Pantone 2016 Color of the Year: Rose Quartz & Serenity – Winter Edition

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute®, “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and a tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”  These two shades reflect our psychological yearning of calm and relaxation during our day-to-day stresses as well as our society’s experience of blurring gender lines as it relates to fashion.

Once I found out Rose Quartz and Serenity were named the Color of the Year, I started to envision how I can use these colors, whether it's worn separate or together.  This year, I will show how you can wear these two colors during each season.

Once January hits, I start wearing less of the darker shades of fall and winter and embracing a softer color palette as spring approaches.  The first couple months of the year are the perfect time to wear lighter hued sweaters, such as coral, lavender, or even rose quartz and serenity. Below I’ve created two winter outfits utilizing Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year – Rose Quartz & Serenity.

Winter – Rose Quartz & Winter White

Rose Quartz is a soft, calming pastel color that I love wearing opposite winter white during the colder months.  For this outfit, I paired my pale pink cable knit sweater with cream colored skinny corduroy pants.  I slipped on tan suede knee high boots along with a cream suede vintage hat with tassel for an added touch of texture and whimsy.  I accessorized the look with a pastel colored gemstone pendant and topped it off with a classic camel wool coat.

Sweater/Ring: Old Navy// Pants: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Coat: Dillard's (Antonio Melani)// Hat: Atomic Garage// Necklace: The Limited// Boots: Thrift Store (old)

Winter – Serenity W/Winter White & Tan

The name says it all.  Serenity is a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  This tranquil blue resembles the airy weightlessness of the sky.  During these chillier months, it’s hard to show fluidity or weightlessness in outfits since we are wrapped up in warmer fabrics.  For this outfit, I decided to combine soft textures with casual staples that can be transitioned into early spring with a change of shoes.  I paired my serenity colored V-neck sweater with a lighter washed pair of skinny jeans.  I tossed a cream and blue abstract printed cotton scarf around my neck and slipped on a pair of tan suede booties.  I finished the ensemble with the same camel wool coat as the previous outfit and topped it off with a cream colored winter stocking hat.  To transition this outfit into spring, just take off the hat, coat, and swap the booties for a pair of ballet flats or sandals.

Sweater/Scarf: Old Navy// Coar: Dillard's (Antonio Melani// Boots: Charlotte Russe (this fall)// Hat: Kohl's (this winter)

Do you like Rose Quartz & Serenity? How would you wear these colors during the winter?