I Was Wrong About 2021's It Color—It's Definitely This

Something that I love about color trends is how very straightforward they are and that anyone anywhere can wear them regardless of climate, budget, or aesthetic. And even though there are multiple color trends in any given year, everyone likes to name the one color that will be everywhere. I'm certainly guilty of this.

Earlier this year, many times over, I declared that the number one color trend of 2021 was destined to be bubblegum pink. While I agree that it's an It color and that brands and people are embracing it, its popularity has been eclipsed a bit this year by none other than kelly green.

Every time I scroll through my Instagram feed as of late, I come across both full-on kelly-green outfits and ones accented by pops of kelly green (especially in the form of a Bottega Veneta accessory). I find it to be flattering on every skin tone, and it feels fresher than bubblegum pink. So I'm hardly surprised by the acute appeal. Not only that, but you don't have to agonize over an Instagram caption when the best one is obviously the frog emoji.

Scroll on for some of my favorite kelly-green outfits and shopping (of course).

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

If you're not sure how to wear kelly green but want to make a statement, a blazer is a great way to do it.

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(Image credit: @anaasaber)

A kelly-green sweater-vest is as 2021 as it gets.

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

If you really want to look like you know what you're doing, pair kelly-green pants with green shoes.

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Is Bottega Veneta single-handedly responsible for the kelly-green trend? All signs point to yes.

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Not ready to go full-on Kermit yet? Dip a toe into the trend with a pair of green shoes.

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

This Frankie Shop shirt has been getting tons of traction on Instagram.

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(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Proof that kelly green looks especially good with black.

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Even just a pop of green makes a sizable impact.

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(Image credit: @alyssaithecity)

I suddenly want green pants and a green bag. Can you blame me?

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(Image credit: @yoyokulala)

Chanel is in on the trend, so you know it's legit.

Shop Kelly-Green Items

Next up, the other saturated shade that's trending for fall.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.