2021 Fashion Color Palette

2021 Fashion Color Palette

As we gradually move forward into a cautiously optimistic 2021, experts from the Pantone Color Institute and Shutterstock predict that much of this year's color palette in fashion will reflect upon that sense of optimism and hope following the difficult year that we've all lived through.

Elements such as neutral grays and gentle yellows are thought to represent the clouds parting and the sunshine coming through - a simple yet inspirational message of hope after a year that brought such pain, uncertainty and fear to the world. What are the key colors to look out for this spring/summer, and how can you style them in an effective and fashionable way?

Colors of hope

The shades “Illuminating Yellow' and “Ultimate Gray” are cornerstones to this year’s palette collection. As mentioned, the bright, sunny nature of the pale yellow hues is designed to represent the sun coming through the clouds - a symbol of hope and optimism after a turbulent year. The solid and subtle gray shade represents the solidity and unity of communities that came together to help one another during the pandemic. The sense of spirit and camaraderie is showcased through this neutral yet dependable tone. Of course, the two shades of yellow and gray pair so beautifully with one another for that delicate contrast between bright and neutral tones.

Pastel shades

Pastel shades will also play a prominent role in this year’s fashion color palette. Expect to see a variety of ashy green, like this Sage Twist Knot Knit Dress, earthy champagne and powdery blue hues from major fashion chains. These represent the calming appeal of the natural world - soft grass, rich soil, rustling trees, blue skies and the gentle ocean. During the pandemic, many people found comfort and solace within nature as they spent more time walking, exercising and hiking outdoors. This color palette is a nod to that comforting connection that many of us found within the natural world over the past year.

Pastel shades are great to wear during the spring and summer months as they reflect the shades of the natural world around us as it comes into bloom. Pair one of our pastel T-shirts, tanks or crop tops with a cute pair of denim shorts, and you'll have a timeless and casual look for those long, warm days. Pastels wear so easily, and there is certain to be a hue that will look flattering with your skin tone.

Different shades of yellow

Illuminating Yellow isn't the only shade of this color that you can expect to see on catwalks this year. The brightness and intensity of this versatile shade make it one of the year's key frontrunners in terms of color palette. Marigold, for example, is a darker yellow shade often associated with the fall months as it's synonymous (along with deep orange shades) with the turning of the leaves. But this year, its cozy, comforting warmness is the pick-me-up we all need, so expect to see it throughout the whole year and not just towards the end. Rich Gold is another deep yellow hue set to be popular this year. It makes a bold statement with its richness and luxurious, eye-catching effect.

Off-whites

Certain tones are designed to fit with the major themes of lockdown. Buttercream, for example, is a versatile off-white shade that gives a subtle nod to the amount of time we all spent baking during lockdown! Coconut cream is another off-white described as being “velvety and rich”. The beauty of these off-white shades is that they bring all of the effortless style of white without the pressure to keep it pristine. A summer dress or blouse in off-white teamed with a light-wash denim jacket is a look that will see you through many summers.

Bold and bright

Following a year indoors, many of us will be eager to step back out, socialize with friends and have a great time. A number of bold colors are set to be part of this year's color palette, and all of these are designed to make a statement. Amethyst Orchid is a striking, unique purple that experts have predicted will be big in the spring. Fuchsia, coral, raspberry and bright green also make an appearance within the palette as if to say 'the color is back in life!'

The perfect way to embrace the vibrancy of going back out into the world again is with an eye-catching, attention-grabbing shade, so something within this bright color palette could be the perfect choice for your first post-lockdown night out with friends.