A Word and Colour for 2023

About the Author

Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

A Word and Colour for 2023

— by Angie

on January 11, 2023

Every January, I choose a word and colour to help set my priorities for the year. Laura, my friend and YLF forum member, started this tradition and this is my fifth year in joining her. There is something very motivating about having a word top of mind for the year. It helps me focus on what is important and keeps me accountable to small and big picture life goals. The colour that I choose can symbolize what I’m feeling in my heart, or simply be a colour that I want represented more strongly in my life. It’s all in good fun.

Here are the words and colours that I’ve chosen in previous years:

2019: Relaxed / Red

2020: Experience / Blue

2021: Achieve / Citron

2022: Achieve / Light Blue

I hope you’ll join Laura and me, and add your own word and colour in the comments below.

Word: Change

I turn 53 this year, and desperately need to change things up across several aspects of my life. I haven’t achieved what I’ve wanted to in the last couple of years, and I feel like some change could be the intervention I need to get back on track.

Professionally, I’ve been in the same industry for thirty years. I was a designer, then a buyer, then a consultant, and when I came to America in 2003 I became a fashion stylist. I have fabulous clientele, and I manage a very engaged social community on YLF. For almost 17 years, I’ve written fresh content and participated actively in the forum almost every day. Although I continue to be extremely passionate about fashion and style, and I love working with my clientele, I need to break out of a rut and make some changes that will re-energize me.

In terms of my personal style, I need a change, and I’m pleased to report that’s well on its way. I’ve had very short hair for seventeen years and started growing it out last year. I will continue to grow it out this year. I’m also sporting my natural hair colour hair, which is dark blonde. The colour change has brought about a subtle change in my wardrobe palette, which is welcome too. These are big-for-me changes that will intensify as the year progresses.

Geographically, hubs Greg and I have lived in the same city for twenty years. While we have no immediate plans to leave Seattle, or our loft, we do want to make some changes. We spent part of our Christmas staycation decluttering our home, editing, fixing things, and re-decorating. We also have plans to remodel this year. These are very welcome changes too.

Recreationally, we haven’t had a fun international holiday for four years. Greg and I work to travel, but with the pandemic, the passing of both of our fathers, and a severe lack of time, visiting destinations on our bucket list has taken a major backseat. We hope that changes in 2023.

Last, I am seldom an impulsive and spontaneous person. I like to plan, organize, take my time and follow through on things. I do not enjoy having things sprung up on me. I am changing some of that. I want to be more spontaneous and impulsive, and less “planned way in advance” about things. This will be challenging because it’s much more natural and easy for me to plan ahead. Although, please, no surprise parties or visits!

Color: Sour Green

An acidic lime and apple green is one of my all-time favourite colours. It’s a bright yellow green, and not a blue green. Sometimes it’s a bit neon. If you’ve been on YLF since its inception, you might remember that the site was lime green when we launched it in 2006. I’ve worn lime green my whole life, and it’s always represented in our home decor. There is finally lime green at retail, and I’m going to prioritize the colour in my purchases this year. I will wear almost anything in lime green if the item tickles my fancy.

Over to you. Join us in choosing a word and colour for the year. Don’t overthink it. Your first and freshest thoughts on the subject are likely to be the best ones. Share them in the comments section when you have a moment. I’m looking forward to hearing them.

Individual Style

77 comments · Add a comment

April

Veteran

Color: periwinkle
Word: re-used

As I have reported on the forum, I am attempting a year in which no wardrobe items (except essentials such as underwear) will be purchased from retail.

My wardrobe is not huge but it could use a trim-down.

And yes, I well remember lime green YLF!

January 11, 2023 at 4:06 am

anchie

Veteran

Angie, it is like you were reading my mind. My word is also CHANGE, because after terrible year I just had, I desperately need it. I want to change couple of areas of my life, from how I eat and spend my free time, to my priorities at work and some of my relationships. We recently acquired second home that is still being built and will be finished second half of this year and that will hopefully facilitate some of the changes.
And color is also LIME GREEN. I always loved this color but it is not currently represented in my wardrobe. I was happy to see that it is finally available in retail. Lime green is also only accent color that is represented in my otherwise neutral home decor. Even my kitchen gadgets like Kitchen Aid and mixing bowls are also lime green.

January 11, 2023 at 4:24 am

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Hmm I will need some more time to think about this – maybe after a good closet cleanout & uploading my wardrobe to Finds? My needs are fairly covered now – just a few HEWIs remaining.

Last year I went with ‘Teal Limits’ – I found teal blue items but not much teal green This year, whilst I’ve said I’ll look for more saffron yellow & mossy green, I’m not sure if I could settle on just one colour! Maybe I just need to refine my palette instead?

January 11, 2023 at 4:34 am

ChristelJ

Veteran

Sounds like a very exciting year ahead, with change and spontaneity on the agenda, Angie! Once you have invited them in, they are sure to arrive.

My word is simplicity, because having that as a foundation will make it easier for me to gain the strength and energy that I want for the year ahead. My color is soft white, which will serve as a background for the various pops of color I want to add this year. I am slowly transitioning my wardrobe from a dark one to a lighter one, which makes me feel more agile and open to new color combos.

January 11, 2023 at 4:44 am

gryffin

Veteran

This is a very lovely tradition. Beautiful color and wishing you many adventures, as one planner to another!! I have been focused on wellness since 2019 and the advent of covid. I’ve focused on the pillars of health: WFPB vegan nutritarian diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, connection/purpose all to good effect. I would like to continue that this year. So I think I would pick “thrive” as my word although flourish, wholeness, balance etc all call to me. As far as color blue particularly navy and dark clear blues – the night sky. But as far as wardrobe colors I’d have to say neutral (black, gray, white, denim, navy blue). I’d like more pieces that bridge and merge black/blue. Serenity, calm, tradition, strength – a place of equilibrium within myself/nature/society a whole body/spirit/mind harmony.

January 11, 2023 at 5:02 am

jussie

Veteran

Angie I am wishing for you some brilliant and spontaneous changes this year. And sour green is an energetic and determined kind of colour; I think that will really help set the mood for you.
Funny enough; if anything I am probably going to slightly reduce the colour in my wardrobe this year; I think I would like to continue to streamline the colour palette. In my paintings I have shifted towards using a lot of peach and apricot colours lately; maybe that’s enough for me at this stage!
Last year my word was “Open”. This year I’m not quite sure yet. Think it’ll come to me when the time is right.

January 11, 2023 at 5:23 am

Dee

Veteran

Very interesting idea, I think for myself my word would be “Relax”- I need to stop trying to control outcomes so much and just learn to go with the flow more often.
My colour will be “Blue ” although I have a lot of navy, maybe its time to explore the other shades of blue too. Its a calming colour and should help remind me to be more relaxed in my approach to things.

January 11, 2023 at 5:37 am

cjh

(website)

Veteran

My word is care, though engage came in a close second. As to color, I can’t pinpoint, but maybe it could be a generic, “more color”. I’ve tried to accumulate a few more neutral (gray and black) basics so I’d have versatility and mixing options, but it’s kind of backfired. I discovered I’d rather wear a burgundy top with a teal sweater than a basic gray top with a basic gray sweater, even though both grays are newish, lovely or even uniquely designed… if you know what I mean. I guess I’m not a neutral person.

January 11, 2023 at 5:44 am

Helena

Veteran

Angie, thank you for sharing your journey with us and I look forward to cheering you on for your new adventures this year! And I will always associate you with beautiful bright lime green and similar shades – signature! xx

My recent travel and extended period out of my comfort zone showed me a few things about myself that need to be dealt with. So my word for this year will be CONFIDENCE. My intention this year is to treat myself as worthy and equal, kick my inferiority feelings to the curb, and practice taking up my little space in the world without apology (while always extending this same energy to others, of course!)

My colour this year is BLACK. Not that I necessarily want to wear *more* black than I currently do, but it’s a colour I find both visually and psychologically grounding, soothing, simple but strong, confidence-inducing, and pragmatic.

January 11, 2023 at 5:50 am

Kim M

(website)

Active Member

Hone//Lavender
I’ve found since we’ve relocated, my wardrobe and home decor have gone along a similar route. While my home has shots of purple throughout, I’m just not adding it to my wardrobe.

You done so well with your citron green, I’m looking forward to new purchases. Also, Hair. It makes a difference in clothing for sure!

January 11, 2023 at 5:56 am

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Angie I hope you find the changes you are looking for this year. I can imagine it is a grind producing content for so many years along with your other work and projects, and perhaps a change of pace is in order.

I think I will go with brown and adapt this year. My default dark neutral has been black for a long time – it seemed natural with my coloring and is easy to find. But I am becoming more and more interested in brown – it might seem blah at first glance, but it has quiet depth. Adapt is my goal in terms of both the expected and unexpected changes I will face this year.

January 11, 2023 at 5:57 am

RobinF

Veteran

In reading this, the word that kept coming to my mind was REFRESH, so I’m going with it. I’ve had a rough decade with the death of my sister in 2015, brother in 2017 and then my mom in 2021. In general the immediate grief has passed but I feel a lingering anger, sadness, resentment, fearfulness and other negative emotions that I want to work through. I want my memories with them to be happy ones, not sad and angry.

That extends to my wardrobe also. I think I want to simplify and make items I already have work better for me – hence the refresh. I have some sewing skills so I want to use those to experiment with cuts and lengths. We’ll see where it goes.

Not sure about color but I do like blues and that would go well with my word. So maybe nice medium blues that are refreshing and cleansing.

January 11, 2023 at 6:09 am

Joy

Veteran

Angie I like your word and color. My word for this year is socialize. And my color is yellow green. I have been isolating because of COVID and that needs to change. I love green but it must have lots of yellow in it. A yellow or spring green will go well with coral and blue and all neutrals. It will be a change.
I did reasonably well with white but not brown. They were not as abundant as I’d hoped they would be. I have not added any black though, although black and grey are abundant in my size.

January 11, 2023 at 6:20 am

sabimct

Active Member

I didn’t think I could/would choose a word and colour, but after reading through all of these, mine spontaneously came to me. I think this could be a guiding force for me in 2023.

My word is FUN! I have had a gruelling few years, and I am ready for fun. This does not have to be organized and planned [I am a planner too … a long-in-advance planner!] – it’s more the idea of looking for opportunities for fun.

My colour is red. I love red, and I’d like to see more of it in my wardrobe.

Thanks for the inspiration everyone!

January 11, 2023 at 6:27 am

salt-sea

Active Member

CENTERED | FOREST

I’ve been focused on things that ground me this winter, and am going to continue that focus through upcoming job changes, renovations and routines. So centered is my word. To me centered fits a little better than grounded as it can accommodate movement and airy-ness as well.
On that theme, I appreciate how centering a walk in the woods and being in a forest is for me, so I’m choosing Forest as my color word.

I’ve been enjoying introducing some browns (mostly deep browns) into my wardrobe and have been wearing my very few deep greens as well. I’m taking Forest to represent forest colors, including browns and greens.

I’ll be wearing my browns more, and keeping my eyes open for deep forest green tops.

Thanks for the prompt and the thoughtful comments.

January 11, 2023 at 6:42 am

Sisi

Veteran

Color: White
Word(s): Simplicity and Elegance.
White as a symbol of all light colours, that make me feel good.
Simplicity because I want a simple life, without too many possessions.
Elegance because in 2023 I would like to elevate my style.

January 11, 2023 at 6:46 am

Eliza

Veteran

Word for the year: forward. Color for the year: slate blue. Taking steps towards prioritizing what matters most while letting go of what no longer suits me seems especially important now. Wardrobe updating and maintenance is an apt metaphor for my aspirations. Keep what works well and feels great to wear, while letting go of the ‘not quite right’.

Slate blue (yet not too dark, not too gray) for the tranquility and quiet confidence I’d like to bring to the process.

Wishing you the best with your changes, Angie. That sour green suggests the new growth of spring to me. I enjoy this discussion annually.

January 11, 2023 at 6:56 am

Laura

(website)

Veteran

There’s change that comes into your life unbidden and there’s change that you set out to make. I’m excited to see what changes you choose in 2023, Angie! Apple green, harkening back to the early days of YLF, feels like a return to a time when things were fresh and new.

Some years I have long lists of words and colors I consider, but I settled on my word and color easily this year. My word is “water” and my color is purple. To be more specific, the color is “violander,” which is a made-up word created by my hairstylist. She misspoke as we were chatting last month, and we decided we LOVED the new color, a cross between violet and lavender! Violander feels like a vibe. It’s unexpected, fresh and unconventional.

Our family has experienced many changes in the past 5 years. I feel I’ve grown a lot as a person. The external changes have been momentous — two moves to new states, a child leaving the nest (and another soon to follow), a return to a job in the corporate world (I did not see that coming!) and a significant health challenge for my husband which fortunately resolved in a positive way. Set against a backdrop of a global pandemic, the past 5 years have been nothing but change.

This year, my parents and brother especially are in the midst of many changes, some chosen, some not, and fortunately for the first time since childhood, we all live in the same city! I’m grateful to be here to support them. At the same time, I want to integrate my own changes of the past five years — and I want to write my Prince book. That said, I haven’t set any goals for the year. It doesn’t feel like a big goal-setting year for me. More than anything, I want to find joy in what’s right in front of me. Simple pleasures.

I chose “water” because I live in Arizona and water is precious. I’m inspired by the way water finds a way around obstacles and keeps on flowing. Water reminds me of being in the creative flow! A friend mentioned that if you drop an object into water, the water will absorb the object and its appearance will remain unchanged. And, still waters they run deep. That’s the writer side of me.

I’m so excited to read everyone’s word and color! Thanks to Angie for continuing this special tradition, and wishing my fellow YLFers a wonderful year ahead!

January 11, 2023 at 7:10 am

celia

Veteran

Happy new year Angie.
This is one of my favorite traditions in the YLF community. It is always inspiring to read about everyone’s plans and direction for the new year.
My previous years were as follows:
2020- Growth/Pine Green
2021- Protection/White
2022-Fun/ Hot Pink
For 2023 my color will be Royal Blue and my word will be appropriately Confidence.
By tracking down the colors and words I realize that my years are always very polarized and my colors always on the side of statement colors ( no pastels have been in this list) . And although years might be better or worse the fact there is a goal represented by a word that is more a direction than a list of tasks for me really helps stear my decisions.
I knew that I needed a breathing time without making any big decisions last year and although the universe had other ideas the fact that I knew what I wanted helped me to not feel that life was happening without me having any control over it.
Back to my 2023 Confidence/Royal Blue. The color is one that I very much enjoy using and that people associate with me, in a way is a statement for 2023 that I am me. I am on my way to the 50’s mark and am surrounded by people who love me for who I am, and I want to remind myself of that.
The word Confidence has to do with following dreams, not second guessing myself, not overthinking things until I talk myself out of them.

January 11, 2023 at 7:13 am

April

Veteran

I’m changing already. Instead of “re-used” for my word, I’m broadening it to “re-imagined.” Reimagining my shopping ways, my go-to shopping sources, how I use things I already own…

January 11, 2023 at 7:31 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW, such richness, hope and authenticity in your words and colours. LOVE reading all about them so keep them coming

RobinF, that is a lot of loss, and my heart goes out to you. Wishing you strength and luck as you process those lingering feelings.

Anchie, HAH! Fun coincidence

Jussie, Helena, Eliza, Jaime, ChristelJ, Laura and Gryffin, thank you for the good wishes and empathy.

Laura, my friend, you are ALWAYS sooo positive, proactive, creative, trouble shooting, and good-hearted. I love your energy and presence in my life. Thank you for being an inspiration, and for bringing us along on your annual word and colour tradition. It rocks! Like you do

Your family has been through a lot. I wish you a calm and healthy 2023. May most of your dreams come true! Good luck with the book – Violander is perfect! And lots of extra swimming in the water of your pool. Maybe you need to come to Seattle where there is lots of water

I’m in the mood for lots of smiley face emojis today………

January 11, 2023 at 7:33 am

morethanbeige

Veteran

Word for the year: authentic. Color for the year: coral. I can tend to hear other people’s voices louder than I do my own. I want to hear my own voice—especially in areas where no one else’s voice matters (i.e. in my own outfit choices, both in purchase as well as styling.)
Coral, as I love many shades of fall trees, including coral and the shades to the left and right of coral on the color wheel (and in trees!)

What a fun task! I will be here cheering you all on and wishing you the best. Go YLFers!

January 11, 2023 at 7:34 am

Sisi

Veteran

Wow! I have a “Word and Colour ” twin – it’s ChristelJ! How fun is that?
Angie, I hope that for a change you do not plan to get rid of YLF because you are fed up with us!

January 11, 2023 at 7:49 am

Xtabay

I love this tradition! Cheering everyone on as we begin to navigate this new year.

I’ll go with Orange and Adventure. They just kind of popped into my head, so there you go.

January 11, 2023 at 8:00 am

Carla

Active Member

I’ll join in
For 2023 my word is HEAL and my colour is WHITE.
I have health issues that I am dealing with, so I am channeling healing, simplicity, purity and lightness in my life right now.

January 11, 2023 at 8:10 am

nuancedream

Veteran

My word for 2023 is Presence and my color is Ivory. I am laser focused on evolving my presence as a woman who clearly has the confidence to be herself and to share her ideas and knowledge with others. I LOVE this tradition! Go Angie and all YLFers!!

January 11, 2023 at 8:23 am

SW prof

Active Member

Laura, I love violander! Colors in that range are my absolute favorites. So that can be my color for the year. My word will be CALM. I’ve been told that that is one of my best qualities, but it actually is very difficult for me. I would like to expend less energy over-reacting to insignificant things, and be better able to appreciate the good things.

January 11, 2023 at 8:26 am

Tanya

Veteran

I have enjoyed reading this and following the evolution of word/color combo through the years. I haven’t done this before but why not. Since I am anticipating a stressful year, my word is “Calm” and color light blue.

January 11, 2023 at 8:41 am

nemosmom

Veteran

Add me to the fan list! I love this tradition, and how it helps to keep me focused through the year. Previous years’ words/colors for me were:

2019: Peaceful / Green
2020: Perserverance / Teal
2021: Balance / Watery blue
2022: Cultivate / Green

This year, I am going with the complimentary burnt orange to my previous greens and blues. I am not planning to add a lot of orange to my wardrobe, but it is a color that I want top-of-mind because it imparts a vibrancy and warmth that I feel is lacking from my mental space, otherwise. My word, then is “kindness” – again, to bring warmth to myself, my thoughts, and everything (and everyone) around me.

January 11, 2023 at 8:50 am

kj2008

Word: ?
Color: cream
In real life, colors tend to find me, or I am drawn to them. 2021 – 2022 it was teal, turquoise. I am working on a cream colored dress. It would not surprise me if I had a word or a different color soon.

January 11, 2023 at 9:00 am

Roberta

Veteran

I have never done this, mostly because I cannot pick a color! They are all my favorites.

I can pick a word, though, and this year it will be LIGHTEN. I want to lighten my step, dance more, and also lighten my closet, as it began to feel too weighty last fall. I had this idea, that when it comes time to switch to warm weather clothes, I might try a 30 item wardrobe and see how that feels.

If I had to choose a color, it would be silver. I would like to take my hair to a silvery blue this summer, and I am always on the lookout for silver boots. I’m still thinking about a pair of silver jeans, too.

Silver looks SO GOOD with violander!

January 11, 2023 at 9:07 am

Irina

Veteran

So, the word I picked just before the pandemic started was Effortless.
well, didn’t work out as we all so painfully aware.
Last year my word was Acceptance and oh, boy, I had to accept right and left what was out of my control.
This year I have no word, I just hope and wish for a break from bad news.
Color – white. My accent color for the summer is Dutch orange but I don’t plan to extend it into other seasons. I wear lots of black in fall/winter seasons and don’t like brights with it. White is on another hand, is one of my main colors and I would like to add/replace a few things. I share Angie’s superpower and never have much issues with keeping my whites spotless.

January 11, 2023 at 9:13 am

Bonnie

Veteran

Last year was blush and balance. Blush was hard to find but I added a denim jacket. The jacket, sneakers and striped top made a small but satisfying capsule that I could wear with white and/or blue. This year I’m picking blue because I know that my blue essentials need attention. Like many others on the forum, I’m trying to wean myself away from too much black and lighten up my wardrobe.

Last year’s word was Balance which I changed from my first thought, Patience. Looking back, I think I should have stuck with Patience. It turned out to be a year that needed a lot of it. Not that I had a bad year but I was eager to get out in the world again. I also needed Patience to stick to my goal of buying less and shopping my closet instead. I did have success with that goal and feel happy to have done it. This year’s word will be “Listen”, “to make conscious use of the sense of hearing”, including listening to my own inner voice.

January 11, 2023 at 9:21 am

Runcarla

Veteran

Colour: ORANGE
Word: RELAX

January 11, 2023 at 9:35 am

rachylou

Veteran

Last year my word was Endeavour and my colour was Electric Blue. I basically wanted a pair of electric blue shoes and didn’t succeed… ended the year with feet problems and can barely wear any shoe styles anyways, so it’s not the biggest deal. Endeavour was about getting out a little bit after two years of lock down, expanding at work… ok, lol, be careful what you ask for. Work is maybe a little too expansive as I’m learning now the retail side of the business. Loathe it people, loathe it. Haha!

But in any case, new year, new dog My word for the year is Experience. Got to get Cormac out and all sophisticated. Thinking about a trip to LA for the Disney exhibit at the Huntington museum (?) soon.

My colour is Orange. I think of it as being in the same colour ‘family’ as your green, Angie; I love your sour brights. My Victoria Beckham mini skirt aprons have been retired is the reason for the particular choice, and I miss that high energy colour a lot. I need another way to have this in my wardrobe.

Ok. New Year, New Me

January 11, 2023 at 9:45 am

kkards

Veteran

change–what a great word…i attach these words to that one, scary, exhilarating, nerve racking, and awesome. its one of the most powerful words. i hope that you are, and you find, the change that you want

for me
word: improve
color: blue

i have a number of home projects that need to be done, i haven’t updated my living room in forever, need to do my bathroom and laundry room. And over all just improve my living environment

blue because its calming and already this year is starting out with a lot of chaos and uncertainty and i need/want to counter that

January 11, 2023 at 9:59 am

merwoman

Veteran

You had me at sour green! Wonderful colour that we both love! Nodding my head as I read about your ‘change’ intention for the upcoming year. Words are powerful motivators.
And speaking of words, I am going with EXPLORE. My darling merman and I have a huge trip coming up and I’m excited for new vistas and the renewal of dear friendships. I also want to explore experiences with my grandchildren, want to keep moving, keep playing and building memories.
It’s tempting to choose your colour ( I’ll be keeping my eyes open for it) but I have been gravitating towards the warmer side of the spectrum, a warm spicy nutmeg might be my colour.

January 11, 2023 at 10:02 am

suntiger

As I start to wind down my working life, and my time on this planet, a word that came to me is Legacy. Not sure that’s quite right, or even if there’s a word at all that encompasses it.

What I mean by it is reclaiming the good bits of my past, completing some personal projects, begin Swedish Death Cleaning, and to make some sort of history/rememberance for my immediate family members (inc pets).

My color of the year will be gold- for wearing, the sun, and (hopefully) financial abundance. It was a toss up between that and red, but I was inspired by the concept of kintsugi- where the broken pottery is repaired with gold.

January 11, 2023 at 10:17 am

Sally

Veteran

Interesting reading everybody’s choices. This is a big year for me as it’s my sons last year of high school and I had this year as I promised myself that I would make some decisions about my life when he did so. Last year was orange and enthusiasm I think. This year I’m going with olive green. I want my outfits to have more polish and I think black and olive go well together. Olive also symbolises harmony and wisdom.

January 11, 2023 at 10:20 am

Sal

Veteran

Angie- love your word choice and thank you for sharing your thoughts. May 2023 bring about the change you desire and hopefully some travel adventures.

Last year I chose white and energy. The energy was a good choice as I focused on being energetic in my pursuits as well as spending my time and resources on things that matter.

This year I am going to choose evolve and golden yellow. My youngest son leaves home to study soon, and I am needing to evolve my life to adapt. We do have some adventures planned – it’s going to be a year of change. I am just choosing yellow because it’s happy – and amidst a wet stormy summer I could do with some yellow sunshine.

January 11, 2023 at 10:24 am

Olive Green

Veteran

Colour is Red, word is Easy.
Together, these feel powerful.
And Easy is right, the old saying goes. Taking my time, not letting the world and its hurries push nor pull. The Red is for the energy needed to stay awake and aware of what is working, and to leave what is not.
Wonder how that is going to show up in life?

January 11, 2023 at 10:24 am

MsMary

Veteran

My word is also CHANGE. My husband is retiring at the end of this month, and I am retiring in the fall. In addition, my son came out as trans late last year and is now my daughter, and she has moved out of state, so that is a lot of change as well. It’s all good, but it’s a lot!

My color? Green, in all its variations, because it’s my favorite and because it’s the color of new life and new beginnings!

January 11, 2023 at 10:32 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW. FANTASTIC everyone. I’m excited for you, and wish you the best.

Sisi, HAH

Sal, thanks for the gracious words. I always think of you as energetic! Love your word and colour.

Mary, that IS a lot. You are supportive, and your boys are lucky to have you in their lives. Retirement sounds grand. Cheers to the same word and colour!

January 11, 2023 at 10:48 am

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Suntiger, that’s beautiful!

This is such a wonderful tradition and I’m always moved to read people’s words and colours and their reflections. Thank you all for sharing.

Angie, I guess your colour but I hadn’t guessed your word — I love it, and the colour symbolizes change so brilliantly! May every change be a chosen change and a welcome change and may your life be infused with the energy that colour imparts!

I checked my previous words/ colours, for reference:

2019 Trust/ green
2020 Move/ red
2021. Fulfill/ fuchsia
2022. Dare/ fuchsia

I didn’t tend to add those colours to my wardrobe in any of those years (though I was on the lookout for opportunities to do so!) and I’d still be open to adding more of any of those. But I chose them more for their energetic associations, I think.

This year my word is flow. I’ve felt blocked in a number of creative projects over the past couple of years and it’s time to open myself to my intuition. My colour is indigo. Indigo is already well represented in my wardrobe and my home, but I like its energy — both calm and energetic, stabilizing but also a statement. It’s a colour that feels authentic to me.

January 11, 2023 at 11:08 am

MsMaven

Veteran

I’ve posted about my last year’s choices, Purple Polish. I chose Relax for this year and wasn’t going to pick a color, but reading through everyone’s responses here, I was inspired to pick, not a color, but a tone: Golden. Hoping for a golden, relaxed year.

January 11, 2023 at 11:17 am

Joanna

(website)

Active Member

I can’t remember my world from last year, but I don’t remember deciding to warm up my wardrobe with peachy brown earth tones, which I did.

For the coming year my word is FAITH–not religious faith, but faith in myself. I am almost done with grad school, and I done so many things I thought I couldn’t (excel spreadsheets come to mind here) and I need to hang on to that.

As for color–I love lime green and citron, but I think my color is going to be pink and all its non-pastel variations

January 11, 2023 at 11:39 am

Joanna

(website)

Active Member

I DO remember the color, sorry!

January 11, 2023 at 11:39 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Suz, Yes! You correctly guessed my colour, and thanks for the kind words. Flow is a great word, and I hope things un-block just the way you want them to. Do you mean a dark cobalt as an indigo? Nice

January 11, 2023 at 11:39 am

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Hm, I didn’t think this would work for me, but I thought on it a bit and I think I’ll go with the word “delight”. As in, I want to pay attention to what delights me this year and hang on to those things. i.e. focus less on trying to manage perceptions of others and more on what my own tastes and preferences actually are. I feel I’ve fallen out of touch with myself lately. And, along that line, my color will be aubergine, because it’s my all time favorite.

January 11, 2023 at 12:07 pm

Minaminu

Veteran

Angie, I always look forward this post as it is a great way to start the new year! Hope 2023 will bring the changes and new energy that you’re hoping for.

My 2023 word is “look after” and colours are metallic and turquoise.

This year I need to recharge and look after myself so that I can look after my loved ones spread around Europe.Focus will be my health, overall wellbeing/grooming and the wardrobe will be replenished based on 2023 changes. Planning to have some fun with accents accessories in metallic and turquoise.

January 11, 2023 at 12:16 pm

Inge

(website)

Moderator

One of my favourite posts of the year!-) I always love reading everyone's comments. Thank you Laura and Angie for starting this!

I've decided to repeat my word of the year 2021: Gentle. I was definitely not done with that one yet;-) I would like it to serve as a reminder to not put so much pressure on myself in many aspects of my life, and to not beat myself up/overthink (about) things that don't go so well. Also to try and be less of a perfectionist.

I'm going with pink as my colour of 2023. From pastel pinks to bubblegum pink and the brightest, hottest pinks, no "real reason for this choice, I just feel in the mood for it:-)

Love your word and colour, Angie!

And “violander” is just so perfect, Laura!

January 11, 2023 at 12:23 pm

Debbie

Veteran

My word is reclaim and my color is cream. I need to reclaim my time. When my grandson left for college in Aug. my girls decided I needed to keep busy and have filled my time up completely. I need to give them back some of their things and just fill my time with things I want to do.

My hair has drastically changed so it has changed my colors somewhat. I am craving lighter colors both in my home and in my wardrobe.

I am scaling back my hours at work to get ready for retirement. Another way to reclaim my time and future. I find that when I am over scheduled all aspects of my life suffer.

I hope everyone had a great year and I enjoy reading these responses.

January 11, 2023 at 12:28 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Minaminu, thank you! Your loved ones are lucky to receive your special attention.

Inge, my sweet friend! LOVE that you are repeating your word! Sometimes we need a do-over, and yours is excellent timing. And go Team Pink

Debbie, I wish you many reclaimed hours that are all about YOU!

January 11, 2023 at 1:07 pm

Jonesy

Veteran

Angie, your thoughts are so interesting and inspiring, and I love your word and color for 2023! I have also enjoyed reading everyone else’s reflections. MsMary, so much change afoot! Congrats on your upcoming retirements, and congrats to your daughter!

Before I read these, I had decided that my word was flow. And then I saw that Suz shares my word–hi five, Suz!

I specifically mean flow in the Csikszentmihalyi sense (https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/): to be challenged, stretched, and absorbed in a task or activity so that there is a sense of being outside of time and deeply engaged in a way that feels effortless. I need more flow!

I don’t have a single color–I am currently into camel and other shades of brown, but also grayish blues like admiral and petrol blue, and also olive green and ivory/cream, lol.

January 11, 2023 at 2:45 pm

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

I’m not good at this, identify these better in hindsight than in time to use them. I’m in “big blue country”, and that deep & bright blue is good for me, so there’s my color. Still thinking about a word. Really what I need is for my style to work and take care of itself while being fun.

January 11, 2023 at 2:51 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for sharing everyone. There is much richness, thoughtfulness, and good energy here. Keep it coming!

Jonesy, thank you! And fun to have the same word as Suz. WOW. The spelling of Csikszentmihalyi is quite something. GREAT article. Wishing you lots of deep flowing happiness – maybe in yoga practice too

January 11, 2023 at 3:05 pm

kmass15584

Active Member

Fun exercise Angie!

Word: Curiosity
Color: Purple

I’ve been trying to switch up my eating over the last year and am feeling like approaching it with curiosity rather than rules is the way to go. I also like curiosity for other things in my life. To be curious you need to slow down in judgement and actions, see something from another view point….all good stuff in my book.

I’m a Soft Summer and have lots of blues/greens/grays. I’d like to beef up my purple items. It’s a color I’ve always loved, but it is tricky to find the right shade.

Best of luck following your compass into whatever new venture you find. I’ve so appreciated you over the years right here. Thanks for all your efforts and talents that you share with us!

January 11, 2023 at 3:24 pm

Style Fan

Veteran

I am enjoying reading this post. I have been debating which word to choose. The last few years have been difficult in many ways. I finally decided on the word Kindness. Kindness to myself and others. My colour was easy – Orange. Orange is my favourite colour and always makes me feel better.

Word: Kindness
Colour: Orange

January 11, 2023 at 3:26 pm

Kate

Veteran

I always enjoy reading this post. This year, my word is move on, and my color is red.

Ever since my mother died in early 2019, I think I have been in stasis, and this year, finally, that needs to change. A good part of the reason is that I inherited our family home. It is on what was my grandfather’s farm, on 125 acres first bought by my great grandfather. My GG decided farming was not for him, and my grandparents bought it from him when they were first married in 2019 and took care of my great grandfather when he was old. My grandfather farmed tobacco there until his death in the mid-70s.

It is where my sister and I grew up, and where my heart lies. All my memories of my wonderful childhood are located there. My mother spent all but four of almost 96 years there, and my parents 28 of their 32 married years there. Because it is on the water in coastal NC, which is often subject to hurricanes, the house and property is a lot to take care of and protect. Giving it up, as I have decided to do, is hard. But I think it is necessary for me to move on, in many ways.

My DH and I would like to remodel our townhouse in DC, and after almost 30 years of being carless, buy a car! I want to redo the gardens at our house, and we want to travel more. While we go to Iceland, which we love, every winter, we want to also go to other places as well. Finland, which neither of us has ever been to, and Canada (which we have, but never at Christmas) are on tap for 2023.

Before she died, my mother, who loved traveling and thankfully was able to do a lot of it after my father died in 1980, told me, ‘Don’t feel like you have to stay here.” She was a wise woman, and I am going to take
her advice. I also realize that happiness is not a place, dear as it might be, but the people you love.

My color sort of blindsided me. I have never worn a bright, clear red. I always felt like I was wearing a scream when I tried on something red on! But I do wear bright orange, and don’t feel that way about it, so go figure. But for some reason, the change from my warm blonde to a cool silver at the temples and cooler mixed blonde throughout the rest of my hair has let me wear colors that I had retired or never worn. Black, which I had given up wearing by my face years ago, suddenly looks good again. And red! I bought a red sweater and long sleeved red shirt in the last month, and look forward to wearing them. I am considering adding a red bag in the coming months. I don’t whether I will add a lot or even any more red items, but it’s definitely a change.

January 11, 2023 at 5:16 pm

Tina

Active Member

Word: Present.
Color: Navy blue.

I want to recognize and cherish what is presently in my life. To just BE instead of DOING. There was a lot of “doing” in 2022.

My parents are 79 and 80. Both are currently healthy and active so I want to enjoy my time with them. My husband and I are finishing a remodeling project, and I want to just stop and enjoy it once it’s done before feeling like “ok, what’s next.”

Navy blue seems like a grounded color with nautical feelings. I love the water, especially salt water, so maybe some fun navy and white prints will appear in my life.

January 11, 2023 at 5:51 pm

aloha emily

Active Member

Have you heard the gardening phrase about new plantings: “sleep, creep, leap”? The first year something is planted, it sleeps- very little visible growth, but it’s putting down roots. The second year it creeps, growing slowly, and the third year it bursts with growth. My word for the year is leap, because I have a small business that “slept” in the first years of establishment, “crept” through the pandemic, and I believe is going to LEAP in 2023!

I turn 50 in November, and I want to be ready to LEAP into a new decade.

Two of my children will hit major milestones this year (drivers license for one and high school for the other), and I want to joyfully encourage them to LEAP into these new adventures.

I’m interested to see other ways “leap” plays out in my life this year.

My color is Dutch orange. I am loving adding it to my wardrobe- to me it is full of joy and forward energy. It is unapologetic and fierce, and I love it vibrantly combined with white, pink, green, purple and red.

I also like that orange is a color we use to mark boundaries and create clarity (think traffic cones, construction signs), which helps me remember how important structure is to support the leaps and bounds of growth I’d like to see in myself, my family and my work this year.

January 11, 2023 at 6:33 pm

Brooklyn

Veteran

I thought about this, despite instructions not to overthink it, and I’m going to go with “engage” as my word. I’ve kind of retreated from the world because of the pandemic, the illness and then death of my dog, and various other life changes and problems. I think I need to start getting back into living this year. Travel, see more of my friends, get some stuff sorted at home.

For my colour I’m going to be cheeky and choose a colour scheme instead of a single colour. I’m going with “moody”. This is definitely about fashion, not life. I am not moody at all. But I’ve found that a moody palette makes me feel happy and authentic.

Looking forward to hearing about your big changes this year Angie!

January 11, 2023 at 7:54 pm

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Angie, by indigo I mean a colour less bright than cobalt but not as dark and deep as navy…maybe warmer than some navies. Some might call it “French navy” or “bright navy.” But honestly, I’m taking any version, including all denims!

A close second colour for me was violet. Maybe half the year will be one and half the other.

January 11, 2023 at 8:00 pm

Bijou

Veteran

Word: Passion
Colour: Pink

In 2023, I want to live with a passion and zest for life, making the most of each and every day and the people, animals and places in my life. My theme song will be “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop and my style inspiration Elizabeth Taylor. It should be fun!

January 11, 2023 at 8:24 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Kate, thanks for sharing your story. You will always have the memories. Moving on with DH sounds outstanding! The time is finally right, and good luck!

kmass15584, thank you!

Brooklyn, engage is perfect, and I know you will do just that!

Suz, aha! I know what you mean. Dark cobalt or light navy. Queen Blue needs this too

January 11, 2023 at 8:37 pm

Christina F.

Veteran

Word: Connection
Color: Magenta

I need to get back out in the world, after covid and other tough life stuff, and live life to the full.

January 12, 2023 at 6:30 am

Lynn

Veteran

Angie I hope 2023 will bring you the changes you desire.
My word is Breathe and color is Teal.
I have felt very tightly wound these past few years. COVID and all with a 90 year old immunosuppressed mother I spend quite a bit of time with. I have been very into trying to control as best I can that which I really can’t control. I have also have had some deep personal issues that have come up which has been healing but painful. So my mantra will be “just breathe”. I chose teal because it is calming and soothing to me.

January 12, 2023 at 9:48 am

lyn67

Veteran

Late for this, sorry, but wanted to be able keeping track of it, too. My word would be AHEAD (as for when facing some changes) and my color would be GOLD (as to match more things with newer metall trends and the golden temples of my new specs).

January 12, 2023 at 12:06 pm

SeekingtoBePresent

Color: Verdun Green
Word: Mono-tasking

Verdun
Hex #487800
RGB 72, 120, 0
CMYK 40, 0, 100, 53

January 12, 2023 at 1:51 pm

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Adventure and teal.
I am a creature of habit, and I love my routines. But even without giving up my beloved routine, I can find everyday adventure. And I can embrace bigger adventures, too–trips, big bike rides, and the like. Not sure about the color, but teal sprang to mind. I often have a hard time choosing between green and blue. So I’ll take both.

January 12, 2023 at 9:05 pm

Mainelady

Veteran

Angie, this is one of my favorite posts! Your word and color for the year sound exciting and energizing.
I am always inspired and often impressed by word and color choices of fellow Fabbers.
I have needed to give some thought to my word choice. Many words will be important for me this year, however Navigate (followed very closely by Intension) will be my guide. No pun intended, but it just works out that way.
As we grow through life, many changes can be anticipated, but the most unexpected and challenging events can burst through your front door and must be faced, sometimes accepted and managed.
Sadly, we have had such a year. Our daughter is an alcoholic. The roller coaster ride of drinking, driving, denial, detox, rehab, sobriety, recovery, relapse, drinking….. has damaged the health, wellness, hope, trust and relationships of all who love her.
It has been an emotionally tumultuous year. I have needed to do a lot of hard work to manage my emotions. Living in absolute fear rapidly erodes wellness in all forms: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
The word Navigate will guide me to not just manage my heartache and feelings, but to move through them. Forward is where I am headed, to a place where wellness is restored, hope and gratitude are in abundance and both joy and peace can be found. It is possible and with the help of an amazing therapist and support group, for families of addicts, I am on my way.
My color was much easier to decide. I choose purple, but I love Laura’s violander and may adopt that. I used to enjoy purple, in all shades, but no longer had any in my wardrobe. A dear friend gave me a violet scarf and it has quickly become a happiness factor for me. It picks me up, perks me up, adds interest and a little something extra to my mostly neutral wardrobe. My intention is to add purple to my wardrobe, starting with accessories, shoes (I’m thinking purple suede booties, but open to inspiration) and a bag (perhaps a crossbody or camera bag, but willing to seize any style that clearly has my name written upon it).
2023! Wishing us all a year of fun and success with our word choices and colors!

January 13, 2023 at 3:20 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thanks for sharing, everyone! It’s been therapeutic and interesting.

Thanks, Lynn

Mainelady, thanks for wearing your heart on your sleeve. That’s a tough situation, and my heart goes out to you. I’m glad you feel supported through the heartache. Wishing you and your family strength and much love.

January 13, 2023 at 7:06 am

Isabel

Veteran

WOW !!! what an amazing thread !

April…I LOVE the change.

Mary..phew…that is a lot.

it’s amazing how many people are retiring. My husband also retired. Both my kids went to college. We lost a beloved pet and I have barely gone anywhere in 4 years. I have also done a TON of care taking. Moving in with my parents and sister ( who is intellectually disabled ) a few times after they had some serious illnesses.

I spent so much time thinking , ” I can’t wait to get back to normal.”

but my kids are gone and my husband is retired….that’s gone.

So my word is DEFINE. Define what I want my life to look like now and in the near future.

My color : navy. I’ve spent my entire adult life “anchored” in black clothes. It’s time to move on. : )

January 15, 2023 at 5:03 pm

Isabel

Veteran

WAIT !!!!! I want to change my word too !!!! LOL April set a precedent.

My word is MOORED ! I feel really unmoored because my pre covid life is gone. So I need to find a “place” to moor. yeah. that’s better.

January 15, 2023 at 5:06 pm

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I’m late to the party, but my word is “strength” and my color is pink. I chose “strength” because I want to be stronger, stand up for what I believe in, fight for what’s right. I chose the color pink because not only is it my favorite happy color, but it symbolizes being nurturing, playful, tranquil, and nostalgic.

January 16, 2023 at 6:54 pm

Shopping Total

(website)

Active Member

Thank you Angie for this enriching post.

January 18, 2023 at 4:41 am

Joy

Veteran

I had to give this more thought. Today as I look at more new snow and below zero temperatures. I chose Grow for my word and green for my color. The green will be warm with lots of yellow in it. Spring is months away but I feel that it is coming but it may be even slower than normal.

February 22, 2023 at 6:05 am

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A Word and Colour for 2023

Word: Change

Color: Sour Green

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About the Author

Word: Change

Color: Sour Green

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