Elle Woods famously declared, “Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.” Well, we’ve got good news for the “Legally Blonde” protagonist: Pink is all the rage right now.
And in keeping with Elle Woods’ signature outfits, this moment seems to be all about bold, bright hues. Unlike the more pastel “millennial pink” that has dominated fashion and decor in recent years, the 2021 pink trend is more in the hot pink universe.
Runways, red carpets and city streets are littered with a shade of magenta many refer to as “Barbie pink” in reference to the doll brand’s signature color. Celebrities including Jennifer Coolidge, J.Lo and Raye have all sported vibrant pinks in public appearances of late.
But, of course, like other trends, this pink fad is hardly new to our times, even if the hue feels a bit more fresh.
As these examples underscore, the color pink is associated with women and femininity (a connection further strengthened by the popularity of “gender reveals”). It’s worth noting, however, that the opposite used to be true, as pink was recommended for boys in the early 20th century.
There are endless ways to rock this power color in 2021 (on Wednesdays or any day at all). You can go bold with an all-pink monochrome look, like a pantsuit, matched skirt set or even a jacket and shorts.
Or you can keep it more subtle with hot pink accessories against a more neutral ensemble in black or pink. And for those looking to be truly extra and bring more brightness to these dark times, you could even mix hot pinks with other bold colors, like lime green or turquoise. Check out this street style for a little inspiration.
However you decide to wear this color, just be true to your personal sense of style and you can’t go wrong. If you’re looking to try out the bright pink trend, we’ve rounded up some fun options below.
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