Every year, Pantone announces its Color of the Year, which “provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.” Essentially, it’s the color you should expect to see everywhere this year! (Do you remember Kyle’s blog about the 2017 Colors of the Year?)
The 2018 Color of the Year is Ultra Violet, a rich shade of purple that, according to Pantone, “suggests the mysteries of the cosmos” and “symbolizes experimentation and non-conformity, spurring individuals to imagine their unique mark on the world, and push boundaries through creative outlets.” Colors can definitely carry a lot of symbolic weight. If Ultra Violet is all about creative discovery, than I can definitely get behind it.
Admittedly, I have a special appreciation for the color purple, because it is the school color of my alma mater, Kenyon College. I spent most days of my four years there sporting some form of purple swag! And, of course, purple is Lani’s favorite color and the official color of Real Life Style, so the whole office is very excited about this development!
Are you having a hard time visualizing Ultra Violet out in the fashion world? Let me help you out. Scroll on down!
.
You can find Ultra Violet…
…on the runway!
All shades of purple had major presence the Spring 2018 fashion shows, so Ultra Violet definitely made its mark! The color is one of many saturated hues trending this season, like bright yellow and coral.
.
…on the red carpet!
Ultra Violet didn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It’s always been a strong, eye-catching color, which is probably why these three Hollywood leading ladies choose to rock the color at major red carpet events in recent years.
Reese Witherspoon, 2016 | Viola Davis, 2017 | Tina Fey, 2016
.
.
…on the street!
Ultra Violet pairs well with pops of warm colors like red, orange, and yellow, but it also works as a statement all by itself. (Check out that giant cardigan!) Take some inspiration from these stylish women pounding the pavement in their high fashion looks!
The Telegraph | PopSugar | Glamour
.
.
…on the British Royal Family!
Purple is the color of royalty, so it makes sense that three generations of British Royals have sported the color at public events. Do you think we’ll see Meghan Markle rock Ultra Violet in the future? I certainly hope so!
Queen Elizabeth, 2017 | Princess Diana, 1996 | Kate Middleton, 2011
.
.
…on yourself!
How would you wear ultra violet? I took a cue from the women shown above and complemented the Ultra Violet with a warm tone: orange-red. The scarf pulls the look together by featuring multiple shades of both colors. Would you wear this look? Shop more ultra violet clothes and accessories below!
H&M Rib-Knit Sweater in Purple, $24.99 | Nordstrom Tissue Print Wool & Cashmere Wrap Scarf in Purple Twin Blossoms, $99 | rag & bone High Waist Skinny Ankle Jeans, $198 $132.66 | Vince Camuto Loretan Bootie in Cherry Red Suede, $129.95 | Rebecca Minkoff Moonwalking Leather Satchel in Violino, $325 | Madewell Shape Study Earrings in Light Silver Ox, $18 $12.60
.
You can find Ella Jones and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
