Look outside. What do you see? Chances are, it’s a smudged palette of greys, browns, blacks and whites. As we get dressed from day to day, we instinctively reach for similarly hued neutrals and layer them against the cold wind. These neutrals are tried-and-true, timeless and gorgeous…but every now and again, isn’t it fun to shake things up? The spring and pre-fall shows of 2012 were chock full of dazzling hues, mixed up and layered effortlessly and with attitude. While every color under the sun was represented in this menagerie, there were a few that stood out as “it” colors for the season. Read on for fresh ideas on how to incorporate them into the daily mix.
1. Tangerine
It’s official: Pantone has named “Tangerine Tango,” a juicy orange with a splash of red, the Color of the Year for 2012. Tangerine is a sunny color, ripe with juice and optimism, and, as a bonus, looks incredible on virtually everyone. Wear it alone in the form of a dress, lipstick or a statement-making accessory; mix it up with neutrals; or pair it with—gasp—more color! Tangerine looks gorgeous set off against khaki and grey, especially when paired with gold accessories. For the more daring fashionista, pairing tangerine with hot pink or cobalt blue makes an arresting mix. Avoid pairing this hue with white or silver, however—this would bring a not-so-great construction-worker feel to the ensemble.
2. Pepto Pink
Girly girls, rejoice! Pink is having an enormous moment right now. This season’s pink is at once chalky and saturated, and it really lights up the skin. While the idea of the color may conjure up visions of Barbies and crinolines, this supremely girlish color is not being applied to similarly feminine silhouettes; instead, designers are lending the color either to sharp, modern, minimalist pieces like a beautifully cut buttonless blazer, or badass staples like a studded leather jacket. Try out the hue in this understated way, always pairing it with something to offset its Barbie reputation—a spiky cuff, black accessories, a simple, menswear-ish white top. This way, it’ll look fresh, interesting, and au courant.
3. Minty Fresh
Lady Gaga had it right in her “Marry the Night” video when she dolled her nurses up in Calvin Klein and spearmint-green hairnets—mint is huge for 2012. This is not the preppy sort of mint green that reigned over sweaters and polos in ages past. This mint is bold in its creamy pastel brightness; it is assertive, loud and never washed out. It looks incredible set off against any neutral (or a mix of a few; mint is to die for with a striped breton top) and downright revolutionary when mixed up with more brights. Start with accessories, which will prove much more versatile than they seem, and then move on to skirts, dresses, tops—the sky is the limit! Freshen up!
4. Laser-beam blue
This blue is not afraid of anything. It’s bright, it’s saturated, and it won’t take no for an answer. Cobalt blue seems to resurface often on fashion’s radar in the form of makeup, clothes, or accessories. As of right now, cobalt is enjoying a moment in the spotlight in the form of smart, snappy pieces that work for both day and night. This strong color is unbelievably stunning on its own, but when paired with camel or white, it takes on a subtlety and grace unexpected from so bold a color. Inject a jolt of energy into almost any ensemble with a shot of this hue; it’s so shockingly bright that it almost achieves the status of a neutral.
There’s much to love about those easy, chic, neutrals like black, grey, camel, denim and white—of course, one should never forsake them. Why not inject a little whimsy into them this winter with some of the most fun, happiness-inducing colors? Be bold and brash in the application of these juicy hues, and enjoy the thrill of the unexpected and the spontaneous when getting dressed.
