Deciphering the Millennial Color Spectrum

The Truth About Millennial Color Forecasting

There are many resources that provide valuable, in-depth insight into color trends and their meanings across various demographics. However, there hasn’t been a definitive collection of color trend research aimed specifically at the all-important Millennial generation—until now.

We have identified four distinct color themes for the Millennial generation that celebrate the prevailing moods, attitudes, and feelings for everything from fashion and pop culture to technology and environmental politics. Our research indicates that Millennials appreciate color diversity and have a fondness for vivid, bright, and bold colors that reflect their confident, savvy, and optimistic generation.

So take a breath and grab some purple paint. For the Millennials, these aren’t simple trends; they are tastes that will impact the future of your business.

Color Themes for the Millennial Generation

The Millennial generation has been coupled with technology pretty much since birth. They are accustomed to a wired life and instant everything, with the answers to all of life’s questions just a few keystrokes away. It’s no wonder, then, that they trend toward colors that make up their virtual world.

These palettes include intense tones: bright, vivid, and futuristic hot pinks, silvers, and purples. Multi-colored matte metallics and glossy pearlescents offer a broad range of palette options, and the use of metallic papers and inks conveys sophistication and achieves the monochromatic, high-tech look preferred by Millennials.

Pop-Up Gaga is all about self-expression, strange juxtapositions, and organized chaos. Millennials don’t care that beige is practical and neutral. They have a strong penchant for balance and fun, and are attracted to the slightly quirky and outrageously punchy. Unexpected color combinations that pop up anywhere evoke feelings of spontaneity and surprise, and ultimately put smiles on their faces.

The green movement and the desire for environmental stability are very much alive in the hearts of Millennials. Thus, they have an affinity for eco-friendly color palettes: muted grays, browns, and whites found in nature, as well as natural, warm basics like khaki, bamboo, cork, sky blue, moss, and thyme.

The Organic-Eco trend goes beyond just colors, however. Millennials pay close attention to things like post-consumer waste content and environmentally friendly certifications. The process of a product’s construction goes hand in hand with its look and color palette.

Millennials tend to crave customization, wanting their stuff to reflect their unique looks and personalities. This doesn’t always equate with sleek or polished looks, however. Neo-Shabby Chic celebrates the glory of “less than perfect.” It’s a style born from confidence, a look that dismisses traditional design and classic fashion in favor of cool, casual comfort.

Neo-Shabby Chic is all about textures and small details, subverting the traditional in a fun, new way. The color palette utilizes white, muted greens, and pinks, along with funky, new wave interpretations and artsy design approaches. The idea of matching properly isn’t paramount; rather, dulling down the chic and ramping up the shabby become king. Being the creator is key.