH COLOR
Because this neutral is light, soft, and cool, you’ll want to style it with colors that are also light, soft, and cool. For my look, I’ve added a mint bodysuit on top to fit in the palette and a smokey light blue denim jacket to enhance the ultimate gray as well. Other color choices that can work include blush, lavender, sea foam and dusty blue.
EXTRA TIP: When choosing the jewelry to pair with light, soft, and cool colors, try silver. Silver is essentially light gray, so it works well with Ultimate Gray and the other colors that enhance Ultimate Gray.
SHOP ULTIMATE GRAY
mock neck sweater by free people: https://rstyle.me/+jNAjGasbTCHJA5k5OIfzBw
ava t-shirt by zella: https://rstyle.me/+_wl8cTmup4QFzCNBrd6JGw
old skool sneaker by vans: https://rstyle.me/+DWV3kJEESu4kQD-28lgaZg
cali fleece joggers by zella: https://rstyle.me/+t7-WJw2H1adywNf8XkYn9g
HOW TO STYLE ULTIMATE GRAY WITH NEUTRALS
Just like with colors, you’ll want to style Ultimate Gray with a neutral that has the same light and cool characteristics: white! For my look, I’ve added three pops of white through the crop top, earrings, and heels to surround the Ultimate Gray midi dress.
EXTRA TIP: When styling a midi dress or skirt, pair a cropped jacket or top. These two proportions will balance each other out and create interest in your look.
ILLUMINATING
The second Pantone Color of 2021 is Illuminating. This color is light, bright, clear, and warm. Illuminating is in the spring seasonal palette, so if you’re a Spring, this one’s for you!
HOW TO STYLE ILLUMINATING WITH COLOR
Because this color is bright, clear, and warm, you’ll want to style it with colors that are also bright, clear, and warm. For my look, I’ve added a coral shift dress to play into the intensity and warmth of the Illuminating, as well as my lime cactus earrings that are also clear and warm. Other color choices include watermelon, lilac, kelly, aqua, turquoise, and peach.
EXTRA TIP: When choosing a shoe to go with a completely colorful look, stay away from black. Black can distract from an otherwise playful and energetic outfit. Instead, add nude or white to keep it bubbly and bright.
SHOP ILLUMINATING
fluffy funnel neck sleeveless top by topshop: https://rstyle.me/+RP86hW2LQkxkepNz_u_vHw
chelsea rain boots by hunter: https://rstyle.me/+n_C3utGl5SDMoCqlVrW_3w
huddle up knit pullover sweater: https://rstyle.me/+QW_Ucip3b1CVX8ds2JS1HQ
fields of gold shift dress by bb dakota: https://rstyle.me/+a6ku-IrGAJ-v_cyzEIn7_Q
HOW TO STYLE ILLUMINATING WITH NEUTRALS
Just like with the colors, you’ll want to style Illuminating with a warm neutral. You can go with neutrals in the tan family like cognac, cream, and caramel. For my look, I’ve chosen to go with the warm neutral blue classic: navy. I’ve also added a mid-wash denim skirt to play into the navy and the medium-yellow color of Illuminating.
EXTRA TIP: When styling a long jacket, pair a short skirt. Just like the Ultimate Gray crop top and midi skirt, these two proportions will balance each other out and create interest in your look.
