You can start your Fall shopping lists now: the Pantone Color Institute announced the 10 key shades that will make up next season's color wheel of style.
Alongside Fashion Week, the seasonal color report has a history of highlighting hues that will eventually become major fashion trends, and from the looks of this set of swatches, it appears the runways might feel much more androgynous.
"Juxtaposition of color from opposite sides of the spectrum emphasizes poise and confidence on the runway," Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone's executive director, said in a statement. "Fall 2015 is rooted in multi-faceted colors that can be worn to portray effortless sophistication across men's and women's fashion. It is the first time we are seeing a truly unisex color palette."
From the military-inspired Dried Herb to Marsala, the controversial color of the year, the nation's top designers are already putting these colors to use, as evidenced by this season's sketches. Take a look, and plan your outfits accordingly.
A nod to the '60s and '70s, Pantone 15-1340 Cadmium Orange evokes a sentiment of optimism, fun, and fantasy. Both playful and sophisticated in its appeal, Cadmium Orange is a warm, welcoming, and subtly dramatic orange shade that is striking enough to stand on its own or act as a bold contrast.
A cool and soothing greenish gray, Pantone 16-0110 Desert Sage is the ideal neutral. Timeless and unobtrusive yet at the same time stylishly powerful enough to make an impactful statement on its own, Desert Sage speaks to this feeling of naturally inspired colors that remind us of things that are real and not invented.
Reminiscent of the sky on a gray, overcast day, Pantone 18-4214 Stormy Weather is dependable, cool, and, above all, constant. Implying quality and luxury, Stormy Weather is a powerful blue-gray shade that is strong, protective, and enduring.
Just as the sun comes out after stormy weather to bring us cheer and a glimmer of hope, Pantone 16-1144 Oak Buff is a mellow, comforting, and warming shade that brings good feelings. Another one of nature's illustrious shades, the golden-yellow Oak Buff acts to nurture and comfort.
A lush and elegant teal, Pantone 18-4726 Biscay Bay splashes up against more heated tones with its cool touch. Combining the serene qualities of blue with the invigorating aspects of green, the cool and confident Biscay Bay inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters, taking us to a place that is pleasant and inviting.
A play on the '60s with a twist of today, Pantone 16-2215 Cashmere Rose is a tactile and soft pink hue that renders exactly what it promises. Cultivated in its richness, Cashmere Rose is a gentle and composed pink that is more upscale than downtown.
An olive-green shade once thought of as strictly safari or military, Pantone 17-0627 Dried Herb has been elevated into a color we now perceive as sophisticated and chic. Closely related to nature, Dried Herb is an organic shade redolent of nature's earthy fragrances.
Indicative of our affection for color, Pantone 17-3628 Amethyst Orchid is the jewel in the crown. Intriguing, vibrant, and somewhat sensual, the enigmatic Amethyst Orchid is an extraordinary hue that is unique, bold, creative, and exciting.
Thoughtful, contemplative, and composed, Pantone 19-4326 Reflecting Pond is a cooling blue with a lot of depth. Conveying a message of credibility, Reflecting Pond is a serious shade that speaks to our need for stability and security.
Interesting on its own and a wonderful contrast for other hues, Pantone 18-1438 Marsala is a winey red-brown that adds finesse and savoir faire. Rich and robust, Marsala incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness.