A picture is worth a thousand words, but what about a color? The entire spectrum of light is up for interpretation. Colors can resemble an emotion, remind us of a certain memory, smell, or person, and they can define our style and taste.
Every year Pantone releases its “Color of the Year,” handing over inspiration to the fashion and décor industry, and providing a statement with the sentiment behind the choice. This year a sprightly green–aptly named Greenery–has taken the title, and minimalists, neutral fanatics, and most industry insiders are scratching their heads at how to incorporate such an unexpected color into their lives.
Green is sometimes reminiscent of jealousy or envy, or it can be an indicator of something we don’t want to eat or touch. But Pantone’s reasoning for this hue centers on the idea of new beginnings and connections to nature, “Greenery is nature’s neutral. The more submerged people are in modern life, the greater their innate craving to immerse themselves in the physical beauty and inherent unity of the natural world.”
With the general wave of tension and uncertainty we are facing as of late, new beginnings and taking some time to surround ourselves with nature seems like a pretty good idea. There are quite a few ways to show your love for this color and the meaning behind it. So while you might not like wearing it as a shirt, you can drink it in a tea, or use the color to spruce up your room.
Décor
If you aren’t an avid collector of plants and succulents, here’s your chance. Arranging a vase of flowers, or cultivating a planter box of some miniature cacti are relaxing activities, and bring Pantone’s color into your living space. Some vintage stores, and online shops like Etsy, have Greenery-colored sofas and throw pillows. Both items provide unpredictable, but elegant pops of color in your room, without being overbearing.
(photo via @rachelbradney)
(photo via @chasitity_diane)
Food
Salads, green tea lattes, and pistachio ice cream—the culinary list of foods in this color is endless. You can sip, crunch, bite, and taste this hue into your life. Pinterest will be your best friend when it comes to finding Greenery-inspired recipes. Mint Oreo brownies, anyone?
(photo via @jaamierose)
(photo via @oliviapienta)
Clothing
If this isn’t a color you’d ever see hanging in your closet, you’re not alone. But taking it step by step by styling in small splashes of it can be as chic as wearing a little black dress. If it’s still too bold, try picking a different hue in the same color family. Forest and army green are all fair game and still pay tribute to the idea of the positive symbolism Greenery holds.
(photo via @bysimplymerv)
(photo via @born_intheknow)
Photos
There aren’t many backgrounds better for the perfect Instagram shot than a wall of ivy, a greenhouse, a sheet of green silk, or a burst of palm fronds. Plants add an element of surprise to your photo, and give it more dimension. It strays from your typical wall pic, and using plants as props? Even better. This way literally brings Pantone’s Color of the Year to life.
(photo via @gabscherer)
(photo via @jennacberry)
See—it’s easy being green! Show us your favorite way you are going green-ery on Instagram by tagging @CFashionista!
