Pantone has declared emerald the color of the year for 2013, so put away your tangerine tango wardrobe staples (that is so 2012) and make room for green. Even Beyoncé is following this trend, wearing unforgettable emerald earrings during her hotly debated inauguration performance. If you’re wondering, “Why green? How did this trend start?” you’re not alone.
Trends in fashion are a funny thing. It seems that there is a secret conference once a year where all the fashion tastemakers get together and make a decision, which then filters down to us. Can you just imagine Karl Lagerfeld sitting next to Michael Kors gabbing about which trend should dominate the 2014 runways while sipping from crystal goblets? If only we could be a fly on the wall in that room. But that’s not exactly how trends come about.
Of course, fashion designers have a lot to do with which trends flourish. So do celebrities, the media, and, ultimately, you, the consumer. But designers often turn to trend forecasters to let them know whether or not plaid is coming back or which shade of blue is “the blue” of the season. They rely on research. They do their homework. It’s a little less “divine inspiration” and a little more “calculated risk.” And that’s why during every fashion week, you’ll notice that most designers are kind of on the same page, at the same time. There’s no crystal ball. There’s no secret meeting. There’s trend forecasting.
Imagine there was a company you could call to tell you what’s going to be in vogue when it comes to emotions next season.
Here’s where your emotions and your closet differ: joy is always in vogue. And that’s because joy is the new black. Although, in fashion, Goth, grunge, and even heroin chic have had their turn, they are never in fashion when it comes to your state of mind. Like the color black, which is versatile, timeless, and always in fashion, joy is your best accessory. So this year, if you’re not up for investing in the color emerald, not to worry. As long as you’ve got your smile ready to go, Pantone is sure to approve.
Interactive Exercise:
Our closets can be the source of our greatest pleasure and also our greatest pain. The jeans that haven’t fit for five years, the dress you were wearing when your ex broke up with you. The leopard print jeggings you never should have bought in the first place. If joy is the new black, then it’s time to clean up shop. Embrace your spring cleaning early and get rid of your fashion baggage. If it doesn’t make you happy, it’s time to let it go. Find a local Goodwill and let your past be someone else’s future, because generosity is always in fashion.
Happiness is an inside job.™
Lisa Cypers Kamen is acclaimed for her engaging blend of positive and spiritual psychology coaching, workshops, and philanthropic projects. Through her books, radio show, media appearances, and inspiring documentary films, such as H Factor: Where Is Your Heart?, Lisa recently launched Harvesting Happiness for Heroes, a non-profit corporation dedicated to bringing integrated psychology coaching tools and mindfulness training to Veterans and their loved ones. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, ABC and CBS television, Yahoo News, and Money Watch. You can visit Lisa on her website, Facebook or Twitter.
*Photo Credit: David’n’Sheila via Compfight cc
