It may only be January, but the most fashion-savvy among us are already on the hunt for the key trends and looks that will shape 2019. The Pantone Colour Institute, which annually predicts colours that serve as inspiration for fashion’s leading designers’ new collections, has already announced its 2019 Colour of the Year as Living Coral (more on that in a minute). But recently, it also released its full spectrum of key shades for the season ahead, having looked to the SS19 shows at New York and London last September to curate a collection of 16 colours that will be key for the coming season.
This season’s style palette looks set to include a beautiful balance of cool neutrals, paired with warm (and even hot) shades of red, pink and orange. As the colour of the year is a vibrant coral, the rest of the palette is awash with complimentary colours.
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Image: Pantone
With 16 colours to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to begin with your new-season sartorial choices. We’ve taken the liberty of whittling down Pantone’s SS19 predictions to five key colours, each with a corresponding piece from the high street, so that you can kick off 2019 off in style.
Colour of the Year 2019: Pantone 16-1546 ‘Living Coral’
Pantone 16-1546
Living Coral is a vibrant and warm pinky orange, with plenty of potential for the summer seasons. The institute itself pens it as “an affable and animating shade whose golden undertone gives it a softer edge,” and it’s sure to make its way into the wardrobes of our favourite street-style stars. To adapt this sunny shade for the winter months, go for soft knitwear, such as this beautiful 100 per cent cashmere jumper from Massimo Dutti.
Another summery shade on Pantone’s palette is ‘Turmeric’, although this semi-neon orange is much more fiery than Living Coral. Described as “an enlivening orange that infuses a hint of pungency onto the palette”, this colour really packs a punch and is best confined to one key piece in an outfit for the faint of heart. However, if your one piece is a flowing midi dress, you can have the best of both worlds with this warming outfit.
Freshening the palette, the light and sunny Lemon Verbena is just what the doctor ordered for a month like January. The zingy yellow will work well in a statement piece, such as this satin blouse from Zara.
Softening things down is the beautiful ‘Pressed Rose’, which is the stuff of knitwear dreams. The blush pink already has a look of texture and warmth, so wearing it in the form of smart tailoring will give it the edge it needs.
Definitely fit for a royal, ‘Princess Blue’ is deep, rich and a stark contrast to the warm, reddish-toned colours that dominate the SS19 palette. Go big or go home with this one, such as with a high-neck maxi dress, and let the colour do the talking.