How To Effortlessly Style Pantone's Colors of 2021

How To Effortlessly Style Pantone’s Colors of 2021

By Kelsey O'Brien

When Pantone announced 2021’s color of the year, I have to be honest… I had major eye rolls. “Grey and yellow?! You have got to be kidding me!” I thought. Mostly because I detest the color grey. However, the more I looked at this color pair and learned the meaning behind this duo, I am a full supporter of this year’s choice.

“Pantone’s 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is all about “emboldening the spirit”– highlighting our innate need to be seen, to be visible, to be recognized, to have our voices heard.”

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The key to wearing these colors together is all about balance and finding the right color palette. Searching for light yellow, pale yellow, and butter yellow gave me the most successful results in finding the closest shade to PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating. Searching for the right shade of grey is a little trickier but I found success searching for light grey and gauging with my own eye for a close tone match.

pantone color of the year

The Bra Top + Coat Combo We Didn’t Know We Needed

I am pretending we are not living in a pandemic and acknowledging this look is impractical for most, but a girl can dream right? I totally would rock this look in 2019 in the streets of New York City. This look is centered around the “Bra Top” trend. Bra tops aren’t new to me, but finally they are getting their moment rising the trend chart for SS21 and I am here for it. The key to rocking any bra top is about showing minimal skin. I love wearing high waisted pants/trousers with a bra top showing only a hint of skin between the bra and pants. Depending on the weather and my boldness barometer, I would forego the coat. However, layering the bra with a button down, light jacket or cardigan will give you the same results. I always found accessorizing yellow to be very challenging but the Pantone’s duo couldn’t be a more perfect color pairing to rock a duo tone (silver and gold) jewelry as well.

Get The Look:

pantone color story — 2-way Stretch Pinstripe Ankle-Length Pants – $29.90

Subtle And Statement

This would be a sophisticated look I would rock to brunch or dinner. Basically I would wear this anywhere I wanted to be seen! My focal point for this outfit is building off the slip skirt. Anytime I want to make a subtle statement, I pull out the slip skirt. Slip skirts shape a soft silhouette to any figure and pretty much can be worn with any top. I love pairing the skirt with a turtleneck crop sweater, a cut out tank or crop top, and chain waist belt for a sleek accessory. The shoes I choose will ultimately make the outfit casual or dressy. Since it’s 2021 and we’re all about comfort, I felt it was fitting to rock low kitten heels or flat mules to complete the look.

Get The Look:

crop sweater pantone — Knit Cutout Super Cropped Sweater – $29.99

satin skirt pantone — Knit Cutout Super Cropped Sweater – $29.99

A Casual Pantone Color Story

Practical, casual and comfortable. Functional athleisure wear is all the rage in the fashion industry. Designers and brands are looking to combine fashion, comfort, and functionality (thank you 2020). I could rock this look today or in a year from now, so it’s safe to say that investing in pieces like these are going to be worth your dollars because you’ll keep reaching for them! I built this look off the puffer vest — a major trend right now that will never be on the fashion axe list. Coupling the vest with a fitted top and looser fit boyfriend sweats creates a chic balance. Don’t forget your sneakers and top it off with a beanie!