Cornflower Blue

Named for the vivid petals of a common European flower, cornflower blue is a bright, light to medium shade that’s closer to its purple counterpart on the color wheel than it is to its green neighbor. This color was popularized in the 1600s by Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer, and is also used to describe the vibrant hue of one of the world’s most valuable sapphires. Under the name Prussian blue, this shade is also the national color of Germany. In fact, the pigment was actually developed in Berlin in the late 18th century. If your wardrobe doesn’t already contain shades of cornflower, incorporate this beautiful blue into your spring shopping. Cornflower blue has been a force on the 2018 and 2019 runways, worn by top tier celebrities at the season’s hottest awards shows and even made headlines as a favorite hue of the royals. Drawn to this alluring shade? Try a cozy blue sweater, a sleek, fitted jacket, or a structured bag. We even love cornflower on our fingers and toes for an unexpected mani-pedi. This blue is endlessly appropriate for formal functions, especially if you’re tired of basic black. Blue is a perennial favorite in the home because of its soft, relaxing effect. Cornflower blue looks traditional but not boring when used with sunny yellow and crisp white in a kitchen or bedroom.