Colour of the year
Each December, the Pantone Colour Institute announces their choice for the colour of the year. This year "Ultra violet, a blue-based purple" has been announced as the colour of the year for 2018.
According to Pantone, Ultra violet is a "Complex and meditative colour. The purple shade communicates freshness, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that point us towards the future. We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination.
The colour's name is derived from the violet flower. Violet and purple look similar, but violet is a spectral colour, with its own set of wavelengths on the spectrum of visible light. Purple is a polychromatic colour, made by combining blue and red.
In history, violet and purple have long been associated with royalty and majesty. The emperors of Rome wore purple togas. During the middle ages, violet was worn by bishops and university professors. It was often used in art, In Chinese paintings; the colour violet represents the harmony of the universe.
According to surveys in Europe and the United States, violet is the colour people most often associate with extravagance and individualism.
Chic ways to wear ultraviolet
This year, liven up your wardrobe with bright, new fall/spring colour combinations such as purple and pink can be combined to create some chic looks that are sure to highlight your personality in winter evening parties. For casual every day look, opt for a medium size shirt with pink polka dots on purple background. Continue this casual vibe with a pair of bright purple flats. Dark violet goes well with silver shades as well.
The colour purple comes in many shades, from dark hues of deep purple such as eggplant and grape to lighter shades of purple like lavender lilac, and amethyst, so generally there is a shade of purple for everyone.
Other trendy combination
Dark colours are popular these days such as dark green or dark/navy blue or dark purple. However, you can choose light colours to give a sober look to the dress. White tones are used a lot. Lightest shade of every colour can be used and contrasted with a darker shade.
Yellow is going to be one of the biggest colour trends for spring and summer in the year 2018. So get ready to add sunny outfit. Stock up on your lavender pieces for spring and summer, because it will be a close second in colour trends to yellow.
A beautiful cream dress, whether it is a short, cap-sleeve, or long, will work well with a dash of colour in the shoes, or accessories or both.
Trendy designs
International fashion diva agrees, "frills will be big next season." Shirts, sleeves, and borders set to adorn with frills. Embellished, sheer embroidered capes and ponchos, with pastel blues, pale greens, powder pinks, white, nudes, and light yellow shades, are one of the hottest trends this year too.
If you are in festive mood then opt for embroidered net dress. This year be bold and wear bold graphic prints. Advancements in sublimated print technologies and traditional knitwear have resulted in an explosion of complex, colourful graphic print garments.
For trendy new year look for wedding party, highlight your personality with embroidered handwork chiffon bodice with embroidered chiffon front and back, embroidered chiffon sleeves, embroidered ghera lace, embroidered sleeve lace, embroidered net dupatta with pearls and jacquard trouser.
Jewllery trends
The New Year trend is that a sophisticated dress style needs simple jewelry, and a simple dress style can be paired with detailed or bolder jewelry. To match your formal occasion such as wedding party jewellery with the colour of the year 2018 choose a simple bracelet and earrings or plain gold or silver chain around your neck or wrist. Both gold and silver work well with purple, but keep coloured stones to a minimum and stick with diamonds or other neutral coloured stones.
Bangles are in these days such as silk thread bangles, kangan style bangles. meanwhile, stylish bracelet studded with diamantes, and simple skinny cuff bracelets, will suit your everyday requirement in coming year.
Fashionable crystal red and blue stone earrings, elegant pearl earrings, and geometric ear studs suit your party dress this year. Just remember the rule of thumb when it comes to jewelry, a big statement necklace is never paired with big statement earrings.
Makeup trends
Pink eye makeup will continue to trend into spring 2018, eyeliner takes on a whole new look next spring. From metallic finishes to bright hues to fresh shapes. Black eyeliner is taking a dramatic turn in 2018. Trace it thick around both lash lines. Then use an eye gloss as glue to help the glittery eye shadow stick.
Ruby red lips are back in a big way. From satin to glossy finishes, bright red is perfect for any beauty junkie. The year 2018 spring season is all about eye shadows in every colour of the rainbow. Whether you prefer coral or neon pink, try a single vibrant shade on your entire eyelid, and keep the rest of your look understated.
Handbags and clutches trends
Over the shoulder handbag is necessary having accessories for the women of all ages. Trends of 2018 include elegant detailing such as oversized buckles, fringing tassels, and rock-star studs. Select neutral shades if you like to keep your style classic, or make a bold impression with red, leopard print, or metallic shoulder bags.
Go for a chunky bag during the day like an oversized shopper and try something smaller at night like a clutch or a shining purse. For more formal occasions a small clutch bag in a gold hue.
Bucket bags are a perfect choice for the summer 2018-handbag trends. Their shape is on the more casual side, and they look good when holding many things, which mean they are perfect for outings. Stylish shoulder bag, with feature diamante studding, a chain shoulder strap, and a magnetic snap closure is a good addition to your fashion accessories.
A clutch bag is the ideal option to complete your look for a special occasion. Choose crystal clutch black leather, a gorgeous shimmering clutch bag with a jeweled metallic clasp for a little bit of glamour, interior pocket, and a detachable chain shoulder strap for a second carrying option.
Classy triangular bags will always be an easy and comfortable bag choice to make in the year 2018.
Shoes trends
No outfit is complete without cool, quirky or comfortable and of course fashionable footwear. A classic beige or black pomp, with eye-catching white sparkling motifs predicted to be inn this season.
Wedge heels are the most contemporary trendy footwear. They have a stable solid mass that prevents you from stumbling unlike some of the other sharper heels. There is no space between the toe area and the heels of the footwear. Take style to the next level with the trendiest stilettos. It has stylish toe with heels that can rise up to 8 inches.
Kitten heels are made for women of all ages. Fashionable flat shoes include ballet shoes, and women's pointed flats, ideal for the office or everyday wear. Choose from sumptuous materials like suede and velvet, or opt for patent leather for a smarter look. Flats are a dependable staple in any women wardrobe, and never go out of fashion. Get ready for gladiator sandals, a must-have for the summer months, combining comfort with cutting-edge style and chic.
If you are off to a wedding or a special occasion, add a touch of glamour with something that sparkles, such as a diamante encrusted sandal or svelte high heel in a dark colour such as black.
New Year tip for you is that never wear the same colour shoe as your dress - if you have to wear the same colour, rather go for something in a lighter or darker shade according to your dress.
Fashion tip
Experts recommend "Colours and looks tend to change with the seasons, so watch the latest trends, and choose a colour that you like to wear. It is important to make sure you always wear something that suits you rather than following trends because fashion dictates it."
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017