How to style periwinkle: The colour of the year

As spring arrives, Pantone announced the colour of the year: periwinkle. The lavender-hued colour comes from the star-shaped flower with the same name which symbolises new beginnings, blossoming friendships, purity, everlasting love and femininity.

This calming and mysterious colour wasn’t dominant in fashion history. Instead, it's more like a rare shooting star, making an appearance at extraordinary moments: Princess Diana’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’ gown in 1981, Uma Thurman’s Prada dress in 1995 Oscar, and the Armani Privé Spring 2016 Couture collection.

Here are four ‘very peri’ looks based on Pantone’s colour palettes that will never go wrong.

Look 1

There isn’t anything more ethereal than a flowy periwinkle dress. Such a spring staple in the cool-toned goodness can be paired with a pink denim jacket to achieve colour harmony. With a pair of cream espadrilles and a woven bucket bag, you would be spring ready. You can even add a simple gold silky scarf to elevate the look, complementing the blue hue in periwinkle.

Elegant and chic ways to style periwinkle

Look 2

If you have a night out with friends, a matching periwinkle co-ord will make you stand out. Together with a refreshing sage green oversized blazer, and a lemon-yellow handbag, the dynamic colours simulate the scene of a thriving spring. The outfit creates a modern, energetic, and elegant image through clean lines and strong colour contrasts. And don’t forget the shoes to dress down the look with white all-star high-top Converse.

Look 3

This look focuses on classic neutral colours and is suitable for most occasions. Subtle but not dull, the layered basic brown mock neck top and beige poplin shirt would add some cosiness to the look. Poplin shirts are easy to find so head over to your local vintage store or my favourite place to shop for them, Zara. The look wouldn’t be complete without the trademark periwinkle pleated trousers which epitomizes spring. Add a woven round bag and a headscarf to give the classic ensemble an added lift. The Bohemian woven circle rattan bag can be found on Amazon for around £15 to fit the student budget.

A more neutral colour tone to go with the purple-hued colour

Look 4

A periwinkle satin slip dress can be worn to both classrooms and to parties. The wide shoulder blazer with a belt balances femininity as well as creates a refined silhouette. You can finish the look by adding matching black boots and a purse. These timeless and elegant combinations are effortlessly chic. Since a periwinkle slip dress can be hard to find, I’ll point you in the direction of Urban Touch (their blue cowl neck satin slip midi dress retailing at £55).

Periwinkle is a colour that could bring out an individual’s unique personality. And after all these desperate and tough times during the pandemic, I’m sure the cheerful colour will bring hope to the world.

Edited by Miette Dsouza