Living Coral” is a blend of subtlety and pop! The colour signifies fun, youth and adds an element of change in every look. An animated and life-affirming shade of orange with a golden undertone, it is ideal for both day and evening occasions. According to designer Arpita Mehta, it gives a fresh, summery vibe during the day and a classy look during the evening. “Both men and women can easily start by incorporating small coral elements and accessories into their outfits,” she advises. Her suggestion? If you don’t want to go all out with coral, bring in a pop of colour with a single coral-coloured accessory. Her picks? Coral sneakers, water bottle, a yoga mat or wireless headphones in coral colour for your workouts!
GET CORAL-LED
Little bits of coral can uplift any ensemble. Designer Samit Tapkire suggests picking a coral colour bag or footwear. “A bum bag, sling or tote bag in coral is fashionable and light. But don’t mix too many colours. Also, avoid heavy embroidery when using coral,” he suggests. Accessories are the simplest ways to work coral in to your look. Think earrings, bangles/bracelets or hairbands – you can carry coral in many chic ways. Designer Hema Kaul suggests going for flowy and light dresses and tops in printed pure crepe, shimmer lycra and French lace for a summery look. “Add a dose of drama with pleating, ruffles and large appliqués to your relaxed and breathable look. Coral when combined with peachy pinks, blues and whites is great for tropical prints,” she says.
As a shade, coral works well with wedding ensembles for brides and even wedding attendees. The colour particularly outshines in festive fabrics like tulle, brocade and chanderi. Mehta says, “Contemporary brides can choose to wear a living coral lehenga with exquisite gold jewellery. Men can wear a lighter shade of coral sherwani or blazer for one of the wedding functions.” A coral kurta with an off-white dhoti looks great, too. For western wear, women can experiment with coral dresses, blazers and jackets while men can pick coral hoodies and sweatshirts this winter season.
Inputs by designers Aniket Satam, Rhea Pillai Rastogi and Nikhil Thampi
CORAL FOR THE MAN
1. Men can try a layered look with coral. Sport a coral-coloured linen shirt with a white T-shirt underneath and white sneakers to make a statement. If you are experimental with your colours, try going for a coral suit or a bomber.
2. Coral looks best in ethnic handwoven weaves. Men can sport a coral sherwani or Nehru jacket over a pearl white churidar or dhoti. An all-ivory quilted sherwani with bold ‘living coral’ safa in two-tone silk is a stunning look for the main wedding function.
3. A coral tie and pocket square would look best against a grey, slate or pewter suit.
4. Add a pop by wearing coral loafers with an all-white look
PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR: LIVING CORAL
According to the Pantone website, the chosen colour of the year, living coral represents the fusion of modern life. It’s thought to be a nurturing colour that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media. The colour emits the desired, familiar, and energising aspects of colour found in nature. In its glorious, yet unfortunately more elusive, display beneath the sea, this vivifying and effervescent colour mesmerises the eye and mind. Lying at the centre of our naturally vivid and chromatic ecosystem, living coral is evocative of how coral reefs provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of colour. Source: pantone.com
STYLE NOTES
- Coral goes well with mint, green, icy blue and also with muted shades of fawn, ivory and beige
- Avoid stark contrasts such as black and brown. Denim blue and bottle green would look more elegant instead
- Avoid pants and skirts in coral colour unless teaming a plain white top with it
- If the colour is too bright for you, think a coral belt or clutch with an all-white attire
While coral is sure to make you feel bright, chirpy and confident, make sure to never go overboard with the colour
— Swapna Anumolu, designer
How to wear coral?
#1 Coral is a soft colour and goes well with frilly, feminine silhouettes
#2 Flowy cuts work best with this colour
#3 Draped style in satin look best in this hue
#4 Wear it in a fun print for a good day dress
#5 A ‘living coral’ gown or lehenga work well with gold-toned accessories
#6 Pair a coral lehenga with a bralet blouse
#7 Coral works in most luxe fabrics – fluid satins, two-tone silks, tafetta or organza
#8 Add coral in fun cuts like mini dresses, playsuits, skirts and jumpsuits
#9 Wear a coral saree to work or for an evening soiree
#10 Pair coral florals on white base with nude accessories
Shikha.Shah@timesgroup.com
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