The Color Trends and Combinations that Will Define 2021
Color has always played a very significant role in fashion and the colors chosen for 2021 may play an even bigger one. With so many changes going on and the bummer that has been 2020, fashion is ready to change things for the better. With color!
The 2021 colors of fashion are fun and optimistic and set on changing the general mood from gloomy to happy. In the end, what could inspire positivity better than some fun pops of yellows and pinks?
Get ready to dive into what color trends you can expect to see in 2021 and learn the best ways to create seasonal combinations that make an impact.
Top 2021 Color Trends
Each year, fashion designers and trendsetters look to Pantone to find out what their pick is for Color of the Year. Then, they go on to find the hues and shades that fit their seasonal collections best. Pantone has been the go-to authority when it comes to color for over 20 years now and they put a lot of thought into their annual selection.
For 2021, they decided on a combination of colors to influence next year’s fashion creations and trends instead of their usual one color. The proud winners are PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating.
Source: https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2021
It doesn’t take long to see what’s behind this association of colors. It’s actually a great representation of the current atmosphere. A mix of shadow and light. A bit of gloom and hopefulness.
Not only is this color combo one of my personal favorites (and most likely not what made Pantone come to its decision), it is a mix of strength and positivity which is exactly what we all could use right about now.
First up is gray. It is the color of reliability, strength, and connection. It hints to what 2020 has taught us really matters. Things like friendship, family, and a tight community. It represents confidence and solidity.
Next up is illuminating. It’s a bright yellow hue that represents positivity and optimism. It’s sunny and gracious, bringing with it a promise of joy. Just the thing to lift your spirits up and get you thinking about a brighter future.
Put them together and you’ve got an amazing mix of clouds and sunshine. These two colors complement each other and make each other pop to deliver a message. One of uplifting hopefulness. We’ve already seen them on the runways and we can expect to see them on the street soon.
So, keep scrolling to find out the best seasonal color combinations you can try out next year.
Seasonal Color Trends in 2021
Spring/Summer 2021
One tone of yellow has managed to stand out against the rest in the Spring/Summer 2021 fashion runways. It’s marigold. A soft, friendly tone spotted in numerous collections including Miu Miu, Prada, and Tory Burch.
You can pair this shade of yellow with neutral tones like caramel, as well as brighter colors like red. You can also go for monochrome looks or various bright color combinations if you’re feeling bold. If color-blocking is not for you, you can pair a more neutral color like grey with a bright yellow. Or use the pop of color in accessories like handbags or footwear.
Source: https://www.miumiu.com/br/en/miumiu-club/fashion-shows/ss21-fashion-show.html
Designers were also inspired by other bright and sunny colors like orange. It’s a color we’ve seen extensively in the spring/summer 2021 runway shows. Most orange shades used in these collections were earthy (as seen in Dior or Altuzarra). But, there are also a few designers who were not shy about going all in and using more fluorescent hues.
Among 2021’s star colors, we can’t forget about pink. Hot pink, to be more exact.
Think of rich raspberry or fuchsia when you consider your spring/summer 2021 outfits because these shades of pink were among the most popular in collections such as Balmain or Versace. Choose them if you want to make a bold statement. More toned-down but still bright pinks were also popular in collections such as those of Isabel Marant or Rodarte.
Other spring/summer 2021 fashion colors include sky blue, turquoise, mint green, and cherry red. You can use them in monochrome looks or create color-coordinated outfits as seen in fashion shows like Hermes, Burberry, Ferragamo, or Givenchy.
Fall/Winter 2021
Although we won’t know for sure what designers have in mind for fall fashion until late February, I like assuming. So, I’ll take a chance at predicting what colors fashion has in store for us for next fall.
If yellow and gray are the colors of fashion in 2021 and spring/summer collections are full of vivid shades, the fall/winter collections will probably bring about more earthy colors reminding us of leaves and nature. Fall fashion usually revolves around neutral colors like cream and gray or beige. What we’ll most likely see are more toned-down hues like mustard yellow or burnt orange. Or brighter ones but paired down with neutral tones of gray and brown.
Darker red and purple tones like mauve and aubergine are also very likely to make the fall runways, as are deep ruby reds or sapphire blues.
2021 Hair Color Trends to Complement Your Style
Your hair is a major part of your style. Hence, to make sure you complement your 2021 bright-colored outfits, you’ll need to also be up to date on hair color trends.
You’ll be happy to know that positivity and optimism have made their way into hair and makeup trends, too. As such, Wella predicts that highlights are a major hair trend we’re going to see returning this year. Their 2021 color trend report mentions chunky highlights in primary colors or natural hues contrasting natural hair colors are making a comeback.
And that’s not the only trend where you will find 2021’s number one fashion color – yellow. Hair color trends like “Sand Tropez” or “Mushroom Blonde” are wonderful mixes of different shades of blonde.
The first one, Sand Tropez, is a combination between ash and blonde known as “bronde”. The result is a beachy, sandy look you can wear no matter the season. As for Mushroom Blonde, it combines darker shades of blonde and brunette to result in an ashy tone similar to that of a mushroom. It’s soft and earthy and a great option to complement lighter skin tones.
Source: Instagram/@khloekardashian
Other 2021 hair color trends include pastel balayage or “The money piece”. Celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, for instance, were seen trying on a pink pastel. Both of these hair color trends will add brightness without requiring a commitment to going full blonde. You can mix them with pops of bright colors for more of an impact. Or with lighter pastel colors for a softer highlight.
For a more dramatic look, you can try a sophisticated shade of red like copper-red. Red hues go very well with ashy blonde highlights. They tone things down and add natural movement to your hair color.
Refined hair styles, timeless monochrome looks, and amazing color combinations. That’s what the new year is all about. No matter if your style is bold or you prefer playing things down, let yourself be inspired by the colors of fashion in 2021. Keep the focus on their optimism and use them to get a refreshing perspective. The future looks bright, so you’d better get your wardrobe and your locks ready!