How to Master Pantone’s Color of the Year 2021

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A few days before the announcement of its Color of the Year for 2021, color guru Pantone began posting black-and-white photos on Instagram. Though many suspected the chosen color to be gray, some guessed it’d be yellow because all photos feature shadows, and there can only be shadows if there’s light. Both guesses were correct – on December 10, Pantone finally announced Ultimate Gray, a dependable gray and Illuminating, a cheerful yellow as 2021’s Colors of the Year.

This is the second time for Pantone to pick two instead of one Color of the Year since 2016’s Rose Quartz and Serenity. While Rose Quartz and Serenity are meant to be merged into one another, Pantone emphasized that Ultimate Gray and Illuminating are two independent but complementary colors that express our conflicting moods. According to the color institute, gray symbolizes practicality, reliability, thoughtfulness and fortitude, while yellow represents hope, warmth, friendliness and innovation.

I think Pantone has made a great choice for both symbolic and practical reasons. To me, gray is where we are now, and yellow is what we hope for. The pair is an accurate portrayal of what we need and what we want in the foreseeable future.

Fashion-wise, the combo oozes plenty of utilitarian and gender-neutral vibes, which makes it exceptionally contemporary. I personally love both colors individually and as a team. Quite opposite to fellow Gen Z editor Dianne who loves yellow among other colors (see her in agony dressing head-to-toe in black for one week in our We Tried IGTV episode), I’m a huge fan of monochrome. It’s pragmatic, safe and versatile. At the same time, I don’t mind enlivening my subdued repertoire with a breath of warm colors.

See below for ideas on how to incorporate the two colors – particularly the more vibrant yellow – into your daily life!

Dressy

Gray and yellow can make a great statement when used individually in evening wear, but using a combination of both can be tricky since it often looks more casual than dressy. One way is to play with patterns. A gray-and-yellow plaid is perfect for coats and dresses. Rich and luxurious textures such as rib knit and faux leather also help amp up the level of sophistication.

Casual

Gray and yellow are meant for casual wear. Just think of all the cute cartoon characters that are in yellow: Pikachu, Minions, SpongeBob, The Simpsons… Why is yellow so commonly used in cartoon character designs? It is because the color is warm, friendly and exciting. Add a little yellow accent to your outfits, such as a pair of duck earrings, embroidered socks, or a smiley beanie to bring sunshine to the world!

Menswear

Since both colors are very unisex, adapting them into menswear is easy as pie. This paneled plaid shirt is a constant YesStyle bestseller and manages to flaunt the colors without trying too hard. If you live in somewhere cold, wrap up warm in these padded jackets. Complement the two colors with black and white for a failsafe athleisure look.

Makeup

Neither gray nor yellow is common in makeup, which makes them all the more exhilarating! A yellow graphic eyeliner screams youthfulness, fun and joy! For a subtler touch, how about a hint of yellow eye shadow at the inner corners of the eyes? Don’t forget, the metallic versions of gray and yellow is silver and gold, which are much more wearable, and utterly festive just in time for New Year!

Skin Care

Did you know that yellow triggers a serotonin release which helps you feel good and boosts your well-being? No wonder I’m so in love with yellow food and flowers, plus all the skin care containing them. For soothing, there’s iUNIK’s Calendula Complete Cleansing Oil. For brightening, try Secret Key’s Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel. In need of some nourishment for dry skin? Get COSRX’s Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner, I’m from’s Honey Mask, or Benton’s Shea Butter and Coconut Hand Cream!

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