Sharon Batts Style

Meet the Pantone 2016 Colors of Fall

Each year, and every season, the color experts at Pantone release their hit parade of colors. Whether you have noticed it or not, their colorful research has quietly influenced your wardrobe.

Do you remember the spring that light gray was the overwhelming neutral of choice or last year when burgundy dominated in accessories? You have Pantone to thank for that. For years they have predicted and set trends in color and this fall season is no different. Blending earth and sky in an optimistic pallet, Pantone’s 2016 Colors of Fall are to be savored.

 

 

Pantone’s 2016 fall color pallet is a mix of warm and cool tones, grounding neutrals, and brilliant pops of luscious color.

 

 

The pallet is anchored by two blues: Riverside and Airy Blue. Chosen for their feeling of optimism, these blues are imminently wearable shades, flattering to most any skin tone.

Sharkskin and Warm Taupe are a softer approach to neutrals than standard black, and brighten the overall look of the season. The earthy shades of Potter’s Clay, Spicy Mustard, and Aurora Red add warmth, while the cool tones of Dusty Cedar, Lush Meadow, and Bodacious bring freshness.

These colors remind me of when I was a little girl (circa 1988) and had a beautiful wardrobe made up of pieces from Outback Red and Forenza. I loved that wardrobe, so I’m glad to see these shades again. I’m particularly excited by the surprising pop that Lush Meadow, Spicy Mustard, and Bodacious bring to the mix. Their unexpected intensity keeps the pallet from drifting into the predictable fall color schemes.

Putting It to Work in Your Wardrobe

Chances are you have one or more shades from Pantone’s 2016 Fall Color Palette already in your wardrobe, so that’s a good place to start. I always like to see what my client has to build on before we hit the stores. It prevents duplication and helps you decide what you really need. Make a list of what you need, be it a new jacket or a pair of suede oxfords. A list can keep you on track.

Once you know what you have and know what you need, think about what you want. Color should inspire you, make you feel better, flatter your own personal color scheme. Do your brown eyes pop next to the orchid purple of Bodacious? Look for a scarf in that color. Does Lush Meadow bring out the red highlights in your hair? A blouse in green might be just the ticket.

Accessories are a great way to dabble in seasonal pallets. Scarves, hats, necklaces and the like are wardrobe pick-me-ups with real impact. One of my favorite ways to add spice to my wardrobe is with colorful gloves.

Working Within Your Color Comfort Zone

If you’re timid about color, the familiar, denim-like shades of Riverside and Airy Blue and the neutral tones of Sharkskin and Warm Taupe are good ways to dip your toe in the water.

Two solids can make a strong statement, especially when paired with bold accessories to bring in other colors.

Another option is a solid paired with a print that marries two of the colors, such as the one on the skirt below that blends Sharkskin and Spicy Mustard.

 

If black is the main theme in your wardrobe, use it as the foundation for a colorful statement piece like the jacket below in shades of Aurora Red and Potter’s Clay.

 

For those of you ready to plunge headfirst into the color waters, go bold with multi-colored and/or head-to-toe print.

Or mix vibrant prints with intense swaths of punchy color and bold accessories.

 

To see Pantone’s 2016 Fall Color Pallet in action, reserve your place at the exclusive Fall Preview Event presented by 360 West magazine and Grand Prairie Premium Outlets September 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. I will be styling the show, along with the fabulous Toni Stevens.

Come and join us for a night of fashion, mixing and mingling. I’d love to see you there! This is a private event, so be sure to RSVP for your spot now.