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Hi there! I can't wait to find out what color is set to be 2026. Fill me in on the details!

Prepare yourself, as every year beginning in 1999, Pantone announces a defining hue. This selection aims to capture the spirit of the times—shaping everything from our collective sentiment and fashion choices to how we design our living spaces. 2025's selection was the darker neutral "Mocha Mousse," following the gentle and peachy "a fuzzy pastel."

This year's selection, however, is even more puzzling. It is "an airy shade," which Pantone calls a "billowy, balanced white."

Laurie Pressman, VP of the Pantone Color Institute, remarked that it is "a key structural color … allowing all colors to be highlighted."

Interesting, Cloud Dancer… seriously, white? Is this a prank? Is white even a real color?

What is the best way to describe the color of clouds? A blank page? Although some consider white as a color, all color is essentially a spectrum of light waves. It appears in a box of crayons, so I'd argue the answer is yes.

The question of whether Pantone is out of touch is trickier to figure out. They claim, Cloud Dancer combines easily with other colors, avoids sensory overload, declares simplicity, and projects refined calm.

Feedback online, in contrast, has proven more critical. A number of observers have suggested Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Style expert Mandy Lee called it "a let-down." Others have compared it with coded promotion of certain ideologies seen in other media.

Right, one would hope they're cheerfully oblivious that the timing is awkward to be pointedly celebrating the color white... So, how can a regular person not exactly adjacent to a runway incorporate this news in my world? I just painted my ceiling with white, is that enough?

It absolutely counts. So would your white headphones, sink, or linen sheets.

It's funny you mention catwalks, as many this season's presentations have been vibrantly colorful, featuring eco-friendly materials on the catwalk.

All-white outfits were present, like always, in designer collections—from elegant blouses to collared dresses. High-profile figures have also been spotted in pristine white ensembles at major events.

On the bright side is: chances are you already have something in this "understated" chosen hue. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "signifies a eco-friendlier decision for the eco-conscious," which essentially suggests avoiding the need to purchase anything new at all.

SO, a fashion trend for the deeply unmotivated. An empty canvas, in a manner of speaking. A haven of monochromatic zen amid the clutter. Okay, I'm on board. Do you intend a all-white theme for your personal style?

Not a chance. Do you know how hard it is to remove tomato sauce stains from a white fabric? I could do without more laundry disasters in 2026.

I do own a pair of once-white sandals, and those are always in vogue.