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

Prepare yourself, because every year beginning in 1999, Pantone selects a Color of the Year. This choice seeks to represent the current cultural mood—influencing everything from our collective sentiment and what we wear to home decor. Last year's hue was the deep beige "a coffee-inspired shade," preceded by the gentle and peachy "Peach Fuzz."

This year's choice, however, is particularly baffling. It is "Cloud Dancer," described by a "billowy, balanced white."

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

Well, Cloud Dancer sounds… wait, white? Are they joking? Does white qualify as a real color?

How does one characterize the hue of a cloud? Milk? While people often think of white as a color, all color is essentially a spectrum of light waves. It's present in a set of colored pencils, so in everyday terms the answer is yes.

The question of whether Pantone is out of touch is trickier to figure out. According to their release, Cloud Dancer combines easily with other colors, isn't overstimulating, declares simplicity, and radiates refined calm.

Responses from critics, on the other hand, has been less complimentary. A number of observers have accused Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Style expert Mandy Lee labeled it "disappointing." Some have even compared it with subtle advocacy of problematic concepts seen in popular culture.

I see, hopefully they're blissfully unaware that the timing is awkward to be pointedly celebrating whiteness... So, how might someone not exactly adjacent to a fashion show incorporate this trend in everyday routine? I just painted my ceiling in white paint, does that count?

It absolutely counts. So would your white headphones, bathtub, or ceramic plate.

It's funny you mention fashion shows, because many recent shows have been exceptionally bright, featuring naturally dyed fabrics on the runway.

White ensembles featured prominently, as always, in designer collections—from simple silk T-shirts to sleek suits. Well-known individuals have also been seen in crisp all-white ensembles at major events.

On the bright side is: you probably already own something in this "subtle" chosen hue. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "represents a greener option for the environmentally aware," which could mean skipping the requirement for new items at all.

AT LAST, a fashion trend for the inherently lazy. A fresh start, so to speak. A sanctuary of serene simplicity against the clutter. I'm convinced, I get it. Are you planning a all-white theme for your wardrobe?

Definitely not. Have you ever tried to clean red wine stains from a light garment? I could do without additional cleaning headaches in 2026.

I do possess a pair of once-white comfort shoes, and those are always in vogue.