While it may not feel like it, Spring is officially two days away. And this year, it's not just about soft pastels. It's all about mixing those traditional light-colored hues with brighter, more vivid shades. According to Pantone's Spring 2014 Fashion Color Report, this year's color array, which ranges from subtle blues to bright oranges, was "inspired by blooming flowers, travels abroad and strong, confident women."
Leatrice Eismean, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, describes this season's color report as the following:
“This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium. While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.”
Here are the 10 colors you should incorporate into your fashion and beauty palettes come March 20.
PLACID BLUE
Petite Drapey Chambray Softened Shirt, $25, Loft
This soft blue shade has a hint of lavender, adding a subtle purple tone to an otherwise baby blue color. Think: chambray shirts and light blue denim jeans. Pantone describes it as "a picture perfect, tranquil and reassuring sky [inducing] a sense of peaceful calmness."
VIOLET TULIP
Essie Nail Polish in Using My Maiden Name, $9, Essie
We can't wait to picnic on the grass, wearing this blue/purple shade on our nails and toes. It's not a true pastel purple, but a deeper, more "romantic, vintage purple," inspired by tulips and irises.
HEMLOCK
Merona Skinny Belt in Mint Green, $13, Target
This warm, light green shade may remind you of the jade and mint colors that have been popular in spring seasons of the past. But this time, it's a touch darker, and is meant to be paired with bolder, brighter colors.
SAND
Michael Kors' High-Low Knit Sweater, $120, Neiman Marcus
When you think of sand, you picture summer, not spring. But it's exactly the toasty, almost caramel color that Pantone predicts will be big this season.
PALOMA
Alexander Wang Prisma Backpack, $657, Net-A-Porter
Don't put away those gray garments from fall and winter. This elegant shade of gray is a definite staple for spring and can be worn alone or combined with Pantone's palette of brighter colors for a perfectly balanced ensemble.
CAYENNE
Halogen Linen Blend Scarf, $29, Nordstrom
If you get tired of your pink-colored pieces and are looking to spice up your outfit, look no further than this bold, high-pitched red. It's the same shade as the spice it's named after and adds the same kind of heat in an ensemble, too.
FREESIA
See by Chloe Blouse with Tie Waist, $525, Shopbop
Brighten up your closet with this blazing yellow hue. It's less Easter egg yellow and more tropical and floral-inspired. If you've been too afraid to wear yellow, let this season be your introduction into this cheery color.
CELOSIA ORANGE
Karen Walker Super Worship Sunglasses in Orange, $280, S hopbop
You may not be familiar with celosias, but they're those gorgeous and colorful spire-shaped flowers. The orange ones always stand out, so it's no surprise that they inspired this spring's shade of orange.
RADIANT ORCHID
L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipstick in Purple Prelude, $10, Walgreens
Unlike violet tulip, radiant orchid — which is also Pantone's 2014 color of the year — is a warmer shade of purple with a hint of magenta. If you're feeling more playful, pair it with lighter shades, like sand or hemlock, so it really stands out.
DAZZLING BLUE
Michael Kors Petite Rose Golden/Cobalt Stainless Steel Watch, $195, Neiman Marcus
The complete polar opposite of placid blue, dazzling blue is brilliant and bold. If you're reluctant to wear a whole dress or a blouse in the bright blue shade, choose accessories, like this blue-faced watch.
Image: Pantone
