How to Wear the 2021 Colors of the Year

Last updated on December 28th, 2021 at 12:03 am

The “2021 Color of the Year” was just announced this past December, but this year there was a twist. The Pantone Color Institute selected two colors: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating. Let’s learn more about each one first before we decide how to wear the 2021 colors of the year.

It’s not surprising that with the events of 2020, that this year’s selection would be carefully determined. Do you reflect on all the downside of 2020 or do you look forward to better times in 2021? It appears the answer is both, but looking at it in a positive way. Ultimate Gray, which could be thought of as more somber is really just the opposite. It stands for fortitude, strength and resilience. It’s “rock solid”. Picture a tough piece of granite – it may be gray in color but it can take on all the elements and still be standing. Just like us.

Illuminating is what we hope for. It expresses optimism, positivity and gratitude. It’s the sign of better days to come. It’s the sunshine that follows the rain.

So what does this mean for The Harper Girls? It means good news for both of us because one of us loves to wear color and the other is afraid of it. So how are we incorporating Ultimate Gray and Illuminating into our wardrobes? Read on!

When You Love Color

Pantone Colors of the Year, Gray and Yellow — Mustard Blouse – Target

I swear I was raised in a time when gray was only seen on “gym clothes”. My brother wore gray t-shirts to baseball practice, you never saw anyone wearing a gray sweater, especially a woman.

Times have changed, but I guess I have not. I love to wear color (even though you’ll see me in a lot of black, but that’s another story). My closet is filled with red, green, blues, purples, you name it. And I do love yellow, so Illuminating as one of the Colors of the Year is great news for me and an excuse to add more of it to my wardrobe. This year’s yellows don’t have to be as bright as Illuminating. You can still wear rich golds, mustards and pastels. Select the shade that you like best and that best matches your skin tone.

But because I do want to try to be on-trend, I did challenge myself to find a way to wear Ultimate Gray this year. Off to Amazon where I purchased a gray turtleneck, but it was just too plain for me. So I added the yellow and gray plaid scarf. I think it’s a good compromise for someone who is gray-averse and loves color. What do you think?

When You’re Scared of Color

I’ll admit, wearing a lot of color intimidates me at times. Over the years, my style has evolved that when I’m dressed up it’s a lot of neutral colors. I do have different colors in my closet, but when I’m getting dressed, and I don’t feel like thinking about it, black, white and gray are easy. But, because Aunt Dianne loves color so much, it got me thinking how I can wear the colors of the year.

Sometimes I can be overly practical and think if I’m going to buy something, it should be in basic colors so I can wear it more often and with more things.

I’ll add that I like stripes and leopard print! But those can basically be worn as a neutral.

So for colors of the year, Ultimate Gray is right in my comfort zone, and Illuminating is a bit outside it.

We could all benefit from incorporating a little color in our wardrobes – wearing color can have an impact on your mood, and the way other people respond to us.

You can think about it in two ways – choose a color to reflect your mood, or choose a color to inspire your mood!

Gray can be interpreted as neutral, practical and quiet. While yellow conveys happiness and optimism. Yellow is also great for confidence and self-esteem too!

I don’t think I’m going to convert to wearing color all the time, but it can’t hurt to try a little color now and then. And I can find a way to wear the colors of the year! Plus, Illuminating makes me think of warm summer days and being outside.

Here’s some ways to incorporate the colors of the year, when you have an affinity for neutrals like me!

Accessories

This is a great place to start with incorporating color if you’re a little weary. You don’t have to spend much, and it’s a gentle way to get out of your comfort zone.