They say the days are long and the years are short. This year feels like it’s running at warp speed. I’m not sure how it’s already February but that’s what the calendar says and who I am to argue blips in the space-time continuum? Speaking of the space-time continuum, in January I joined Derrick Shore and Courtney Zavala on Houston Life to talk about the 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet! An otherworldly hue representing the edge of what is known, what the eye can see, and the power of innovation it’s a breath of fresh air this season.
It’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a lot of purple shades in stores and its variations look great on a variety of skin tones. Based on your responses on social media, purple can be a pretty divisive color when it comes to your wardrobe. So I’m excited to share some ways you can safely incorporate Ultra Violet and a few variations you can expect to see in stores into your wardrobe.
You’ll start seeing a lot of this shade in coming weeks and months as stores switch their inventory over to spring/summer styles. In the meantime, click through for segment video and all the details for each look.
How to Wear the Color of the Year
Let the Ultra Violet (yes, purple) craze begin!
Blog subscribers click here for Houston Life segment video.
Starting the with Softer Side
There are literally three pieces of clothing in ultra violet currently available in stores. But what’s available en masse is this beautiful lilac hue, especially in the athleisure world! It doesn’t matter what you claim as your athletic wear brand fav, you can find this pale nod to Ultra Violet. Best for those with lighter, cooler skin or as a contrast to deep brown skin tones, lilac is the first rush of Ultra Violet we’re seeing this year.
Whenever you are working a new color into your wardrobe, black and white (or some combination of your neutral shades) is always a good starting place. Looking at the colors we pulled out from Courtney’s look, any pairing or combination of these hues would look lovely and sophisticated with lilac!
Model is 5′ 10″ and typically wears a 4
Lululemon Speed Up Crop (size 8 – runs absurdly small!) | Free to Be Long Line (size 8) | Define Jacket (size 4) | Jewelry + Shoes – Model’s Own
Ultra Violet Strong
Here it is in all its bold, blue-undertoned glory! The color of the year is vibrant and strong enough to stand on its own. My love of fun color combos rejoiced when we found these perfect mustard yellow Topshop heels.
Three style tips on how we pulled together this ensemble.
- Colors opposite on the color wheel are considered complimentary colors. (purple-yellow, blue-orange, red-green) and are bold but surefire ways to pair a new color you are working into your wardrobe.
- Following the rule of three is the best way to create a complete, stylish, visually-appealing ensemble. We used three main colors in each of the outfits – the first red, mustard yellow, and purple. The second a tiny pop of pink to work with the purple and mustard yellow.
- Whether in men’s clothing with their tie, or women’s clothing with a pattern or scarf, pulling out the minor color of a piece is always a great way to bring visual interest to an outfit. In this case, the major color of the scarf is red and the yellow is a minor color making the shoes a great major and minor pairing.
Style Tip: Not sure what the major color is in an item? It’s the color you see from several feet away or the color you first see if you close your eyes for a few seconds and then look at the item.
Model is 5′ 10″ and typically wears a size 12
Eileen Fisher Dress (size S – would have done M for length if it had arrived in time!) | Necklace | Earrings – similar | Topshop Heels
An Ultra Violet Pop
Let’s face it, a lot of you don’t love this year’s color! And just as many have warm undertones (more yellow than blue) to your skin coloring and won’t look as good in this color as someone with cool coloring might look! So for you, pattern and just a pop of ultra violet worked into your wardrobe is the way to go. I love patterns for so many reasons but one reason is they allow you to work a wide range of colors into your wardrobe while keeping the colors that look best close to your face. Keeping your best colors near your face is always the most flattering option!
Model is 5’2″ and typically wears a size 6P
Ali & Jay Minidress – S | Kate Spade Sky Blue crossbody | Jewerly – her own | White House Black Market heels
The Foil to Lilac
As much as we are seeing, and will continue to see, lilac in stores this spring and summer, expect to continue seeing the deep jewel tones in the fall/winter collections. Plums, eggplants, and jewel toned purples are so very flattering on those with warm undertones, especially those with deep coloring as well (dark hair, dark eyes).
I’m 5’6″ and typically wear a size 12
Eliza J Bell Sleeve Dress (size 12 – available in blush) | Anthropologie drop earrings – similar | J Crew Signet Bag | Sam Edelman Heels
Thank you so much to these beautiful ladies for rocking the runway and Rachel Stubbe Photography for capturing beautiful photos that don’t make us look like we were FREEZING TO DEATH!!
Which were your favorite looks? What do you think of the color of the year?! Love it? Hate it? You had some strong opinions on social media when Pantone first announced the color. Have you changed your mind or are you still against the shade?? Tell me what you think in the comments below or join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
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