After a difficult, extraordinary year, The Pantone Color Institute made an unusual choice to pick two hues for their Color of the Year selection. Contrasting the solid, understated Ultimate Gray against the happy, yellow Illuminating tone is Pantone’s way of choosing an optimistic outlook for the new year.
What do the colors represent?
Following 2020’s selection of Classic Blue, a color meant to ring in a smooth start to a new decade (not the start we had hoped for!), this choice of pairing a gray and yellow reflects on the resilience and hope for a brighter year ahead. In their words:
“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, the union of PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating is one of strength and positivity. It is a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.”
So, if you’re for ways to add reminders of resilience and optimism into your wardrobe or home decor, here are some ideas to spark inspiration!
Make a statement
Yellow and gray, no matter the shades, are two excellent complementary colors that work well in both fashion and home decor. With these two colors, it’s easy to create an eye-catching outfit or a refreshed look in your home.
• Yellow accent wall
• Gray furniture with yellow pillows or throw blanket
• Mix-and-matched lamp with lampshade using both colors
• Wear a yellow scarf over a gray sweater or jacket
• Add a subtle pop with yellow socks under gray dress pants
The subtlety of Ultimate Gray makes an amazing companion with splashy and hopeful Illuminating. If you need to add a pop of color but aren’t sure how to mix and match, this combination is a timeless and uplifting look no matter how you use it.
Add contrast to your style
This duo of colors is perfect for creating a contrasted, hopeful look. The pop of yellow paired with gray offers a classy yet playful look. Use yellow to add a bright, splash of color under a simple jacket, cardigan or sports coat. Ties, bracelets, earrings and shoes are other great ways to add a happy yellow hue to your get-up.
Find the duo at Turn Style!
Love the combo of gray and yellow? At Turn Style, our inventory is organized by color, so it’s easy to mix and match subtle tones with pops of color. Take a page from Pantone’s book and incorporate a little optimism into your home’s decoration or your wardrobe. Find a location near you and find a piece that matches the hope for a new year!
