That Pantone chose Ultimate Gray (or Pandemic Gray) and Illuminating Yellow as the 2021 colors of the year says so much about the psyche of our nation and world as we still face an alarming death toll from the Covid19 Pandemic while cautiously and anxiously hoping for brighter days. It has always been interesting to me how colors in both fashion and design often mimic the political and social climate from which they come. This spring’s color palate is both earthy and exuberant, indicating a need to feel both grounded and hopeful.

Perhaps it is because I am a Wyoming girl with strong roots in this state (my dad’s family homesteaded here) or because I am a mountain girl dreaming of backpacking next summer that this season’s key colors remind me of a field of lovely spring wild flowers. I’ve seen open fields in late June adorned with flowers in these same bright pinks, oranges, yellows, blues and purples. And yet, there is also the toasted coral and rust as well as the warm tan and olive that remind me of the forest floor layered with pine needles and organic matter that cushions my feet as I walk across it. For me, there is no place more serene than the mountains, and after 2020, I am looking for serene wherever I can find it. I am excited about both extremes in the color palate for spring 2021, as I too am finding myself seeking both grounding and hope.

As you plan your spring wardrobe, I hope you will add colors from both categories this year. All of the top colors in the picture above can be used for tops or as accents. “Raspberry Sorbet,” “Illuminating Yellow,” “Green Ash,” “Mint,” “Cerulean,” “French Blue,” and “Amethyst” will all pair beautifully with “Ultimate Gray” or “Inkwell.” For a warmer palate, choose “Burnt Coral” and “Rust” and also “Marigold,” and pair them with the lovely “Desert Mist” tan or even the warm olive “Willow.” The easy to wear “Buttercream” also makes a lovely choice as a neutral bottom and would be especially pretty with “Burnt Coral” and “Desert Mist.”

To see examples of these colors, watch my live Wednesday Wardrobing video tonight at 6 p.m. MST. To watch, join our VIP Facebook Group called Fashion Crossroads Fashionistas.