Why Is Digital Lavender the Color of 2023?

*The author generated this text in part with ChatGPT, OpenAI’s GPT-3 large language model. The content was reviewed, edited, fact-checked, and revised by our editorial team.

Trend forecasting company WGSN marked digital lavender as the color of the year. We don’t know about you, but when looking at the subtle purple shade, we immediately feel calmer and more at peace. The cool tone is soothing and promotes relaxation, spirituality, and optimism. Perhaps these are the exact feelings we missed during the height of COVID-19.

Learn the meaning behind the color of 2023 and why it’s the perfect shade as we transition into a post-pandemic world.

Digital lavender on the visible light spectrum

Lavender is a short-wavelength color, meaning it has a short wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In this light spectrum, colors range from violet with the shortest wavelength to red with the longest. Short-wavelength colors are typically considered cool shades, often associated with calmness, tranquility, and mental clarity.

In design and fashion, shorter wavelength colors like blue, green, and purple are often used to create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Longer wavelength colors like red, orange, and yellow, on the other hand, are considered warm shades and are associated with energy, excitement, and warmth.

What is the meaning behind digital lavender?

The soft purple hue of digital lavender evokes a sense of calmness and serenity. During the pandemic, feelings of uncertainty and apprehension were at their peak. Welcoming a tranquil lavender to move toward a post-pandemic world is necessary for healing.

With stability and balance comes mental health and wellness. Lavender is also an ideal marker of 2023 to urge people to practice self-care, ease anxiety, and prioritize mental and physical wellness — whatever that means to you.

According to WGSN, the return of purple as this year’s color can represent digital escapism. For some, concentrating on mental health means spending less time on social media and more time in the “real” world. The pandemic reminded us of how isolating the internet can be and how crucial it is to our sociability and psychological well-being to embrace face-to-face interaction.

The light and mellow lavender tone also emits sensations of optimism. It’s a very imaginative and dreamy shade that encourages creativity and emotional expression (think: pastel colors of a mythical unicorn).

Lastly, digital lavender is a gender-neutral color. Its versatility can appeal to and be worn by nearly everyone. It doesn’t scream femininity or masculinity, and its genderless nature aligns with society’s surging focus on inclusivity. The tranquility and uplifting nature of digital lavender is the perfect way to enter 2023 and move away from the feelings of uneasiness brought on by COVID-19.

Incorporating digital lavender into your beauty routine

Digital lavender is a great go-to shade (or fragrance) when looking for a subtle pop of color or a delicate, fresh scent. Here’s some inspiration to welcome similar soft purples into your beauty routine:

Eyeliner

Epic Wear Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner in Lilac from NYX
Slim Creamy Eyeliner Pencil in Lavender Shimmer from NYX
Colour Excess Gel Pencil Eyeliner in Commitment Issues from MAC

Eyeshadow

24/7 Eyeshadow in Sheer Lilac Shimmer from Urban Decay
Charged Up Liquid Eyeshadow in Lavender from Sephora Collection
Norvina Pro Pigment Palette Vol. 5 for Face & Body in Lilac from Anastasia Beverly Hills

Lipstick

Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick in Matte Lavender Purple from Sephora Collection
Velvet Matte Lipstick in Sydney Lavender from Gucci
Me Nude Silky Satin Lip Color in Lilac Pansy from Christian Louboutin

Nail polish