Here Is How to Incorporate Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year Into Your Wardrobe
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Pantone recently released its Color of the Year for 2022, known as Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938). This vibrant blue shade with a violet-red undertone is a welcomed update to the 2018 Ultra Violet and 2008 Blue Iris. Additionally, it’s a playful and curious color compared to the gray and post-it note yellow duo of 2020.
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Pantone — famous for its revolutionary Color Matching System — also offers consulting services through its trend forecasting division, The Pantone Color Institue. It looks at what’s hot in the world of design and develops proven color palettes for brands, as well as releasing an annual Pantone Color of the Year. This helps inform brands and consumers on the next trending color to watch and influence growth and innovation in design, beauty and fashion, which undoubtedly creates demand.
Also, as Very Peri is the first-ever color to be created by the brand in over 23 years of their awards conception, this is big. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, explains why “creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us”.
Why is it important to you? Everyone likes to feel like a trendsetter, so being aware of this now will be handy to keep it in mind for future purchases. We don’t know if you have noticed, but what color you wear can impact your overall wellbeing and how others perceive you. So wearing a shade like Very Peri could help improve that because they describe it as “a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.” Here is what a swatch of it looks like.
The shade was inspired by the fusion of our digital and physical lives, noting NFTs and gaming as influences. So if you are wondering where to sign up, great news, this youthful shade is already quite accessible, with similar shades available to buy and wear now. What’s more, with Veri Peri complementing most skin tones, this is certainly a color to try whether you are a big lover of color and will happily wear it all day, every day or want to ease into it with accessories subtly. Not to worry, we’ve shared a few options for every type of guy.
In addition, as we are speaking about color, it’s good to note that while the colors you wear are up to personal preference, being aware of what colors may work better for you and your skin undertone is always handy.
How to Wear Color That Best Complements Your Complexion
Step one: Find out what your skin undertone is. Ever worn an item and find yourself on the receiving end of compliments with people saying, “That color looks great on you!” and “That really brings out your eyes!”? Well, that’s because you are wearing something that complements your skin undertone, and everyone has one.
Commonly undertones are split into cool and warm tones, or fair, medium, olive, and dark tones. How to determine yours? It depends. Tricks usually include looking at your eyes to see what color flecks you have or what colors appear on your skin. For example, pink, red, and blue undertones indicate a cool tone, while yellow and gold suggest a warmer tone. One of the easiest ways is by looking at your wrist; if your veins appear blue or purple, you are more likely to be on the cool side, and if they skew green, you are warm.
Step two: If you have cool tones, why not try wearing cool, icy and earth-toned colors such as dark green, blue, purple, dark brown, and pair with silver jewelry. If you have warm tones, play around with red, orange, pink, emerald, plum, and yellow colors, and pair gold jewelry. Of course, you should take all of these “rules” with a grain of salt, but this is an excellent place to start for beginners.
If you still need some inspiration, take a look at celebrities who have a similar complexion to you and take some pointers from them, as most are directed on what to wear by a team of experts that have many years of experience styling a range of people. Finding images of A-Listers with which you share a skin tone is a much cheaper alternative if you don’t want to hire a personal stylist. Alternatively, many stores now have in-house stylists and personal shoppers who will be happy to help. Keep scrolling to see our expert picks of the best Very Peri-inspired items available right now.
1. Cariuma Pantone Very Peri/Off-White Canvas OCA Low
You can opt for subtle, or you can go all out with the most literal interpretation of the Very Peri trend. Pantone and Cariuma have expanded their collaboration series to include the canvas shoe in the purple hue. (Don’t worry, there are plenty of the best white sneakers offered by the eco-friendly brand.)
Buy: Cariuma Pantone Canvas OCA Low $89.00
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Cashmere Sweater
Ralph Lauren offers an easy way to wear this delicious color in this crewneck option made in a luxe wool and cashmere blend that can be used as a simple layering piece either under or over. Also, as it’s finished with suede elbow patches, it adds depth and interest to any outfit once your coat comes off.
Buy: Polo Ralph Lauren Cashmere Sweater $228.00
3. Uniqlo 87 87 Socks
Socks are a great way to incorporate color into any look subtly. Whether you are wearing cropped trousers, low-top sneakers, or want to add some intrigue to your suit game, and these Uniqlo socks in the shade 87 87 couldn’t be more on-trend with their ribbed texture and deodorizing feature.
4. New Balance 57/40 Sneakers
Sometimes a small pop of color is all you need, and the New Balance 57/40 shows just that. This pair is an easy-to-wear low-top option made from suede and mesh that can be worn while on your daily errand run or dressed up for any smart-casual event.
Buy: New Balance 57/40 Sneakers $70.00 (orig. $110.00) 36% OFF
5. CUTS L/S Crew Curve Hem
You probably have a ton of staple long-sleeve t-shirts but do you have any in CUTS’ signature Cast Iron hue? This option not only brings a wearable shade to break up your cycle of khaki, grey, navy black, and white top but also is butter soft, wrinkle-free, and has 4-way stretch. Enough said.
READ MORE: Review: We Found the World’s Perfect Men’s T-Shirt. Discover It For Yourself.
Buy: CUTS L/S Crew Curve Hem $64.00
6. Nike DNA Dri-Fit Basketball Shorts
Fancy yourself a pro at basketball, then why not step up to the hoop with these Nordstrom x Nike DNA Dri-Fit shorts made from moisture-wick technology that will always make you look court-side ready.
Buy: Nike DNA Dri-Fit Basketball Shorts $45.00
7. Cutter & Buck Anchor Gingham Shirt
Gingham is a pattern that will forever remain timeless, and this Cutter & Buck option that is also available in big and tall is an excellent take on smart-casual dressing at its finest. Team with chinos and dark Chelsea boots to add a modern balance to the look.
Buy: Cutter & Buck Anchor Gingham Shirt $69.00 (orig. $90.00) 23% OFF
8. Converse Chuck 70 Hi Canvas Sneakers
You can’t go wrong with a classic and Conserve Chucks are about as classic as you can get. The signature 70 Hi is a style you will keep gravitating toward no matter how old you get. Slip into these with your favorite jeans, a comfortable hoodie, and a cap for a relaxed aesthetic.
Buy: Converse Chuck 70 Hi Canvas Sneakers $85.00
9. ASOS DESIGN Lounge Trouser
Loungewear doesn’t need to be boring just because no one sees you in it. In fact, if you, like most of us, are still enjoying working from home, we think it’s vital you treat yourself to fun and color loungewear, such as this version with a branded waistband.
Buy: ASOS DESIGN Lounge Trouser $9.80 (orig. $17.00) 42% OFF
10. L.L.Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Tee
On days when you need a change, opt for the Carefree tee. This T-shirt for L.L.Bean is made from 100% cotton, wrinkle- and stain-resistant and designed to fight shrinkage, which is good for you as you’ll undoubtedly be wearing it a lot.
Buy: L.L.Bean Carefree Unshrinkable Tee $16.99 (orig. $19.95) 15% OFF
11. Camp High Drawstring Shorts
We know it’s too early for most to wear shorts, but it’s never too early to plan, and thanks to the easy drawstring waist on these tie-dye cotton-jersey Camp High shorts, you can happily lounge in these until the sun comes out.
Buy: Camp High Drawstring Shorts $150.00
12. Tom Ford Tie-Dyed Sweatshirt
Tie-Dye couldn’t be more prominent with every brand offering its take on the nostalgic dip design. The sophisticated Mr. Ford, who isn’t one to miss a trend, offers this fleece-back cotton-jersey sweatshirt that you can wear during airport runs or weekend brunches.
Buy: Tom Ford Tie-Dyed Sweatshirt $938.00
13. Carhartt Beanie
A beanie is an essential part of any winter wardrobe, and this L.L.Bean version in a playful and approachable color is ideal for chilly days and nights. This thick knit beanie is made with 100% soft acrylic yarn and features a ribbed texture and the classic Carhartt logo design on the cuff.
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Buy: Carhartt Men’s Knit Cuffed Beanie $19.99
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