Pantone Color of the Year 2014: Radiant Orchid #coloroftheyear

Are you guys excited about the 2014 Pantone color of the year? If you’re a lover of purple, rejoice!

I am sort of a color nerd, so every December I wait joyfully for Pantone to announce the Pantone Color of the Year. This year’s color is Radiant Orchid (18-3224, if you’re using a Pantone color chart), and it’s a warm shade of lilac.

In case you’re not familiar with the whole Pantone Color of the Year concept, I’ll get into it a little bit! The Pantone Color Institute is kind of the compass for color trends. They follow the fashion and design landscapes closely and predict what colors will be hot in the fashion world. Beginning in 2010, they also started designating a “Color of the Year,” and it’s become a pretty strong predictor of what the big color for the coming year will be.

You can watch a video here on how the Institute chose the Pantone Color of the Year for 2014, and below I’ll share their brief explanation for this year’s color choice:

Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative, and embracing purple – one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuschia, purple, and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy and health.

How’s that for a color?

Pantone Color of the Year: Wear It!

So now that Pantone has picked the 2014 Color of the Year, how can you get a little Radiant Orchid into your wardrobe? I did a little fantasy shopping just for YOU!

Nail Polish – Zoya’s nail polish in Malia is a very close match to Radiant Orchid. Even better? It’s vegan and five-free!
Dress – Choose Synergy Organic Clothing’s Strapless Twist Dress in Sea Gull. Add tights and a cardigan for cold weather, or wear it bare in spring and summer for some year-round Radiant Orchid action!
Necklace – Buy some handmade Radiant Orchid goodness! Artist Meva Teva Seva makes a beautiful statement necklace from recycled cotton in Radiant Orchid.
Shoes – Check out Tom’s Lina ballet flats. The vibrant print includes just enough Radiant Orchid to keep you on-trend.