Discover the Color of the Year

Each year, experts at The Pantone Color Institute create seasonal color trend forecasts based off of what they’re seeing on the runways in New York and London. Here, we explore their predictions for styles in the U.S. from New York Fashion Week.

This spring, they expect the fashion world to come alive with bold shades such as Meadowlark, a lively yellow that represents confidence; the daring Cherry Tomato, an orange-red that demands attention; and the nearly neon Lime Punch. While this portion of the top 12 color palette for spring will certainly command the room, it is balanced by softer hues like Pink Lavender, a romantic and soothing violet rose; Almost Mauve, a delicate and barely there neutral tone; and the subtly peachy Blooming Dahlia.

Rounding out the color palette is the sky-colored Little Boy Blue, an earthy red called Chili Oil, a clean green by the name of Arcadia, a rich chocolate-brown named Emperador, and a flashy fuchsia that they call Spring Crocus. The final color in the season’s top 12 is what The Pantone Color Institute dubs the Color of the Year.

In 2018, that color is Ultra Violet, a dramatic purple shade that represents originality, ingenuity and visionary thinking.

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for The Pantone Color Institute. “It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

The Pantone Color Institute website notes that a spiritual quality has historically been attached to Ultra Violet, as the shade has been associated with mindful practices such as meditation and yoga. It is thought that purple energizes and inspires connection among those participating in the practice.

Now that it has been named PANTONE’s Color of the Year, you will not only see Ultra Violet taking over clothing and accessory racks, including yoga gear, but you will also see it at makeup counters and in home décor. Now, the only thing left to do is decide how you will be incorporating the shade into your style this spring.