Classic Blue is the Pantone Color of the Year and is a staple color upon which to build a wardrobe for a new decade
This year is special because it marks the beginning of a new decade, one that may prove to be our most eventful yet. The Pantone Color Institute has chosen its 19-4052 Classic Blue as the color to kick off the roaring Twenty-Twenties, because it’s timeless and foundational, imbuing peace and tranquility, not unlike “a clear sky at dusk.”
Classic Blue sits right at the midpoint between darker shades like navy, midnight, and sapphire, lighter shades like baby blue, cerulean, and Tiffany blue. It’s almost universally flattering, can be dressed up or down, and acts as a worthy contrast to whites, browns, and yellows (you can even wear it with black).
For Spring-Summer 2020, designers for women, men, and kids are playing with the Pantone Color of the Year (and its closely related blue brethren) for a cool new take on closet staples, like canvas safari jackets (Fendi), small crossbody bags (Gucci, Stella McCartney), and even sandals for kids (Dolce & Gabbana).
We’re especially fond of the blue hue from the famed albeit little known Milanese leathergoods brand Fontana founded in 1915, over 100 years ago. Their A Lady top-handle tote is meticulously crafted with impeccable hides and custom hardware, and built to last for decades. The special “azzurro” blue is timeless, and for a classic leather handbag, something eye-catchingly different than black or brown.
The great thing about blue is that it can be tonal (blue on blue on blue), or is a good foil against neutrals like white and tan. Hence, all the blue-with-white-trim pieces like this knit wool Gucci sweater dress, which looks equal parts private school uniform and tennis club chic.
For men, classic blue comes in the form of Prada separates (windbreaker and trousers), while a full leisure look—swimsuit and short-sleeve button-down shirt in three shades of blue camo—is on offer from the legendary house of Valentino Garavani.
Should you want to let the kids in on the fun, there’s plenty of the Pantone color of the year for them too. A matching blue floral dress and Mary Jane slippers set from Monnalisa would wow at Easter, while a classic blue track jacket with blue and white sandals are a bold step into 2020 for the young gentlemen.
However you choose to celebrate a new year and a new decade, think about how you can integrate Classic Blue, the Pantone color of the year, into your 2020 wardrobe. It’ll bring both freshness and a gentle stability to your senses, and set you up for sartorial success all year long.
Discover last year’s Pantone color (Orange) and more Fashion Trends posts: Preppy Style, SS20 Milan Runway Recap, and Style Icon: Vanessa Zoppas.
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About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.