Summer 2023 Color Trends You Need to Know
In the dynamic realm of fashion, where innovation meets expression, there exists an eagerly anticipated annual event that sparks the imagination of industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike. It is the revelation of Pantone's color of the year, a shade that serves as the guiding force for designers and trendsetters, shaping the direction of the season's trends.
In December 2022, Pantone announced 2023’s color of the year — Viva Magenta 18-1750. Pantone calls Viva Magenta a color rooted in nature, descending from the red family and representing strength.
“As a nuanced crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is also a hybrid color, one that comfortably straddles the physical and virtual in our multi-dimensional world,” Pantone’s website reads. “It is assertive, but not aggressive, a carmine red that does not boldly dominate but instead takes a ‘fist in a velvet glove’ approach.
Pantone’s color of the year and its adjacent shades will lay the framework and tone for this season’s styling ethos, especially as we transition to the summer months. While our ModeSens community shouldn’t be confined to a palette of a few shades, Pantone’s 2023 colors are a great foundation for building your summer outfits.
In total, Pantone has selected seven additional shades to compliment Viva Magenta: Pale Dogwood, Gray Sand, Gray Lilac, Pale Khaki, Fields of Rye, Agate Gray, Plein Air. At first glance, these tones might not seem complimentary, but the Earth-like colors bring more attention to Viva Magenta, while also adding some contrast to the vibrant primary shade.
“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “Rooted in the primordial, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to the original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanized our spirit, helping us build inner strength.”
How to Style Pantone’s Color of the Year
Incorporating magenta alongside earth tones into your outfits is easy with this simple approach. Use magenta as a statement color, allowing it to take center stage while the complimentary earth tones provide a balanced backdrop. For example, a Magenta dress paired with a Gray Sand or Pale Khaki handbag or heels creates a vibrant focal point while maintaining a grounded and cohesive look.
On the contrary, accessorizing a neutral-toned ensemble with a magenta handbag or sneakers adds a pop of color and visual interest to your outfits. This option is probably more catered to people who don’t want to stand out, but still want an accent piece in their outfits.
Another great option is to create color-blocked combinations. Mixing Magenta with other vibrant adjacent shades like Pale Dogwood, Gray Lilac and Plein Air can result in a rich and harmonious palette. If you really want to stand out, consider experimenting with different patterns that work within this color wheel. Brands like Zimmermann are a great case study of how this blocking works. The brand often combines reddish shades like Magenta within floral prints of green, tan, and brown to create garments that pop visually, but still convey a sense of natural harmony.
Own the Summer With Your Color Wheel
Regardless if you’re all-in on Viva Magenta this summer, understanding how color theory plays a pivotal role in your outfits will have you feeling confident this season. Warm colors like shades of red and orange evoke feelings of excitement and passion, the perfect combination for the adventurous spirit of summer.
If these vibrant tones aren’t conducive to your personality and wardrobe, find colors that will compliment the pieces in your closet. Color theory principles, such as complementary colors (opposites on the wheel) or analogous colors (adjacent), can help you design your wardrobe. Fashion is all about instilling confidence in yourself through self-expression. Colors are a natural part of that ethos.
Harmonious combinations draw attention, create focal points, and contribute to a sense of unity in your outfits. Pantone’s mission isn’t to set a yearly standard of colors, but rather inspire the millions of people within our community to thoughtfully utilize colors as a vehicle of self-expression. Regardless if you’re all in on Viva Magenta, learning how the color wheel can impact your silhouettes will keep you feeling confident and powerful throughout the season.
