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Hello! I'm incredibly excited to find out what color has been chosen for 2026. What's the scoop?

Prepare yourself, because every year for over two decades, Pantone selects a defining hue. This selection aims to capture the spirit of the times—influencing everything from our collective sentiment and what we wear to how we design our living spaces. 2025's selection was the darker neutral "a creamy brown," which came after the gentle and peachy "a delicate peach tone."

The latest announcement, though, is somewhat unexpected. It is "Cloud Dancer," which Pantone calls a "billowy, balanced white."

Laurie Pressman, vice-president of the Pantone Color Institute, commented that it is "an essential foundational hue … allowing all colors to stand out."

Hmm, Cloud Dancer… hold on, just white? Are they joking? Does white qualify as a proper color?

How does one describe the color of clouds? Fresh snow? Even though many view white as a color, all color is at its core a spectrum of light waves. It's present in a child's crayon box, so in everyday terms the answer is yes.

If Pantone is out of touch is trickier to figure out. The company states, Cloud Dancer combines easily with other colors, avoids sensory overload, declares simplicity, and projects quiet sophistication.

Feedback online, however, has not been as kind. Some commentators have declared Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee called it "disappointing." Others have drawn parallels to subtle advocacy of certain ideologies seen in recent advertising.

I see, one would hope they're blissfully unaware that the timing is awkward to be explicitly championing whiteness... Therefore, how can a regular person not exactly adjacent to a catwalk apply this trend in daily life? My kitchen ceiling is my kitchen ceiling white, does that count?

That definitely qualifies. So would your earbuds, sink, or linen sheets.

It's funny you mention fashion shows, as many collections this year have been exceptionally bright, featuring plant-based fabrics on the runway.

All-white outfits were present, as always, in high-fashion looks—from elegant blouses to tailored gowns. Well-known individuals have also been spotted in pristine white attire at public appearances.

The positive takeaway is: chances are you already have pieces in this "understated" designated shade. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "embodies a greener option for the eco-conscious," which might translate to avoiding the need to purchase fresh products at all.

SO, a style movement for the inherently lazy. A blank page, if you will. A haven of calming neutrality against the noise. Alright, I get it. Do you intend a monochrome palette for your personal style?

Not a chance. Have you ever tried to get out tomato sauce stains from a white shirt? I could do without additional cleaning headaches in 2026.

I do possess a pair of once-white sandals, and this classic footwear are always in vogue.