In early December, Pantone announced their 2013 Color of the Year, emerald.

Luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated, emerald is surprisingly flattering and easy to wear – it compliments neutrals, like camel, peach, and soft pinks, as well as other deep jewel tones, like ruby and eggplant.

Pantone describes emerald as “the color of growth, renewal, and prosperity,” and says that the color also symbolizes clarity, which sounds like the perfect color to wear in a brand new year! I put together two easy emerald based outfits – one with neutrals and one with brights.

Cardigan, J.Crew | Shell, J.Crew | Necklace, ModCloth | Bracelet, J.Crew | Watch, Michael Kors | Jeans, American Eagle | Nail polish, essie + Deborah Lippmann | Clutch, ASOS | Flats, Mel By Melissa

Necklace, Forever 21 | Dress, ModCloth | Earrings, Forever 21 | Clutch, Marc Jacobs | Heels, Mossimo | Nail polish, essie