Pantone announced its color of the year, Ultra Violet, as "so much more than 'what's trending' in the world of design; it's truly a reflection of what's needed in our world today." No matter what side you are on, one thing we can all agree about is the world is in an interesting place at the moment. There is a lot of mystery, unsettledness and questioning. According to Pantone, Ultra Violet is often associated with mindfulness practices, which offer a higher ground to those seeking refuge from today's over-stimulated world. The use of purple-toned lighting in meditation spaces and other gathering places energizes the communities that gather there and inspire connection.
If we need anything as a society right now we definitely need refuge from an over-stimulated world and connection with one another. Welcome, Ultra Violet.
How to Wear Ultra Violet: Pantone's Color of the Year
I haven't always been a fan of the colors of the year chosen by Pantone (Serenity and Rose Quartz, I'm looking at you), but I can totally get on board with Ultra Violet. It's such a striking and pleasing color that, surprisingly, can be worn by just about anyone. It's fantastic in accessories, gorgeous near the face and can even look pleasing on the bottom.
While Ultra Violet has much more meaning than how well it looks to wear, in this post I am sharing some outfits using the color of the year to show you just how versatile the color is. Take a look and shop for more Ultra Violet pieces at the end of the post.
Outfit #1
I found these Ultra Violet pants from Theory and thought it was a perfect opportunity to show how the color can be worn on the bottom. Ultra Violet is a strong color and it's likely easier to wear when combined with neutrals. Black can be a no-brainer, but given the fact that purple is created by mixing blue and red, I have found navy to be a richer choice. I styled the pants with a navy blazer from J. Crew and ivory top from Reiss. The look was finished with navy block heel sandals from Vince Camuto, grey handbag from Botkier and layered necklace from Stella & Dot.
Outfit #2
I created this outfit to show that you don't have to look good in jewel tone, winter colors to wear Ultra Violet. As a red head I am all over this color, people who wear autumn shades can embrace the shade as can soft, fair blondes. I particularly love Ultra Violet with olive.
I styled the look above using a relaxed Ultra Violet sweater from Eileen Fisher and a pair of olive skinny jeans from DL1961 and finished the look with gold flats from Marc Fisher, an olive suede bag from Frances Valentine, printed scarf from Lauren Ralph Lauren, gold bracelet by Treasure and Bond and earrings from Anna Beck.
Outfit #3
Tired of buying another black dress? Black isn't the only versatile dress shade. In fact, you might find yourself shocked by how much wear you can get from a basic dress in Ultra Violet. What I love about it is it works oddly well as a neutral. It accepts other colors well, like I did here when I combined these yellow slingbacks by Vince Camuto with this dress from Hobbs.
It's also fun to play with Ultra Violet tonally by adding in other shades of purple. I styled the look with a soft purple bag from Rebecca Minkoff and purple earrings.
Shop for Ultra Violet
Ready to add Ultra Violet to your wardrobe? Check out these additional pieces.
