Millennial Pink #F3CFC6

Millennial pink is less about symbolism and more about a moment. Around 2016 and 2017, a soft, muted pink showed up everywhere from sneakers to restaurant interiors, and the press gave it this name. Pantone's choice of Rose Quartz as one of its two 2016 Colors of the Year fed the trend.

Part of the appeal was that it felt like pink without the old baggage. Its muted, slightly beige tone read as gender-neutral, calm and stylish, which suited brands trying to look modern and approachable, from skincare startups to boutique hotels.

Because it is so tied to one period, some people now see it as dated. Others treat it as a soft neutral that works regardless of trends, much like beige or pale gray.

Millennial pink is a background color for lifestyle, wellness, beauty and fashion brands. Put dark text on it, like charcoal, deep green or burgundy; white text disappears. It makes clean social post backgrounds and website sections, especially with simple sans-serif type and plenty of space.

To keep it from looking stuck in the last decade, pair it with an unexpected accent such as rust, olive or cobalt. In interiors it works on walls and textiles alongside terrazzo, brass and green plants.