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Hello! I can't wait to discover what color is set to be 2026. What's the scoop?

Prepare yourself, because every year since 1999, Pantone chooses a Color of the Year. This selection aims to capture the current cultural mood—shaping everything from our emotions and what we wear to how we design our living spaces. Last year's color was the darker neutral "a creamy brown," following the soft and warm "a delicate peach tone."

The new choice, though, is somewhat unexpected. It is "Cloud Dancer," described by a "soft and structural white."

Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Color Institute, stated that it is "a key structural color … allowing all colors to shine."

Hmm, Cloud Dancer… seriously, white? Could they be trolling us? Does white qualify as a real color?

Can you even describe the shade of milk? Milk? Although people often think of white as a color, all color is essentially a range of visible light. You can find it in a set of colored pencils, so I'd argue the answer is yes.

Whether Pantone is out of touch is more difficult to ascertain. According to their release, Cloud Dancer pairs effortlessly with other colors, avoids sensory overload, makes a minimalist statement, and radiates subtle elegance.

Feedback online, in contrast, has been less complimentary. Several voices have suggested Pantone of being completely "Pantonedeaf." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee called it "disappointing." Critics have likened it to implied endorsement of problematic concepts seen in other media.

Okay, one would hope they're happily ignorant that the timing is awkward to be overly emphasizing pure white... So, how might someone rarely near a catwalk apply this trend in my world? I recently coated my ceiling with white, is that enough?

It absolutely counts. This applies equally to your white headphones, tiles, or linen sheets.

It's interesting you mention runways, since many recent shows have been vibrantly colorful, featuring eco-friendly feathers on the runway.

The color white made appearances, as always, in luxury shows—from simple silk T-shirts to tailored gowns. High-profile figures have also been seen in crisp all-white attire at public appearances.

On the bright side is: chances are you already have items in this "subtle" color of the year. According to Pressman, Cloud Dancer "embodies a eco-friendlier decision for the sustainability-minded," which could mean avoiding the need to purchase fresh products at all.

AT LAST, a style movement for the truly minimalist. An empty canvas, in a manner of speaking. A cocoon of calming neutrality against the noise. Alright, I'm on board. Do you intend a whiteout for your wardrobe?

Definitely not. Attempting to remove tomato sauce stains from a white shirt? I don't need extra stain-removal drama in 2026.

I do own a pair of formerly pristine Birkenstocks, and such staples are always in vogue.