It’s a new year, and as many often claim a new year means a new you. You make resolutions, many of which are broken within the first month of the year, all in the aim of being a better person. This year, being a new you does not have to mean trying to change who you are, but rather let it mean changing the things around you to make you the best ‘you’ you can be.
For 2018, Pantone has announced that Ultra Violet is the colour of the year. So why not infuse this colour into the different aspects of your life? Refreshing your wardrobe, beauty regime and even your diet may have surprising impacts on the various aspects of your life. This vibrant and energetic colour could be just the thing your 2018 needs to give it a boost and help you be the best.
THE POWER OF PURPLE
Purple is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and nerves, as well as encourage imagination and creativity. A colour often linked with authority, adding this colour to your wardrobe could give you the added confidence you need during a tough day, while also helping your mindset. However, be careful not to over do it with the purple, as too much of this glorious hue is thought to bring out some negative qualities, like irritability, impatience and arrogance.
There are a few ways you can add some purple to your wardrobe, without it becoming overbearing. Think accessories, a statement top with muted trousers or a skirt, or be a bit more daring and go for purple shoes to add pop to your outfit. The purple can simply be a small detail of the entire outfit, but this can still be powerful.
Apricot purple lace scallop hem bell sleeve top £25.00 at New Look
Purple tie sleeve top £15.00 at Peacocks
Tie front short sleeve top £17.50 at Dorothy Perkins
Bardot lotus long sleeve blouse £12.99 at Select
Floral print bubble hem blouse £22.00 at Bonmarché
Satin ribbon tie heels £17.99 at New Look
Vendra Bloom in aubergine suede £29.00 at Clarks
Marco Tozzi multi coloured brogue boot £49.99 at Shoe Zone
Puma Vikky trainers £44.99 at Deichmann
White and pink embroidered boots £19.99 at Quiz
18ct gold plated cubic zirconia purple studs £6.00 at Claire’s
Plum chunky knitted snood £10.00 at Peacocks
Pastel checked scarf £10.00 at Bonmarché
Purple zip side metal handle tote bag £24.49 at New Look
Purple twist bead collar necklace £7.50 at Evans
BE BOLD WITH BEAUTY
There’s no need to limit your use of purple to your wardrobe alone. There are fun ways you can incorporate this shade into your beauty look without looking like a little kid playing dress up. A touch of purple nail varnish, or a subtle touch of purple eyeshadow can be enough to update your beauty look for 2018 and give you that extra boost of confidence when you need it.
Orly nail polish is Velvet Rope £5.00 at Boots
Rimmel nail polish 60 Second in Black Cherries £2.99 at Superdrug
Rimmel Glam Eyes Quad eyeshadow in State of Grace £5.99 at Bodycare
Makeup Revolution Redemption Palette in Mermaids vs Unicorns £4.00 at Superdrug
L’Oréal Paris Color Riche mono eyeshadow in purple velour £5.99 at Boots
BERRY COLOURED EATS & TREATS
And why not extend the Ultra Violet trend into your eating habits too? According to research, the antioxidant that gives purple foods their colour (anthocyanin) is beneficial, having been linked to increased longevity, cardiovascular health and dementia.
Some of the foods that you can add to your diet that not only feature this beautiful and vibrant colour, but are good for you too, include red cabbage, berries like blackberries and cranberries, aubergines or eggplant, as well as purple or heritage carrots and red kale.
Next time you visit the grocery store keep an eye out for purple (healthy) foods you can buy. Sainsbury’s, Asda, Iceland and Tesco as sure to have a selection of in-season fruits and vegetables in this powerful (and healthy) colour.
In 2018, Ultra Violet is not only the colour of the year, but the colour that could change your year and you.
