The Pantone Color Palette For Spring!

We’ve already seen some spring-like days around here, so the real deal can’t be far behind. And that means an infusion of color!

Each season, Pantone releases the color standards for the design industry. These are the colors fashion designers use in their collections, and almost everything you see in retail stores is based on this palette.

Yes, there are 10 colors, but you don’t have to incorporate every one of them into your wardrobe. With so many beautiful hues, you can be selective and still be stylish. Some of the colors will look better with your skin, hair and eyes – and with what you already have in your closet. If you’re dying to try Tangerine Tango or Cabaret but don’t want to make a big commitment, go for it in small doses – a scarf, a bangle, a belt or even toenail polish or lipstick. If you decide it works for you, branch out into other items. For those who wear all black all the time, a pop of color will freshen and enliven your monochromatic look! By the way, Pantone has dubbed Tangerine Tango the “Color of the Year,” so expect to see it everywhere.

If one of these spring swatches is your color, now is the time to scoop up multiple pieces in it. Cockatoo probably won’t come around again anytime soon!

One easy trick to get ahead of fall color trends is to buy basic items like camis and cardigans – on sale now – in colors that will be popular next autumn. As you can see from the chart, several of the colors from Fall 2011 are similar to what will be showing up in stores this August.

Likewise, look at the similarities between Spring 2012 and Fall 2012: At least five will translate into the next season. This spring's short-sleeve blouse becomes next fall's layering piece, and makes the cost-per-wear lower!

In the meantime, you might be interested in the Four Universally Flattering Colors. As Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, told Real Simple magazine last year, “Some colors work for all skin tones and hair colors, because they fall into the middle of the color spectrum, meaning they’re not too warm or too cool.”

Those colors are:

Eggplant, which Eiseman calls the “the perfect purple” because it is as versatile as black, dark brown or navy.

True Red, which is in the middle of the spectrum between a cool cherry red and a warm, tomato red.

Indian Teal, which is virtually seasonless.

Mellow Rose, which is between a light pink and a peach, highlights the natural flush of our skin.

What is your favorite spring color? Which Pantone color are you most likely to try? What is your favorite way to add color to an outfit?

Savvy Suzanne’s final thoughts ….. Dress for your lifestyle! Keep in mind that when building your lifestyle wardrobe, you want to select 5 colors. Black, brown, white and cream are given. By choosing five colors this will allow the opportunity to mix and match successfully and enjoy wearing your wardrobe year round.

Today’s blog was written by a guest blogger, Teresa Kriegsman. From speaking with her, it’s safe to say that Teresa Kriegsman has always loved clothes. Some of her earliest childhood memories involve prancing around in dresses her mother made wearing high heels borrowed from her grandmother. Teresa graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill before girls wore pajamas to class, and was most recently Design Editor at The News & Observer in Raleigh. She is currently obsessed with summer scarves and straw fedoras – and finding the ultimate cropped black pants.