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Pantone Colour of the Year 2014 - Radiant Orchid


"Expressive, exotic Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and warmth" Pantone

When Pantone announced its Colour of the Year 2014 there were some oohs and there were some ohs. Some of you will love it, some of you will not - personally I hate it, but that’s because I am much better in bright vibrant colours like last year’s emerald!  Radiant Orchid is not strictly purple nor entirely pink, it is a pinky-purple which can make it a tricky colour to define.

You don't have to wear this colour  of course, and I won’t be, but it will be everywhere in clothes, make-up and accessories this year so if you want to try it out, here's how...

How to wear it

This shade has mostly cool undertones so it will flatter some complexions and not others. You will know the instant you put it next to your face whether it works for you or not. The easiest way for most people to wear Radiant Orchid is as an add-on colour rather than head-to-toe.

Orchid clothes

If you have a cool skin tone you can wear Radiant Orchid on its own. How much of it you can wear in your outfit will depend on your personality and other characteristics in your colouring. You can mix and match it with other shades in your colour palette too; wear it with your pinks for an elegant and feminine tone-on-tone look. For a bolder look, wear it with stronger colours in your palette such as vivid red or bright violet. Radiant Orchid will brighten up your work wardrobe nicely when you team it with your neutrals such as grey, navy or black.

Those of you with a warm skin tone ideally want to wear this shade away from your face and mix it with warm shades. Purple is a perfect match for Radiant Orchid as it is a universal colour, meaning that there is a shade to suit everyone. Find your best purple and make it the feature colour in your outfit and keep Radiant Orchid as your add-on colour. For a more dramatic look, combine it with lime, red, or emerald green (Pantone Colour of the Year 2013). For some of you, Radiant Orchid will mix well with your neutral shades such as taupe or brown, but do not wear it with black, grey or navy. To avoid looking dated, mix it with a contrasting colour such as green, pumpkin or orange.

Orchid clothes with orange

You also need to consider the fabric as different materials create a different effect. If you have a softer, more muted colouring with very little contrast between your hair, eye and skin colour, then you want to keep your colours softer, so go for matt fabrics, or something with a textured surface like a knit, tweed or velvet

If you have a striking contrast between your eyes and hair - bright eyes and dark hair - you need to make Radiant Orchid look brighter to complement your natural colouring. You can wear this colour with vibrant shades in your palette, such as emerald green (Pantone Colour of the Year 2013), bright red or fuchsia (depending whether you have cool or warm skin tones). Alternatively, choose a garment in a light reflecting fabric such as satin or silk

Kate Spade, Burberry bag, Marc Jacobs

Radiant Orchid in Make-up

Take care with eye shadow in this colour. When we apply our make-up we are trying to enhance the colour of the eye , so if you have any reddishness around the eyes this colour will only emphasise it. A small amount in the middle of the eyelid as an accent colour is the safest option. Try Colour Me Beautiful's Purple and Lavender Bliss eye shadows to be on trend.

Lip colour will look fabulous on a rosy or cool complexion and will enhance thin lips. Nail colour is fine for all colourings as long as it complements your outfit.

Orchid make-up

 


If you live in  Hampshire, the New Forest, Southampton or the  Isle of Wight (I pick up from the Hythe ferry!) and aren’t sure what your dominant colouring, style or face shape is, why not come and have a consultation with me -  I absolutely love helping women to find their best look - so rewarding and such great feedback!

>> Accessories at the ready! <<

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