The Timeless Elegance of Mocha Mousse: Pantone's 2025 Color of the Year

Every year, Pantone graces us with a color that sets the tone for fashion, design, and self-expression. For 2025, they've chosen Mocha Mousse—a rich, sophisticated blend of warm taupe and soft brown. It's a color that evokes warmth, versatility, and a touch of timeless elegance. On Life with Arkeedah, we’re diving into how to incorporate this stunning shade into your lifestyle.

Why Mocha Mousse?

Mocha Mousse is more than a neutral—it’s a mood. It offers a grounding effect that feels natural yet luxurious. Its understated beauty makes it a perfect companion for bold hues or minimalist aesthetics. Whether you're planning a wardrobe update or refreshing your home décor, Mocha Mousse fits seamlessly.

Style Inspiration: How to Wear Mocha Mousse

The color’s versatility makes it ideal for various fashion moments:

• Everyday Chic: Pair a Mocha Mousse blouse with crisp white trousers for a relaxed yet polished look.
• Evening Glamour: Go head-to-toe in this hue with a satin dress, gold accessories, and a smoky eye for added drama.
• Streetwear Edge: Layer a Mocha Mousse oversized sweater with black leather pants and chunky boots for a bold, casual vibe.

Pro Tip: Mocha Mousse plays beautifully with gold and copper tones in jewelry, adding warmth and sophistication to your look.

---

Home Décor: Bringing Mocha Mousse Indoors

This color is a dream for interiors, providing a calming backdrop while maintaining a sense of luxury:

• Living Spaces: Opt for Mocha Mousse walls or furniture. Pair with earthy greens and creams for a cozy retreat.
• Kitchen Accents: Introduce it through ceramic pieces or small appliances, blending function with style.
• Bedroom Bliss: Layer Mocha Mousse linens with plush textures like velvet or faux fur for a serene sanctuary.

---

Beauty: Mocha Mousse in Makeup

This color is making waves in the beauty industry too! Incorporate it into your routine with:

• Eyes: Use a soft Mocha Mousse shadow for a natural smokey eye.
• Lips: A matte lipstick in this hue screams understated glamour.
• Nails: A manicure in Mocha Mousse offers a neutral yet stylish touch.

---

Mocha Mousse in Action

2025 is the year to embrace this versatile color. Whether you're redesigning your space, refreshing your wardrobe, or updating your makeup routine, Mocha Mousse is here to elevate your style.

 

Read more

Top Spring Wardrobe Color Trends and Outfit Ideas for 2024

As the winter chill begins to fade, it's time to embrace the vibrant and refreshing colors of spring. The Spring 2024 season is all about embracing fresh hues and incorporating them into your wardrobe. Whether you're looking to revamp your style or simply add a pop of color to your ensembles, the Spring 2024 color palette offers a wealth of inspiration.
 

Embracing the Palette

This season, the color palette is reminiscent of a blooming garden, featuring a mix of soft pastels and bold, statement-making shades. Pastel tones such as serene blues, soft pinks, and buttery yellows are making a comeback, evoking a sense of tranquility and optimism. On the other end of the spectrum, vibrant and energetic shades like coral, turquoise, and tangerine are set to make a splash, injecting a dose of excitement into your outfits.
 

Outfit Inspirations
 

1. Serene Blues and Soft Pinks
For a soothing and sophisticated look, consider pairing a powder blue blouse with a flowing, blush pink skirt. This combination exudes elegance and femininity, making it perfect for both professional settings and casual outings.
 

2. Bold and Vibrant Accents
Incorporate bold pops of color into your wardrobe to make a statement. A tangerine blazer paired with neutral tones creates a striking yet balanced ensemble that captures the essence of springtime exuberance.
 

3. Mixing and Matching
Don't be afraid to mix and match different hues to create a dynamic and eye-catching outfit. Experiment with color-blocking by combining complementary colors such as coral and turquoise for a playful and modern look.
 

Key Pieces

When updating your wardrobe for the spring season, consider investing in key pieces that reflect the vibrant color palette. A lightweight trench coat in a soft pastel shade serves as a versatile outerwear option, while a flowy maxi dress in a bold, floral print captures the essence of springtime romance.
 

Accessories

Elevate your outfits with accessories that complement the spring color palette. Opt for statement earrings in vibrant hues or a chic handbag in a soft, pastel shade to add a touch of color to your ensemble.


As nature awakens and blooms, let your wardrobe reflect the beauty and vibrancy of the season. Embrace the Spring 2024 color palette with confidence, and experiment with different combinations to create looks that are as unique and refreshing as the season itself. Whether you're drawn to soft pastels or bold, statement-making shades, there's a color for everyone to embrace this spring. Let your personal style shine as you infuse your wardrobe with the fresh hues of the season.

main image source: pinterest

Read more

Pantone's color of the year is 'Peach Fuzz'

According to the world’s leading expert on color, 2024 has been declared as the year of “Peach Fuzz".

The Pantone Color Institute announced the color of the year on December 7th, emphasizing the need for human connection and empathy in the upcoming year.

According to a prominent color consultancy, only one shade can fulfill this purpose. Pantone characterizes the orange-pink tint as delicate, warm, and snug, subtly suggestive and heartfelt. Peach Fuzz, a "velvety peach tone" is meant to represent "our desire to nurture ourselves and others" and "whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul."

"In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless," said Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone's executive director, in a news release.

Photo Credit: refinery29

Photo Credit: fashionita

Photo credit main image: Washington Post

Read more

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2022: Very Peri

Design by Mekhi Baldwin; Image by Martí Sans/Stocksy United

Pantone Color of the Year for 2022: Very Peri. A periwinkle blue with violet-red undertones, this combination of colors represents the transitional era we’re all experiencing. The cheerful hue welcomes a new chapter following a period of isolation. According to Pantone, “Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.” You’ll start to notice this purple shade everywhere, from film to fashion.

The color is the “happiest and warmest of all the blue hues,” blending the “faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red” to deliver an “empowering mix of newness” with a “carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit,” said the company in its announcement.

Read more

Pantone Color of the Year 2020: Classic Blue

Pantone’s color of the year is Classic Blue. So, how did they land on this color? Team Pantone looks at trend forecasts, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, political views, media, street art, travel destinations, new technologies, and new textures — to name just ten of the categories they consider. Then it’s time to narrow it down to a color family. And they found it was a blue mood.

“The color has to be emblematic of a global mood,” explains Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Color Institute. She says this year’s pick harks back to the year the Pantone first began selecting colors of the year, two decades ago.

I can't wait to try this color out and I'm going to start with my nails and Sally Hansen has two bomb hues  Miracle Gel Midnight Mod and Xtreme Wear Royal Rage! 

Read more

PANTONE: Living Coral in 2019 with Rimmel London

 

Pantone has announced that “Living Coral” is the color of the year for 2019: Inspired by elements of nature like vibrant coral reefs and coral painted sunsets, we’re bound to see shades of this striking, life-affirming hue everywhere from makeup to shoes and handbags to home appliances, and more!

“PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

 

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Color in Vanilla Lovin retails for $4.99 and is available at Target/Target.com

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lip Color in Raw Kiss retails for $4.99 and is available at Target/Target.com

Read more

Ann Taylor Style Expert on Ways to Wear Pantone's 2018 Color of the Year

 

Pantone recently announced the 2018 Color of the Year – “Ultra Violet.” The blue-based purple hue already has a significant cultural presence – from the podium (Hillary Clinton wore purple for her concession speech) to Prince’s Purple Rain. This year, make the streets your runway with the color of 2018 and Ann Taylor.

Ann Taylor offers consumers a variety of ways to incorporate shades of the “complex and contemplative” Ultra Violet into their wardrobe with a collection of tops, skirts and dresses that combine their classic, tailored aesthetic with an on-trend effortless vibe. Mix, match and accessorize Ann Taylor’s classic pieces to create stylish looks that can go from day to night while allowing you to showcase your own personal take on the new color of the year.

Read more

Pantone Color of the Year 2018 | Ultra Violet 18-3838

Pantone, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions, announced on Dec 7th PANTONE 18-3838, Ultra Violet, as the Pantone Color of the Year for 2018. A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towards the future. 

 "The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.”

Ultra Violet in Fashion

On the runway or the streets, Ultra Violet is an enchanting purple that provides a theatrical linkage for both men’s and women’s styles. True to the coupled nature of Ultra Violet, created by combining red and blue, Ultra Violet lends itself to unique color combinations in fashion and is easier to pair with all colors on the spectrum than one might think. With golds or other metallics, Ultra Violet becomes luxurious and dazzling; with greens or greys it evokes natural elegance. Similarly, Ultra Violet takes on distinct appearances with different materials. Lush velvets in the color suggest intrigue for evening, but are also unexpectedly modern in athleisure or sneakers. In accessories, jewelry, and eyewear, Ultra Violet suggests the complexities of natural gems, textures, and florals.

Ultra Violet in Beauty

Ultra Violet becomes spell-binding and steeped in spirituality in beauty to create expressive looks for all. The complex and deep nature of the color is well-suited for beauty looks created by combinations, blends, and ombres. A singular matte purple on the lips or nails makes a bold statement of non-conformity, while softly blended metallics and shimmers in Ultra Violet transform the eyes into windows to the cosmos. Purple shades in hair continue to elevate street styles as a symbol of creative expression. On the palette for every beauty medium, Ultra Violet complements and emboldens every other color, adding complexity and mystery.

Read more

Pantone’s 2017 Greenery – brought to you by Ann Taylor

 

“Going green” is here to stay as a lifestyle trend and this year it’s time for wardrobes to go green, too. Pantone’s color of the year – greenery - is a color representation of “out with the old and in with the new.” Sure to be seen throughout the year, greenery inspires fresh starts, new beginnings and evokes a sense of calm.

Ann Taylor’s spring 2017 collection features shades of greenery in trends such as classic stripes, emerald jewel tones and botanical prints.

Read more

Pantone's 2017 color of the year: Greenery

 

A refreshing and revitalizing shade, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings.

Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of Greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.

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. This shift is reflected by the proliferation of all things expressive of Greenery in daily lives through urban planning, architecture, lifestyle and design choices globally. A constant on the periphery, Greenery is now being pulled to the forefront - it is an omnipresent hue around the world.

A life-affirming shade, Greenery is also emblematic of the pursuit of personal passions and vitality.

Read more

Ann Taylor’s Take on Pantone’s 2016 Rose Quartz and Serenity

 

It’s officially 2016!  Get a head start on incorporating Pantone’s hottest colors of the year - rose quartz and serenity – with the help of Ann Taylor. Add a touch of the refined rose tone and cooler tranquil blue in everything from pleated skirts and polished heels to sleek clutches and effortless winter wear.

Ann Taylor Envelope Accordion Bag $118

Ann Taylor Tassel Pump $128

Ann Taylor Brushed Double Breasted Coat $258

Ann Taylor Cashmere Turtleneck $179

Read more

Pantone Announces 2016 Colors of the Year -- Rose Quartz and Serenity

 

For the first time ever, for 2016, Pantone has named not just one, but two Colors of the Year: the soft pink Rose Quartz and the baby blue Serenity.  

According to a release from the brand, the choice of colors responds to “Societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer's increased comfort with using color as a form of expression, [and] a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to color usage."

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, added, "Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace."

 

 According to the Daily Mail, Pantone selects the yearly color trend by polling designers, manufacturers, and retailers about what tones they are planning to use in their products in the next year.

Rose Quartz and Serenity have been spotted in the Spring 2016 collections of Prada, Thom Browne, Chanel, Valentino, and Carolina Herrera.

Read more

Sephora + Pantone Universe 2015 Color of the Year Collection

SEPHORA and Pantone proudly introduce the 2015 PANTONE® Color of the Year Collection in Marsala 18-1438, an extraordinary new assortment of cosmetics for eyes, lips, and cheeks in celebration of Pantone’s complex and robust nude shade. Now in its fourth year, this collaboration brings SEPHORA’s innovative textures, finishes, and product forms to the beauty category with a limited edition collection that reinvents and redefines neutrals with captivating dimension, shifting in intensity from boldly pigmented to modestly sheer.

Facets of Marsala Multi-Finish Eye Palette ($39.00) (Limited Edition)

Create an infinite amount of looks with this eye shadow palette containing matte, glitter, pearl, and shimmer finishes, and 24 coordinating shades to accompany them.

Bold Marsala Mascara & Brow Highlighter ($20.00) (Limited Edition)

Achieve a dramatic color effect with this moisturizing and volumizing mascara that can be used both on lashes and brows. The vitamin-enriched formula contains natural Jojoba oil and a blend of soft waxes to keep lashes healthy, improving flexibility and preventing breakage. On the brows, it helps to groom and hold unruly hairs while adding a rich Marsala tone.

Marsala Metalshine Liquid Liner ($18.00) (Limited Edition)

This long-wearing liquid liner delivers a bold swipe of Marsala at the lash line with a striking metallic finish. The soft, flexible brush makes application effortless for high-impact eyes.

Marsala Layering Lip Collection ($28.00) (Limited Edition)

Mix and layer tones of Marsala with this set of five ombre nude pencils that provide sheer coverage and a dewy finish. The buttery formula contains hyaluronic filling spheres for plumping, and resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from red wine grapes, for hydrating color that shines.

Pure Marsala Matte Lip Crème ($18.00) (Limited Edition)

Discover one of the most breathtaking ways to wear the Color of the Year with this gorgeous hue in an exclusive case. Formulated with extracts, oils and Resveratrol, an anti-aging ingredient derived from red grapes, it leaves behind a rich, long-lasting, natural satin finish.

Cooling Marsala Multi ($25) (Limited Edition)

This lightly-pigmented balm cools on contact while delivering a sheer wash of flattering Marsala that is ideal for cheeks, contouring, and highlighting. The caffeine and coconut oil-based stick adds moisture while de-puffing and cooling on contact for immediate skin relief.

Shimmering Marsala Cheek Trio ($28.00) (Limited Edition)

This chic compact contains two matte blushes in Marsala, paired with a cream highlighter. The triple jet milled process allows for intense color payoff and a luxurious, velvety texture, while the unique blend of naturally-derived oils and powders enhance the skin’s overall appearance. For flawless application, apply with the Marsala Pro Angled Blush Brush #49.

Now available at Sephora

Read more

Marsala is 2015’s Official Pantone Color of the Year

Marsala, a gorgeous terracotta red shade, has been named the official color of the year by the biggest experts in the field.

“This earthy red has wine and a very warm brown underneath, which gives the feeling of groundedness, strength, and confidence,” says Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute. “It has a richness that lends sophistication. When you wear it’s it is a self-fulfilling prophecy—you’ll find you get positive reactions form others and it builds up your confidence.”

  How do you plan on rocking this shade? I have a few ideas and I'm sharing them below

Read more