Introducing Living Coral, Pantone’s colour of the year

Describing why Living Coral is the perfect colour for 2019, Pantone wrote:

“In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages light-hearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.”

Personally, I absolutely adore Pantone’s colour of the year and anyone who knows me understands just how much of a coral nut I am. I love to apply it to my outfits in the form of patterns and decorations on my clothes and shoes.

I own many special pieces that I’ve collected over the past 25 years and as we keep inching closer to the Spring and Summer months, I’m looking forward to adding more coral to my outfits with jewellery and accessories. Living Coral is a soft and soothing colour that can be worked into any wardrobe or home with ease.

Bringing Living Coral into your wardrobe

Whether it’s a subtle approach that adds a splash of Living Coral to your outfit or you opt for something more flamboyant, there’s truly no wrong way to wear 2019’s colour. As I’m writing this, I’m lusting after an outfit that uses Living Coral as a block colour, from head-to-toe.

I’ve been drawing inspiration from Louise Kennedy’s SS19 style and accessorising with a chunky red coral necklace, statement coral earrings, cuffs and rings all in differing tones. My shoes feature a contrasting colour and the look is completed with a silk scarf or cashmere wrap in soft turquoise, emerald or fuchsia. The gorgeousness of this outfit is just making me fall in love with Living Coral even more.

Bringing Living Coral into your home    

Adding Living Coral to your home is similar to adding it to your wardrobe. You can either decide to maximise this colour by covering your walls with it and adding warm and vibrant accents through soft furnishings and decorative accessories.

If you’re only looking to add a gentle nod to 2019’s most important colour, then subtly adding some cushions, table lamps or another accessory here and there will help you bring Living Coral into your home.

What are the Living Coral alternatives?

The best thing about Living Coral is just how accessible it is for everyone. By simply introducing a small accessory to your home or wardrobe, you’ve already added an extra layer of vibrancy to your life. Of course, it is each to their own and anyone who isn’t completely sold on Living Coral should take small steps to introduce as much as they feel comfortable with.

If you’ve found Living Coral isn’t quite your thing, there are plenty of similar shades that you can explore including Aura Orange, Mandarin or Marigold. If you’re worried about Living Coral not complimenting your skin tone, then try a soft peach or flamingo shade.

When it comes to the colour of the year, I’ve been welcoming it with open arms and my usual flamboyant approach. I’m absolutely loving Living Coral and it’s just as the fabulous Iris Apfel famously said: “More is more and less is a bore.”