Pantone Color of the Year condenses our feelings for 2021

“Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” yellow best express the mood of the upcoming year.

Senior Writer

DECEMBER 10, 2020 3:25 PM ESTDEC 10, 2020, 3:25 PM EST

Pantone just revealed the color of the year 2021 — and it makes total sense. Have you heard the quote “after every storm the sun will smile”? Based in New Jersey, the company named “Ultimate Gray” and “Illuminating” yellow as the hues that best describe the near future. These two independent colors were strategically selected to “support one another” and “best express the mood” of the upcoming year.

Celebrities wearing yellow

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating expresses a message of positivity supported by fortitude. Practical and rock-solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Of The Pantone Color Institute.

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray + PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating explained

PANTONE 13-0647 Illuminating

According to Color Psychology, yellow is used to grab attention or draw notice. It is energetic and cheery; however, yellow can also make us feel frustration and anger when used in excess. Find below how Pantone describes 13-0647 Illuminating.

Aspirational
Hopeful
Brighter
Energy
Clarity
Spirited
Emboldening
Vitality
Cheerful
Vivacious
Warming

PANTONE 17-5104 Ultimate Gray

In color psychology, gray represents neutrality, formal, conservative, sophisticated, and balance. However, gray is also associated with depression, loss, dullness, dirty, and dinginess.