You know how Pantone has a color of the year? For 2024, Pantone chose “Peach Fuzz”. I like it in small quantities, but it is just too soft for my taste, so I countered with the Magtone Color of the Moment, Sherwood Forest Green. Today I’m here to report the latest color to gain Magtone status: Ink blue.
First, allow me to explain. I choose my Magtones by feel. I see a color and it sends a bolt of emotion through me. It isn’t a cerebral choice, or a color that I would pick just because I like it.
A screen capture from the presidential debate
My choice came to me when I saw Vice President Kamala Harris in what I thought was a black suit, but then I saw its true shade: Ink blue. It’s a sober but not somber color, classic with a modern edge, elegant and powerful. It feels like it meets the moment right now, with the current cultural and political climate.
Here are some vintage picks from Etsy in my new favorite shade. You can find these and more in my Etsy collection Pretty in Ink (affiliate link).
Clearly this is a versatile color, used for formal gowns, trench coats, and everything in between. Depending on how accessorize it, ink can look light hearted or deeply serious. Look how white changes ink’s mood on this 1950s cocktail dress offered by the wonderful VintageVixen. It’s a crisp and classic pairing.
I have a 1960s ink blue silk dress with bright pink rose appliqués in my shop. Coral, blush pink—all pinks seems to work with this color.
Look at the energy lemon yellow bring to this 1960s dress in the VintageGwendolyn Etsy store. Mustard works great too.
Gray brings classic dignity to ink blue, gold demands respect—possibly because of the connotation with military dress.
A tip about this color: It can look like black in photos, especially if it is velvet, suede, or any fabric with a nap. You have to search “midnight blue” and even just “navy blue” as well as “ink blue”—don’t just go by the look.
Do you wear ink blue? How does it feel to you? Please let me know in the comments.