Even the newest and most-exciting colors need to be channeled correctly to get the most productivity out of an assortment. So when I think about color, I also consider how to use it. Its role will vary by style.
If you have purchased The Trend Curve Colors™ 2016 (or any of our seasonal color-and-trend forecasts) you know what I’m talking about. Each of the 11 included style trends I forecasted for next year has a concise color story that helps consumers understand and identify the look quickly and easily. That color story that sets each style apart from the others, even when some particular hues are called on in more than one style.
The Trend Curve Colors™ 2016
Said another way, the 38 colors in this forecast are used in different roles, depending on the style. They act as Volume Colors in some cases, and Accent Colors in others. Some are tapped as Fashion-Forward Colors.
Members of The Trend Curve’s subscriber family may already understand these designations. But for those anyone who is less familiar with these terms, the primer below will help everyone apply my recommendations for Volume, Accent and Fashion-Forward color roles by style:
VOLUME COLORS
Volume Colors are hues that will be seen the most, and will be used in the largest fields to define the trend. They can easily take on solid-color roles, but even if they do not, Volume Colors generally dominate. If you have limited SKU resources to devote to a trend, use the Volume Colors first.
ACCENT COLORS
Accent Colors are most likely to be found in smaller amounts. Think of them as the supporting cast to the Volume Colors’ star roles. Accent Colors are great within print and pattern, and for use covering smaller items. Just make sure they have less impact than the Volume Colors. It is not unusual to limit Accent Colors to one third of the color used within a trend.
FASHION-FORWARD COLORS
Fashion-Forward is the name given to hues that, whether used in a volume or an accent role, confirm newness. They represent what is next for the forecasted year. There really is no formula to guide how much these colors appear. The amount will be informed by the message you want the particular piece or pattern to carry within your trend assortment.