Carlstadt, NJ—With emerald hues, forest greens, sea foam greens and olive tones popular in recent fashion, murmurings in the fashion world hinted at a green-themed announcement from Pantone this past December, but many were still surprised by the bright shade announced as 2017’s Color of the Year. “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment,” explained Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman. “Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.”
Pantone describes the idea of their Color of the Year as “a symbolic color selection, a color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture that serves as an expression of a mood and an attitude.”
Praising its versatility, Pantone color experts call Greenery “nature’s neutral” and look to shift green from the background (as an accent color, on leaves and trims) into the forefront of design and color plans. Greens often lend the feeling of being surrounded by nature, lending a grounded feeling to the environment. With the bright, bold color of Greenery, the calming effect of nature is also balanced with the vitality of the color itself.
Greenery in Decor
Whether as a green accent pillow, a pattern on a chair or a full wall in bright green, Greenery “delivers a pop of color, with the added benefit of creating the illusion of nature indoors,” explained Pantone color experts. Look for Greenery in linens, curtains, wallpaper and focal-piece artwork to enhance indoor living spaces with a burst of nature.
Even home basics and soft linens can expect to see splashes of Greenery. Look for bright green in dishes, towels, tablecloths and chargers. Eating off of green-colored surfaces also lends a feel of healthy and more earth-friendly meals.
Greenery in Beauty and Cosmetics
Continuing to make the most of Greenery’s ability to blend bold color with nature’s calm, a splash of Greenery on the nails is sure to add an eye-catching element to any outfit. Butter London has partnered with Pantone to unveil nail polish in this year’s color of the year. If someone wants to try Greenery on their face, bright green-yellow eyeshadow is an option. Greenery complements all skin tones, making it a wonderful addition to a makeup palette.
For the very brave, cosmetic companies now make lipsticks in Greenery-like shades, such as NYX Cosmetics, though they named their color “Key Lime.”
Greenery in Fashion
Runways for 2017 depicted lots of sunny wardrobe choices in the yellow-green hue known now as Greenery. Even in clothing, Greenery “speaks to our desire to express, explore, experiment and reinvent, imparting a sense of buoyancy,” said Eiseman. “Through its reassuring yet assertive vibrancy, Greenery offers us self-assurance and boldness to live life on our own terms, during a time when we are redefining what makes us successful and happy.” Models in full-length coats, suits or dresses of this bright and lively color lit up fashion.
Even accessories have their moment in Greenery; look for Greenery-hued umbrellas, scarves and jewelry pieces.
Maybe Kermit the Frog was singing prophetically when he lamented, “It’s not easy being green.” This year’s shade pretty much matches his skin tone. And while he never seemed to have a problem accessorizing—from top hat and tails to mustache and suit, or whatever level of formality life required—this shade of green leaves many feeling in a sallow state of mind—and fashion. Those fashionistas who feel overwhelmed by Greenery but still love to embrace the latest trends can find ways to embrace green without looking yellow. Instead of a full Greenery outfit, go for green on the bottom half of the outfit. Try green jewelry, scarves, footwear or other accent pieces. The brightness of the shade will help the color pop even when it’s not the main color of an outfit.
Greenery has the flexibility of a neutral, and pairs nicely with a variety of colors. Even though it is a bright color, it is not limited to one season and will work throughout the year as what Pantone referred to as a “transeasonal color.” As a main color or as an accent, look forward to plenty of nature’s neutral in 2017.
By Jenny Gans
