Sep 062012
 

Fall 2012 Women's Colors

Now that back-to-school is a reality, in my mind fall has officially arrived. And fall of course means a mental adjustment, back to serious work and a more pulled together look – I’m eagerly anticipating the ability to wear more sweaters and accessories. The forecasters released their visions for Fall 2012 two seasons ago, but now we’re finally in the moment.

As is typical with me, I personally prefer the subdued edges of the color line above, but can see Pink! Tangerine! even Chartreuse! as an accent. That Ultramarine Green is the only one I cant imagine myself doing anything with – it looks like Forest to me, but as that’s my son’s favorite, I’m sure I’ll be seeing some of it. Here’s what Pantone has to say:

As the season transitions from the heat of summer, Bright Chartreuse, a vital yellow-green, pays homage to a typical spring shade and creates a bridge into the cooling days of fall. Reminiscent of bright green foliage, it provides a perfect accent to every color in the palette. Like the name implies, Pink Flambé is a delicious, vibrant pink with a bit of heat to it. Pair it with vivacious and enticing Tangerine Tango for an ongoing retro feeling. Or, to bring a calming element to the mix, combine these vibrant warm tones with Ultramarine Green, a deep, cooling blue-green. Ethereal Rhapsody is a grayed-down purple that also encourages comfort and serenity with its quiet, muted tone. Honey Gold, a mellow, burnished yellow, suggests the soft-muted tones of sunlight to brighten a fall day. Pair it with sensible and strong Olympian Blue, a patriotic blue that will surely make its way into fall and winter athletic apparel. Rich and robust, French Roast is a tasty, sophisticated hue that is a great alternative to the black and charcoal basics typically worn in the fall. Other staple neutrals include elegant and versatile Titanium, the quintessential cool gray, and Rose Smoke, a veiled rose tone that pairs well with Rhapsody and Titanium.

Fall 2012 Men's Colors

This fall’s Men’s colors show minimal distinction from the Women’s; just Rhubarb instead of Pink Flambe, Sea Fog for Rhapsody and Whitecap Grey for Rose Smoke. I like to see a little more girl/boy variation, but I think this season’s Women’s colors are overall fairly unisex, so there you go. Interesting that my own top pairing pulls from the Men’s palette – Rhubarb together with Sea Fog are just about everything I like in color.  Pantone says:

Similar to this season’s palette for women, there is something for everyone in the top color selections for men. Rhubarb, a deep, pungent hue, brings intensity to the palette, and is best paired with Tangerine Tango and Honey Gold for a typical collegiate look. To hit the ski slopes in style, combine Ultramarine Green with Bright Chartreuse and Olympian Blue for the ultimate in winter athletic apparel. Moving from the vibrant tones of fall to more neutral basics, Whitecap Gray is a classic off-white, reminiscent of an overturning wave under a winter sky. Sea Fog, a gray with a muted purple cast, exudes just the right amount of confidence and masculinity. Pair these two neutrals with the strength of Titanium for a subtle and sophisticated direction. Combine all three neutrals in a dress shirt or tie with basic, versatile French Roast for a classic fall look.

So I went looking among my stuff to see how on trend I might be this fall, and it appears I have nothing to worry about. My nails at least will be current; the rest can follow.

Fall 2012 polish