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Hello! I'm incredibly excited to learn what color is set to be 2026. What's the scoop?

Get ready, as every year for over two decades, Pantone chooses a signature color. This choice is a reflection of the current cultural mood—influencing everything from our collective sentiment and what we wear to how we design our living spaces. The previous year's color was the rich tan "a creamy brown," following the soft and warm "a fuzzy pastel."

This year's announcement, however, is even more puzzling. It is "Cloud Dancer," described by a "billowy, balanced white."

Laurie Pressman, the vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, stated that it is "an essential foundational hue … enabling all colors to shine."

Interesting, Cloud Dancer… seriously, white? Are they joking? Does white qualify as a distinct hue?

How does one characterize the color of clouds? Milk? Even though some consider white as a color, all color is fundamentally a spectrum of light waves. It's present in a set of colored pencils, so I'd argue the answer is yes.

Whether Pantone is out of touch is trickier to figure out. The company states, Cloud Dancer mixes well with other colors, provides a calm backdrop, declares simplicity, and radiates quiet sophistication.

Responses from critics, in contrast, has not been as kind. Some commentators have declared Pantone of being completely "tone-deaf." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee labeled it "a let-down." Critics have compared it with implied endorsement of controversial ideas seen in recent advertising.

I see, one would hope they're blissfully unaware that the timing is awkward to be overly emphasizing pure white... Anyway, how might someone rarely near a catwalk use this news in everyday routine? I recently coated my kitchen ceiling white, does that count?

That definitely qualifies. This applies equally to your earbuds, tiles, or ceramic plate.

It's funny you mention runways, since many this season's presentations have been bold and fuzzy, featuring naturally dyed feathers on the catwalk.

White ensembles made appearances, as per usual, in luxury shows—from structured tops to collared dresses. Celebrities and public figures have also been seen in crisp all-white attire at major events.

The good news is: you likely already have pieces in this "subtle" designated shade. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "represents a eco-friendlier decision for the sustainability-minded," which essentially suggests not having to buy new items at all.

SO, a style movement for the truly minimalist. An empty canvas, in a manner of speaking. A haven of serene simplicity within the noise. I'm convinced, I get it. Do you intend a all-white theme for your closet?

Absolutely not. Do you know how hard it is to get out grass stains from a white shirt? I could do without additional cleaning headaches in 2026.

I do own a pair of now off-white comfort shoes, and such staples are always in vogue.