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Is Kelly green a trendy color?


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Introduction

Kelly green has been a popular color in fashion and design for decades, but is it still trendy in 2023? Let’s take a look at the history of Kelly green and its current status in the world of color trends.

What is Kelly green?

Kelly green is a bright shade of green that got its name from the fact that it was the signature color of Grace Kelly, an iconic 1950s actress who later became Princess of Monaco. It sits right between green and lime green on the color wheel and is known for its high intensity and vividness.

In terms of hex codes, Kelly green is usually defined as #4CBB17. It’s a vibrant green that really pops against other colors, especially neutrals like black, white, and gray.

When did Kelly green first become popular?

Kelly green has been around since the 1950s and 60s when Grace Kelly helped give it fame. However, it saw a major revival in the 1980s and 90s. This time period really embraced bold, bright colors and Kelly green fit right in with the trend. It became hugely popular in sports uniforms, especially for teams like the Boston Celtics.

Outside of sports though, Kelly green also showed up in everyday fashion. It was a go-to color for pantsuits, dresses, sweaters, and accessories. The saturate shade really caught people’s attention.

Is Kelly Green Still Trendy in 2023?

Even though Kelly green saw a big resurgence 30+ years ago, color trends tend to be cyclical. So is Kelly green still having a major moment in fashion and design today? Let’s look at some evidence.

Kelly Green on the Spring/Summer 2023 Runways

One of the best ways to tell if a color is on-trend is to look at the fashion runways. During Spring/Summer 2023 fashion week, Kelly green did make a noticeable appearance.

Some examples include:

  • A Kelly green mini dress at Brandon Maxwell.
  • Lime green hues at Christian Siriano.
  • Neon green accents in Peter Do’s collection.
  • Bright green tailored suits at Salvatore Ferragamo.
  • Kelly green dresses and separates at Versace.

While not every designer featured Kelly green, it was spotted across both ready-to-wear and haute couture collections. Its inclusion by top designers like Versace and Brandon Maxwell suggest it’s still seen as fashionable in 2023.

Celebrities Wearing Kelly Green

Another indicator of Kelly green’s current popularity is how often celebrities are wearing it. There have been some major Kelly green celebrity outfits so far this year.

For example, at Paris Fashion Week Hailey Bieber wore a Kelly green micro-mini skirt paired with a gray crop top. Rihanna also stepped out during her pregnancy in a bright green trench coat that was reminiscent of vintage Grace Kelly.

Zendaya, Megan Fox, Karrueche Tran, and Venus Williams are just a few other celebrities who have rocked Kelly green dresses, pantsuits, or separates so far this year. Their stylish outfits provide evidence that Kelly green is still a coveted color in Hollywood.

Kelly Green Home Décor and Accessories

Beyond fashion, Kelly green is also popping up across home décor and accessory collections this year. Brands like Ruven, Article, Lulu and Georgia, and Jonathan Adler have released sofas, chairs, pillows, vases, and art in various shades of Kelly green. It’s a bold color that makes a major impact in any room.

For accessories, Kelly green handbags and shoes are having a moment, spotted on brands like Bottega Veneta, By Far, and Attico. The popularity of these products shows Kelly green is versatile enough to translate from clothing to interiors to accessories.

Is Kelly Green Just Trendy…Or Here to Stay?

Now that we’ve established Kelly green is definitely still trendy in 2023, will it stick around? Or is bound to fade away again soon when the next color trend comes along?

Kelly Green’s Staying Power

There are a few reasons why Kelly green might have some serious staying power this time around.

First, it’s flattering on so many different skin tones and hair colors. Warm complexions with yellow undertones really glow next to kelly green. It also complements those with cooler pink undertones. And it makes blue eyes pop beautifully. Since it’s so versatile, it’s likely to have broad appeal.

It’s also a confident, feel-good color that stands out. In an age of minimalism, Kelly green offers a bold alternative. People tend to be attracted to colors that make them feel positive and self-assured.

The prevalence of digital content also helps keep trends like this alive. As audiences see Kelly green pop up across social media, it further cements its popularity. This cycle helps give colors staying power from season to season.

Factors Working Against Kelly Green

However, there are a few things that could put a damper on Kelly green’s popularity. Some people find such bright, saturated shades overwhelming. When every brand starts using Kelly green, it also runs the risk of feeling overdone.

Bright green can also sometimes feel a little retro or dated. For those who associate it strictly with the 80s and 90s, it may not have as much of a current or modern feel compared to muted earth tones and dusty pastels.

Finally, many designers opt to use green as an accent color versus an all-over color. While pops of Kelly green feel exciting, not everyone is ready to wear it from head to toe. This limits its staying power as a major trend.

The Final Verdict on Kelly Green

So is Kelly green more than just a fleeting trend? Looking at all the evidence, here’s my final verdict:

Kelly green is definitely having a major moment right now in 2023. However, I suspect it will fade back to an accent color versus retaining its status as a head-to-toe color trend. We are likely at peak Kelly green saturation this year and next. But it still has some longevity as a go-to accent color for seasons to come due to its versatile flattering shade.

Overall though, color trends are extremely cyclical. Just like how Kelly green came back around in a big way from the 80s/90s, it will likely go “out” again soon only to return years later. But right now in 2023, Kelly green is definitely “in” across both fashion and the home.

5 Ways to Incorporate Kelly Green Into Your Wardrobe

Want to test drive the Kelly green trend? Here are 5 easy ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe:

Look How To Wear It
Kelly green top Pair with neutral basics like blue jeans and a camel coat.
Kelly green dress Make it work for day or night by changing up styling and accessories.
Kelly green pants Elevate a simple white tee and sneakers with vibrant pants.
Kelly green bag Let a mini bag or purse provide a fun pop of color.
Kelly green shoes Make a subtle statement with bright green heels, flats or sneakers.

Whether it’s clothing, handbags, or shoes, it’s easy to add a touch of Kelly green to your outfits. Stay on-trend without going overboard by using it as a statement accessory or color pop.

The Bottom Line

Kelly green has come back in a major way this year on runways, red carpets, and in home décor. Its versatility and ability to complement different complexions gives Kelly green some staying power. However, neon green is likely to fade back to accent color status versus remaining a dominant color trend long-term. But in 2023, Kelly green is definitely having a moment in the spotlight.