​Pantone announced earlier this year its 2016 Colour of the Year, and in a move that’s seen to further gender equality, two colours are announced – Serenity and rose quartz.

Leatrice Eiseeman, executive director of Pantone Colour Institute says of the two light-hued colours: “In many parts of the world we are experiencing a gender blur as it relates to fashion, which has in turn impacted colour trends throughout all other areas of design.”

“This more unilateral approach to colour is coinciding with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using colour as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged, and an open exchange of digital information that has opened our eyes to different approaches to colour usage.”

The soft shades of blue and pink are set to take the fashion world by storm. Already in recent months, we have seen variations of pale blue dominate the runway, from Gucci (pre-fall 2016), Christian Dior (spring/summer 2016) to subtle pinks as seen on Alexander McQueen (spring/summer 2016) and Michael Kors Collection (pre-fall 2016).  

Accessories too, have caught onto the pastel wave. Mansur Gavriel’s minimalist leather bags have debuted in new colours, including a beautiful blush pink. Pale pink is also a staple in Christian Louboutin’s heel collection, while baby blue Valentino shoes have always been one of the brand’s top sellers. 

Here are some of our picks to help you incorporate serenity and rose quartz into your wardrobe.