When Pantone—the undisputed global authority on colour—made a bold marketing move by celebrating Conan O’Brien’s signature hue, Team Coco Orange, in honor of his role as the Oscars 2025 host, it was a stroke of branding genius. While gold may have been the most coveted colour of the evening, Pantone’s decision to highlight a vibrant shade of orange showed a new level of innovation in their marketing.

​For years, Pantone’s marketing has been seen as relatively safe—focused on their Colour of the Year announcements and industry-focused palettes. But this strategic move signals a fresh approach, one that connects colour to pop culture, humor, and personal branding in an exciting way. As personal stylists, we can take a valuable lesson from this and apply it to how we help clients harness the power of color in both their personal and professional brands.

Colour is one of the most powerful tools in branding, whether for a person or a company. Studies show that up to 90% of snap judgments about a product or brand are based on colour alone. When chosen strategically, colour can communicate values, personality, and mood instantly, making it a crucial aspect of any branding effort.

​Consider some of the world’s most recognizable brands:

For personal stylists, understanding the psychology of colour and how it relates to branding is essential. A well-chosen colour palette can transform a client’s presence, helping them stand out and communicate their unique message with clarity.

Conan O’Brien has long been associated with his fiery red hair, which naturally lends itself to a bright, vibrant shade like Team Coco Orange. The selection of this bold orange as his signature color is no accident—it’s a reflection of his comedic style, high-energy presence, and quirky, fun-loving personality.

​Here’s why Team Coco Orange works so well as a branding tool:

This is something we, as personal stylists, can help our clients achieve—whether they are entrepreneurs, professionals, or influencers looking to establish a strong brand identity.

If we were to analyze Conan O’Brien using the 16-palette seasonal flow system, he would likely be a Striking Spring.
Here’s why:

Best Colours for a Striking Spring Like Conan:

By embracing his best colours, Conan naturally aligns his personal and professional image with a striking, high-energy presence.

For personal stylists, Pantone’s marketing move offers a powerful reminder that colour is more than just fashion—it’s a tool for influence. Here’s how we can incorporate this approach into our work:

If you’re a personal stylist looking to offer a modern, innovative approach to colour analysis, my 16-Palette Colour Analysis System is the perfect tool to elevate your services. Unlike outdated methods, this system:

✅ Provides more nuanced, customized results for your clients
✅ Helps you confidently colour-code public figures and high-profile clients
✅ Gives you a competitive edge with a refined, accurate system that aligns with real-world branding strategies

​Whether you’re new to colour analysis or want to enhance your expertise, this training will show you how to integrate powerful colour psychology into your styling practice—helping your clients look great and strengthen their brand identity.

Pantone’s move to highlight Team Coco Orange at the Oscars was more than just a nod to Conan O’Brien—it was a marketing masterclass in leveraging colour for maximum impact.

As personal stylists, we can take inspiration from this bold strategy to help our clients use colour not just to look great but to stand out, influence, and build powerful brands. Whether working with professionals, entrepreneurs, or influencers, a well-thought-out colour palette can be the key to unlocking visibility and success.

​By integrating colour analysis into branding discussions, we’re not just helping clients choose what to wear—we’re helping them make a lasting impact, just like Conan O’Brien with his signature Team Coco Orange.