Color is a powerful language. It influences our mood, our attitude, our outlook, and our feelings. It is used by graphic designers, interior designers, and by those who craft messages for our favorite brands to catch our attention and keep our interest. To help designers and printers more accurately communicate the color they are striving for, the Pantone Matching System (PMS) was started in 1963. This ensures that the labels on a Coke bottle in London are the same red as the labels you’ll find on the shelves in your local grocery store. (If you’re wondering, it’s Pantone 185). 

Peach Fuzz – the Pantone Color of the Year 

In addition to selecting seasonal color palettes, the Pantone Color Institute chooses a Color of the Year, which becomes a driving force behind trends, designs, and more. A secret gathering of representatives from several nations’ color standards groups determines the color of the year. The representatives draw from fashion, popular travel destinations, new technologies, textures, new artists, and socio-economic conditions to make their decision. 

This year’s Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023). Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, commented on the Pantone website, “In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” 

The video introducing the new color is evocative of nostalgia, wonder, and closeness. Peach Fuzz is called “a cozy and comforting hue nurturing compassion and heartfelt kindness.” Watch the video and learn more HERE.

New Colors for Spring 

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and most often, we associate spring colors with softer, pastel colors. This year’s Pantone Spring Palette brings a little more pizzazz to the table, including a few colors that could be found in a fall/winter palette. 

An article by Laurie Pressman from the Pantone Color Institute describes the New York Fashion Week spring palette as “infused with a hint of nostalgia yet at the same time speak to transformation as we embrace a more positive way of living.” We think you’ll agree as the colors range from a bold Rooibos Tea and Orangeade to Pastel Lilac and Chambray Blue, then onto shades reminiscent of a tropical getaway – Marlin, Lemon Drop, Mint, and Capri. The New Classics colors easily complement the more vibrant palette with their quiet and earthy tones.

Spring Fashion Trends 

We scoured fashion blogs, trendy magazines, and photos from the haute couture runways in London, Paris, and New York to discover the new looks for the new season. Of course, the models you see on many of the catwalks are wearing clothes for shock value, but they will have an influence on the new styles that mere mortals wear. New items for spring are on their way to Mast Stores, and we’ve pulled together some ideas of how you can be on trend without being too edgy.  

New Looks for Women 

The “quiet luxury” aesthetic is continuing again for spring. This look focuses on clean lines and a more traditional look – think pencil or a-line skirts, blouses, button-down shirts, and polo shirts. Yes, you could say that preppy is back, so pop that collar.  

But up and coming is “girl core.” This look softens the edges with peplum tops, flouncy skirts, bows, and ruffles, ruffles, ruffles. Watch for maxi skirts and wide-leg pants to help achieve this look.  

Stripes abound this spring, and ribbed shirts and tanks can be worn as a layer to echo stripes with solid colors.  

Speaking of layers, sheer and open knits are “hot” for layering this spring. And fringe will add movement to any outfit.  

Of course, with spring comes the beautiful flowers. Spring fashion features a beautiful bouquet of posies, but tops among them are roses and rosettes. From rose prints to rosette necklaces, pins, and earrings, look for ways to incorporate a bloom into your ensemble.  

Denim never really goes out of style, but it is in the spotlight this season in all its forms – from jeans shorts, raw edge hems, jeans jackets, and with chambray blue being included in the color palette for the season, light denim shirts will make an appearance.  

One other thing we’ll mention – a little black dress is something to always keep in your wardrobe. This year a little white dress needs to be added to the collection. Short, long, frilly, no frills – no matter your style, a white dress is a must! 

Footwear for the season will be a mix of sneakers, which can be worn with everything, to peep-toed shoes and ballet flats. If you can work in a metallic sheen or some animal print, it’s all the better.  

For accessories, think longevity. As one of the influencers we read said, she is ditching the “fashion bags” in preference for a “buy it once, wear forever” option for purses. Think of usability and coordination when considering your options. Of course, size matters, so it’s always good to have a variety of sizes – a clutch, a crossbody, and a catch-all. 

What’s In for Men 

For men, the look is becoming a little more structured and utilitarian. It also features the return of some traditional accessories. Let’s take a look. 

Make certain you have a “going out shirt” in your wardrobe. What’s that exactly? It’s a comfortable shirt that has the ability to instantly level up a pair of jeans or even shorts for date night or a party.  

A place for everything and everything in its place is in. And where do you put everything? Cargo pockets of course! Cargo pants and shorts are great for the trail, and you’ll be on point for the season. But the “cargo” doesn’t stop there. Vests featuring multiple pockets are also a theme. You’ll enjoy them for your trips to keep your phone, passport, and credit cards close at hand and to have a handy place to stow your souvenirs. 

No one wants to give up the comfort of sweatpants, so athleisure is here to stay. But, with that said, the easy-wear look is getting more structured. Instead of being baggy, look for a refined cut with stretch for comfort. 

Mesh or finely knitted fabrics are making appearances in menswear to add texture to ensembles. Many times the look can be found in cardigans paired with tank tops. 

Just like the trends for women, denim never really goes out of style, but how you wear it changes. Look for jeans with a more tailored look – they don’t have to be slim fit, just a little less baggy.  

That ties right into a new aesthetic for men... get ready for it... Grandpa core! Grandpa was always up for a bit of fun, and that’s what this look is going for. Pair straight jeans rolled up just enough to peek at fun statement socks and loafers. Top it off with a cardigan.  

Finally, men are looking for shorter shorts, not the ones that fall just below the knee. And they are also in search of clothing that is taking steps to protect the environment – recycled content, organic cottons, re-purposed items.  

Footwear for men is still promoting the sneakers with everything look, but for dressier occasions, look for a nice pair of loafers. And the “clompy Chelsea boots,” as one list called them, are great for style and comfort with pants and shorts.  

For accessories, get ready for some old-school style. Ties of all kinds are back – long ties, short ties, print ties, bow ties. If you’re not into a formal tie, we saw a couple of lists featuring bandanas worn as bolos for a “casual formal” look. An activity tracking watch might be all right for everyday wear, but for dressier moments, look for a classic watch.  

On Board with the Color of the Year Trend 

You’ll see the color of the year everywhere from paint swatches to rug designs, placemats and softgoods to tableware. We did say that you would see the color of the year everywhere, right? We’ve even added a mini Candy Barrel in Peach Fuzz that will be available later in the year. It makes a great gift filled with sweet treats for a friend (or for yourself <wink, wink>). 

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Peach Fuzz Color of the Year image from the Pantone Color Institute, copyright MICHAEL MARQUAND.