Intoxicating STYLE
Bring runway chic to your wardrobe with Pantone’s color of the year
W ith its robust, earthy blend of brown and wine-red shades, Marsala, Pantone’s color of the year for 2015, brings a breath of intoxicating style to this year’s fashion runways — and to the lives of ordinary women across the globe.
“Marsala enriches our mind, body and soul, exuding confidence and stability. Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Marsala can be found everywhere in the fashion world this spring, from floral prints and stripes to solids and textures. For a fresh, innocent look, choose a floral-print dress with splashes of wine; then add a bold touch with a Marsala sash. Or for a night out on the town, team sexy leather leggings with a flowing tunic in a rich shade of earthy reddish-brown. Finish the ensemble with a chunky statement necklace and high-heeled booties.
Whether adding a splash of Marsala with a carefully chosen accessory or going “all the way” with a winetoned ensemble, women can easily incorporate the color into their wardrobes.
“Just like the Italian wine it is named after, Marsala is a rich and sultry color when used alone, but it also is the perfect, subtle go-to color when you need that ‘pop,’” said Brooks Sawyer, sales associate for Ann’s Bridal in Searcy.
“Leggings in Marsala red go really well with tunics in a variety of colors, both prints and solids,” said Ryan Dickinson, sales associate for Dale’s Clothing & Accessories in Searcy. “Add a pair of high-heeled booties or cute wedges, and you’re ready to go.”
Almost any color can be paired with Marsala, from jewel tones such as royal blue, plum or teal to neutral shades of gray, white or taupe. Navy blue and black are also good color choices. For a chic, trendy look, try pairing a Marsala blouse with black leggings and cheetah-print booties — or for a more sophisticated effect, throw a Marsala-hued jacket over a mustard-yellow top and a gray or black skirt.
“For a bold look, turquoise would look great with Marsala,” said Kendra Fortner, owner of Bimini Butterfly in Cabot. “Or try teaming a Marsala top with white capris for spring or summer.”
Today’s brides are also joining team Marsala, both for the wedding party’s attire and when decorating the wedding and reception venues.
“Marsala is considered an earthy shade that would complement the popular rustic, burlap and lace themes that many brides choose today,” Sawyer said. “The color may be used as a sash for contrast in a wedding gown, in flowers, suit ties and tablescapes.”
Bringing runway style to everyday life is not limited to garments and accessories. Shades of Marsala are appearing on makeup palettes of women the world over.
“The little bit of orange tint in Marsala makes the color more wearable than some shades of wine because it works well with both warm and cool skin tones,” Fortner said.
Choose matte-finish products for a more sophisticated look, or look for shimmering metallics to create a sultry effect.
“Adding just a pop of Marsala with lipstick, nail polish or earrings is a great way to wear this color every day — without wearing it out,” Dickinson said.