It’s official ‘Living Coral’ (or Pantone 16-1546, if you will) is 2019’s Colour of the Year
In order: Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Altuzarra, Delpozo, Rejina Pyo, Etro, Roksanda, Marc Jacobs
For Spring/Summer 19, the standout trend is pretty easy to get your head around. It's quite simply… all consuming, deeply saturated, head-to-toe COLOUR. So, what better way to road-test this season's key look than embracing some energising coral- aka Pantone's Colour of 2019. In Pantone’s words, coral is 'an animating and life-affirming hue' with a golden undertone that 'enlivens with a softer edge'. Indeed this radiant, ‘life affirming’ shade was spotted throughout many of the SS19 collections. From wisps of coral tulle and coral-shaded gingham, to tailored coral suits and leather coral accessories, it was a constant motif this season.
Admittedly, at first glance this shade is not the most wearable colour to slip into your pre-existing wardrobe, but here are a few tips and shopping picks to convince you otherwise. Move over millennial pink, your reign is over.
#1 Flowing silhouettes lend themselves best to coral shades. Their relaxed, bohemian feel goes hand-in-hand with the uplifting qualities of coral. Wear a coral midi dress with tights and ankle boots in current climes, and save it for the beach with sandals later.
#2 Opt for silky, lightweight fabrics. Think a slinky silk shirt to french tuck into tailored trousers or a statement coral slip skirt- both of which can be found on the high street.
#3 Go back to nature, and take inspiration from the origins of coral as a living facet of our oceans. Try a marine print like RIXO’s coral starfish one, or coral-shaped earrings as a kooky riff on the current trend for organic, raw pearls.
#4 Fancy making a real statement… a coral teddy coat is the perfect antidote for grey January skies. What’s more it can be thrown over your current wardrobe staples.
#5 If you’re still not swayed, ease into this trend by introducing coral accents to your outfit- as seen at Chanel and Chloé SS19. Think a coral trim on garment hem, or perhaps a wide buckled belt to make your outfit pop.