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).
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.
A kelly-green sweater-vest is as 2021 as it gets.
If you really want to look like you know what you're doing, pair kelly-green pants with green shoes.
Is Bottega Veneta single-handedly responsible for the kelly-green trend? All signs point to yes.
Not ready to go full-on Kermit yet? Dip a toe into the trend with a pair of green shoes.
This Frankie Shop shirt has been getting tons of traction on Instagram.
Proof that kelly green looks especially good with black.
Even just a pop of green makes a sizable impact.
I suddenly want green pants and a green bag. Can you blame me?
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.

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 arts. 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.
-
Dakota Johnson Wore a Completely Backless Mini In This Better-Than-Black Color to the Splitsville After-Party
Plus, see her metallic leather gown from the premiere.
-
Wow, Moda Operandi and Citizens of Humanity Just Released a Capsule Collection Inspired by Pennsylvania's Dreamiest Farm
In collaboration with Bloom Farm.
-
Spotted on Kendall and Hailey: The Pant Color Trend People Are Swapping Blue Jeans For
It girls with good taste know best.
-
Fashion People Are Wearing These Fall Color Trends Instead of Black and White
-
No Color Coordination, No Problem—This Summer Outfit Trend Is Pure Fashion Serotonin
Bask in its happiness.
-
Forget Burgundy—COS Has Declared *This* the It Color to Wear for Fall
It's lighter and more romantic.
-
Starting Now, This Is the Anti-Trend Pant Style That's Going to Bench White Trousers
You need this color in your closet.
-
Zara Just Gave Us a Hint at the Biggest Color Trends of Fall 2025
From primrose pink to rich maroon.
-
"Fall Colors" Are Out—30 Technicolor Finds Fashion People Everywhere Will Be Wearing Come September
Count on it.
-
This Is the Shorts Color Trend Everyone Is Starting to Wear Because Fall Starts Next Month
Time to transition the wardrobe.