Autumn 2021/Winter 2022 Trend Report: Color

Close up image of a woman smiling wearing clear, acrylic glasses and a pink hoodie.
Hello friends!

Biannually, the Pantone Color Institute™ publishes a seasonal color trend and forecasting report. While it’s aimed towards the fashion industry, this report spans categories and inspires product development and design across home décor, packaging, furniture, graphic design, and even certain areas of food and drinks.

The report for autumn 2021 and winter 2022 highlights the top ten colors along with a refreshed view of four core classics.

I am oddly obsessed with making moodboards. I started making them when I was a kid; I found it fun to forecast trends for the next season. I’d do so by taking pictures (and waiting for them to get developed #ElderMillennial) and cutting out images from magazines, sealing them in an envelope, and opening that next season. Don’t fret: I did other “normal” kid activities too!

While my wardrobe may mostly feature neutrals, I really enjoy checking out this report as I use it to inspire how I choose and style my clothing and accessories, as well as the DIY ideas that pop into my brain.

Image with a quote that says, "Color! What a deep and mysterious language, the language of dreams." by French artist Paul Gauguin. There is an outline of a gold butterfly above the quote.
Image by me, quote by a French artist

Fun fact: Years ago when I worked for a very well-known, global company that focuses on women’s lingerie (hint hint), my first few years there was on the production and sourcing team. A part of that job required me to take a rather intense color test every so often to gauge if there were deficiencies with certain color spectrums (i.e. if you’re unable to accurately distinguish shades of blue), along with looking for color blindness. I’m strong with discerning the slightest variation of colors….except oranges! For whatever reason, the wiring in my brain causes that color spectrum to basically become one blob of orange. Moral of the story: Don’t ask for my opinion on anything orange.

Inclusivity

One thing I’d like to call out is that I recognize how discussing colors may not feel inclusive. I’m working to be intentional with my verbiage, but please know I’m learning and adjusting! Color is experienced differently by everyone. The shade of green I see in grass may be different than how someone else views it. Some experience colors more intensely while others may not see color at all. For those like myself who have synesthesia, you “see” music as colors when you hear it. By the way, it was just in the past few years that I learned this is a relatively uncommon phenomenon; I thought everyone experienced this…just like how I thought everyone had an internal monologue. #TheMoreYouKnow

The rest of this post is image-heavy, so let’s get to it!

Pantone Color Institute™ Top Ten Colors

This first set of colors are vibrant and versatile, evoking a range of positive emotions. “Offering a range of pragmatic hues infused with vivifying bright pops, colors for Autumn/Winter 2021/2022 offer a plethora of possibilities that support our lifestyle of continual reinvention and convey a promise of reemergence,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute (Pressman, 2021).*

Beginning at the top row, colors from left to right. Row 1: Mykonos Blue, Illuminating, Leprechaun, Fuschia Fedora. Row 2: Pale Rosette, Adobe, Fire Whirl, Rhodonite. Row 3: Spring Lake, Root Beer.

Core Classics

These next colors are timeless. They can be viewed as foundational or complimentary. Choose your own adventure!

Colors from left to right: Coconut Cream, Ultimate Gray, Soybean, Olive Branch

Fit Inspo

Image by me, quote from a legend whose pieces I still can’t afford (one day!).

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a few pieces inspired by these color palettes. Bonus: You can instantly buy them!

I’ll highlight autumn trends along with outfit inspiration in an upcoming post. Until then, which color is your favorite? Share in the comments or on the corresponding posts on IG.

Quote source: Retrieved from the article, New York Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2021/2022

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