Meet the Pantone Color of 2022: Very Peri

For 22 years *cue Taylor Swift* the Pantone Color Institute has announced the color of the year. If you’re ready to take the plunge and incorporate Very Peri into your wardrobe, then check out the bottom of our blog for some Queenly picks! It’s always fun staying on top of the trends, but Pantone makes is easier than ever. Whichever shade they choose instantly captivates the fashion industry and is often incorporated into fashion shows across the globe. Traditionally, the color of the year has been an easily recognizable shade, such as Ultra Violet in 2018, Living Coral in 2019, and Classic Blue in 2020. Last year, Pantone tried to outdo themselves by naming a color combination of the year: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, an eye-catching, yet soft shade of yellow. While many thought this was Pantone’s peak of creativity, the famous color institute outdid itself in 2022.

For the first time in Pantone’s history, the color institute created an entirely new shade to unveil as their 2022 Color of the Year. Officially named PANTONE® 17-3938 Very Peri, this unique shade is described by Pantone as “a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet-red undertone that blends the faithfulness and constancy of blue with the energy and excitement of red.”

Whew- now that’s a lot to take in! We can imagine how challenging it can be to imagine a color you’ve never seen before, so let’s take a look at Very Peri in action:

We think you can agree when we say this shade is totally unique! Not quite purple, but not quite periwinkle, this shade is truly something special. While this eye-catching color might seem like it’s all things fun and fashionable, there’s actually a much deeper meaning behind it.

The Pantone Color Institute is very intentional when selecting (or creating) their Color of the Year. Everyone can agree that the past two years have been unlike anything our world has ever experienced. No matter where you are, who you are, or what you do, your life was likely altered in some way. Our quickly and ever-changing society inspired Pantone to capture these emotions in a color. Then, Very Peri was born.

“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer,” explained Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet-infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us.”

That’s definitely a deep way to analyze this shade, but what does it all mean? Each color used to create this unique shade has a significance behind it that contributes to the overall emotion and meaning. The Pantone Color of the Year is special for a reason- it captures the emotions felt during a period of time and conveys them through a specific hue. In this case, the Pantone Institute combined periwinkle blue and violet-red to create Very Peri’s unique tinge.

On its own, periwinkle blue conveys relaxation, tranquility, and peace. The calming effect of this color is cut by the dynamic, energizing, violet-red undertones present throughout. These seemingly contrasting colors come together to create a captivating shade that encourages creativity and highlights constant change. What a combination!

Have you obsessed with Very Peri yet? While you might be excited to start incorporating this color into your wardrobe, it could be challenging to get your hands on some true Very Peri styles. This is an entirely new color after all! Before this year, there’s never been an opportunity for designers to incorporate this shade into their styles. However, this doesn’t mean you have to go without! We found a few shades that are stunningly similar to Very Peri that we’re sure you’ll fall in love with too.

This one-shoulder, Faviana gown features eye-catching sequins across the entire silhouette in a sparkly shade of violet. In case you can’t recall, violet-red is the undertone used to create Very Peri, so this gown conveys the same creative, energizing vibe. You’ll love shining the night away in this floor-length evening gown!

Feel like the belle of the ball in this purple ball gown! Purple is often associated with royalty and is one of the most regal colors you can wear. Although this color is a bit deeper and more vibrant that Very Peri, it still promotes creativity and evokes energy.

This purple, a-line evening gown features a high halter neckline, a rhinestone belt, and flared pleats, making it as glamorous as it gets. If you thought this gown couldn’t get any more perfect, it even has pockets! You’ll never have to worry about where to place your hands while posing or where to put your phone when your favorite song comes on. This dress covers it all!

You might not want to commit to an entirely Very Peri outfit yet and that’s okay! If you’re on the fence about wearing purple, then try starting out with a pattern. This pink and purple plaid two-piece dress is such a fun, flirty dress that can be worn for your semi-formal, homecoming, or springtime party!

Very Peri is the most unique shade that the Pantone Color Institute has ever unveiled! By combining periwinkle blue and violet-red, this iconic institute captured the collective emotions felt across the world during the past two years. Stay ahead of the trends by incorporating this brand new color, or something similar, into your wardrobe!