Well, it has been quite a weekend for snow on the east coast! I know…it’s winter why do we act surprised? As I sit here looking out at about 2 feet of snow my thoughts turn to Spring 2016 and the colors we can look forward to.

The color experts at Pantone selected the “color of the year” for 2016 in December 2015.

They stepped out of the box by picking TWO colors. Both of the colors are as tame as you can get. They are Rose Quartz and Serenity. These two colors are also known as pastel pink and pastel blue. Story goes that they were chosen to breakdown stereotypes and promote gender equality. I do believe that color is a form of expression. The color pink reflects well being and blue reflects tranquility and is very soothing. I think that both of these colors will be big in home decor. With so much turbulence in an election year I think that many people will be looking to decorate their homes in colors that will be soothing and relaxing when they are at home.  Both of these colors mix beautifully with gray.

From here the color experts and designers expand the color palette. Quiet colors do prevail, but there are exciting brights added for optimism. There are no real distinctions made in color choices being made for men and women.

Here is the PANTONE palette for Spring 2016.

The color palette starts with Rose Quartz. This is soft and soothing like a blushing cheek! This color is followed by Peach Echo which is friendly and warm. There has been lots of orange going on lately and it will continue for spring and this peach is a complement. Next comes Serenity. This blue is restful and soothing like looking up at the blue sky. This color is followed by Snorkel Blue which is in the navy family but it is happier and more energetic. Doesn’t the name conjure up thoughts of vacations?  The center color on the palette is Buttercup. This color definitely makes the wearer feel like they are in a happy, summer place. Next comes Limpet Shell. This is a shade of aqua which is clear and crisp. Next in line is Lilac Gray. This is a basic which gives a little edge to a classic gray shade. Pump up the energy with the next color which is Fiesta. This is a yellow based red that is vivid, exciting and very free spirited. This is quite the contrast to the softer shades on this palette. Next is a beautiful neutral labeled Iced Coffee. This color is earthy and soft and is a foundation for the other colors. The last color in the palette is Green Flash. This color “calls on the wearer to explore, push the envelop and escape the mundane”. Wow…that is asking a lot of this beautiful shade of green! This is the basic palette for Spring 2016.

Fashion Snoops‘ color forecast is for 5 key palettes for spring. They are: SEASIDE which is vibrant mid tones which cover the pinks, coral and melon. They say Orchid and Aqua are emerging colors.  Custard (shade of yellow) is “lively” and Chartreuse is introduced as a new lime. HEIRLOOM is the jewel tone palette. Red and green continue as well as dark burgundy and brighter Ruby. They say  “Green becomes more influenced by blues with Evergreen and Dark Teal colors. While Navy progresses as an influential base color, Indigo offers a new alternative. Grape purple is featured as a new fashion color”. DESERT BLOOM is a neutral palette. This palette is earthy. Moonstone blue is an exciting new fashion color in this palette.  SOFT NOSTALGIA is a pastel palette lead by Blue Hydrangea. Pink is a focus in this group. There is also Chambray, Wisteria Purple, Lemon Chiffon and Sea Glass green. Neutrals here are Buff, Ecru, and Bone. Dust is the season’s gray. BACKYARD is the bright palette. Green shades are pivotal and Canary is a saturated yellow. Candy Apple is the red. Electric Blue is in this palette too and Periwinkle is new as an alternative to Electric Blue for summer. Clementine (orange) remains.

Colors are always so much fun to play with in your wardrobe. Each color can play to a distinct mood. Enjoy it!