Pantone Fashion Color Report – this Spring there’s more than Emerald

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After a long, blah winter, I am more than ready for some warmth and color. Bring on sunny yellow, grassy green and sky blue, please. Until warmer weather officially begins, though, the color geniuses at Pantone are brightening my mood with their Spring 2013 Fashion Color Report.

For spring, they’ve selected ten gorgeous colors – like Linen, Poppy Red and African Violet – that we’ll be seeing everywhere, from clutches to costume jewelry. If you’re craving a little color, here are some fun selections using three of my favorite hues from the Pantone report (that aren’t emerald!)

Nectarine (Pantone 16-1360) – Just like its namesake, nectarine is a bright and juicy shade. Think of citrus fruits, or a fizzing, bubbly glass of orange soda. Don’t you feel happier already? No wonder, because this color is believed to have a stimulating and energetic effect.

This gauze-print scarf and pair of sherbet colored flats, both from Old Navy, will put an affordable spring in your step. For comfy days, brighten your outlook with these vivid Express colored jean leggings. While an Ark & Co studded shift dress will brighten up any office – so crisp and cheerful. If you just want a hint of nectarine, a Marc by Marc Jacobs Henry Dickey watch will provide the perfect pop of color.

Lemon Zest (Pantone 13-0756) – Another cheery, spring-is-coming hue. We’re not talking a neon-yellow here. It’s more of a warmer, subtler tone – like Meyer lemons or the ruffles of a daffodil. It, too, is viewed as having energizing, brightening properties.

If you could use a little sunshine, this Express cowl neck striped dress would serve you nicely – and a perfect accent might be this bright and sunny necklace from ModCloth. For just a taste of yellow, this Prabal Gurung for Taget clutch is layered with sunny lace – so pretty! I am also coveting these ModCloth yellow striped flats – they basically ensure that you’ll smile every time you look at your feet. And if you have to be on your phone constantly, you might as well get a nice little jolt of color – like the cheerful shade of this Kate Spade iPhone cover.

Dusk Blue (Pantone 16-4120) – A soft, soothing blue with hints of gray. This color makes me think of fog over the ocean, or the morning sky. If you need to decompress, this is the shade to wear; blue is often associated with a sense of calmness and relaxation.

For an appropriately no-fuss outfit, try mixing a range of blues. This ModCloth Ikat inspired dress has a flattering shape and covers almost every color in the Pantone forecast. If you want to carry some calm wherever you go, here’s a dreamy clutch wallet from Fossil – such a soft blue, with the added whimsy of subtle polka dots. An interesting counterpoint to the clutch would be these mesh and suede flats from French Connection – aren’t the scalloped edges pretty? And when the sun starts to shine, be ready with these Vince Camuto dazzling blue sunglasses; I love the modernized cat-eye shape and smoky blue hue.

we heartsters – What are your favorite shades from the Pantone Fashion Spring Color Report?

Amity writes and teaches in Central PA. Her obsessions include: Rodarte (she can’t afford any Rodarte, mind you, but a girl can dream), espresso, books, vintage/thrift fashion and fountain pens. She thinks you should dress like a weirdo once in a while, just to shake things up.

Author

  • Amity

    Amity teaches rhetoric, composition, and creative writing in Central PA. Her non-fiction has appeared in xojane and Story, as well as on Snap Judgement and This American Life; her fiction has appeared in Hobart. She is the cohost of Bone Palace Ballet, a true crime podcast focusing on murder, mysteries, and the macabre.

12 Comments

  1. All of these colors are so drool-worthy! Dusk Blue especially :) What a perfect shade of blue!

  2. Wow, so pretty! I know that nectarine can really be a flattering pick-me-up, and I’m going to get back to it. I’ve always had a soft place in my heart for dusky blue–luscious!

  3. I love Tender Shoots and Dusk Blue! They just scream spring to me… I wasn’t initially drawn to Nectarine, but the inspiration board is changing my mind, so pretty!

  4. Lemon Zest has been one of my favorite colors for some time now. I’ve been keeping my eye out for the perfect yellow purse and this might give me just the reason to pick one up. I also like African Violets & Tender Shoots

  5. I love all of them, except for the Poppy Red. I confess, I still love the emerald, too…

  6. How do they do it? Pantone just always makes color so exciting! Spring has already arrived here in Los Angeles and it’s time I ditch the black and add some color. I’m particularly loving the blues and greens – grayed jade and dusk blue are so pretty! I’m surrounded by a very similar blue in my bedroom and adore it. It’s calming and tranquil and has a feminine feel – plus it makes my eyes change to the exact same color. I need a spring dress or shirt in that shade

  7. I LOVE Lemon Zest and Nectarine, but I have to stick to accessories in these colors. My skin tone simply will not let me pull off colors with a strong yellow base in large quantities. But give me a grey dress with a bright yellow necklace and clutch any day of the week!
    Dusk Blue is more up my ally (and it’s BEAUTIFUL). My wardrob is FULL of blues and greens, so it should be easy to pull together a Pantone-approved spring look!

  8. Nectarine is the most fun color to me! There is something about this color that just screams fun. I will probably implement this pop of color with sweaters, camisole and a good summer bag.

  9. I think the folks at Pantone took a peek inside my closet because its filled with these colors. I think most of what I bought last year was Nectarine or Lemon Zest, and this year I can’t stop buying anything Emerald or Poppy Red. I’m pale with darker hair, so I tend to be able to pull off colors no one in their right mind should try. When I do pick up items in crazy colors, my husband will initially be like, “Uh, that’s way too bright.”, then I put it on and he’s like, “That actually works on you…but it shouldn’t…”

  10. Lemon Zest is my favorite – so cheery and bright. I had my credit card ready to go for those striped flats, but sadly they are all sold out =^(( Great round up and has me super excited for spring now!

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