🔗 Share this article

Hi there! I can't wait to discover what color has been chosen for 2026. What's the scoop?

Brace yourself, since every year beginning in 1999, Pantone chooses a defining hue. This choice is a reflection of the spirit of the times—influencing everything from our collective sentiment and fashion choices to home decor. The previous year's color was the rich tan "a creamy brown," following the soft and warm "a fuzzy pastel."

The new choice, in contrast, is particularly baffling. It is "Cloud Dancer," labeled as a "billowy, balanced white."

Laurie Pressman, the vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, stated that it is "a pivotal neutral tone … permitting all colors to be highlighted."

Well, Cloud Dancer sounds… wait, white? Are they joking? Is white even a distinct hue?

How does one describe the shade of milk? A blank page? Even though people often think of white as a color, all color is at its core a range of visible light. It appears in a set of colored pencils, so in everyday terms the answer is yes.

If 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 exudes refined calm.

Responses from critics, however, has been less complimentary. Several voices have suggested Pantone of being completely "Pantonedeaf." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee described it as "a let-down." Others have drawn parallels to subtle advocacy of problematic concepts seen in other media.

Right, hopefully they're cheerfully oblivious that the timing is awkward to be pointedly celebrating the color white... Therefore, how should I not exactly adjacent to a runway apply this news in daily life? I recently coated my kitchen ceiling white, does that qualify?

Yes, that certainly counts. The same goes for your earbuds, tiles, or favorite mug.

It's funny you mention runways, because many recent shows have been bold and fuzzy, featuring plant-based materials on the stage.

White ensembles made appearances, as per usual, in designer collections—from elegant blouses to sleek suits. Celebrities and public figures have also been photographed in crisp all-white attire at major events.

The positive takeaway is: you likely already own items in this "understated" designated shade. According to Pressman, Cloud Dancer "embodies a more sustainable choice for the eco-conscious," which could mean not having to buy anything new at all.

AT LAST, a design directive for the deeply unmotivated. A fresh start, if you will. A haven of serene simplicity against the chaos. Okay, I'm sold. Do you intend a whiteout for your closet?

Not a chance. Have you ever tried to remove red wine stains from a white shirt? I'm not seeking extra stain-removal drama in 2026.

I do have a pair of formerly pristine Birkenstocks, and those never go out of style.