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

Brace yourself, because every year beginning in 1999, Pantone announces a Color of the Year. This choice is a reflection of the zeitgeist—influencing everything from our emotions and what we wear to how we design our living spaces. The previous year's selection was the rich tan "a coffee-inspired shade," preceded by the subtly inviting "Peach Fuzz."

This year's announcement, however, is somewhat unexpected. It is "a billowy white," described by a "soft and structural white."

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

Well, Cloud Dancer sounds… wait, white? Is this a prank? Is white even a proper color?

Can you even define the shade of milk? A blank page? Even though some consider white as a color, all color is fundamentally a perception of light wavelengths. You can find it in a child's crayon box, so in everyday terms the answer is yes.

The question of whether Pantone is pulling our leg is harder to determine. They claim, Cloud Dancer mixes well with other colors, isn't overstimulating, makes a minimalist statement, and projects quiet sophistication.

Responses from critics, however, has not been as kind. A number of observers have suggested Pantone of being completely "Pantonedeaf." Style expert Mandy Lee called it "underwhelming." Others have likened it to coded promotion of certain ideologies seen in other media.

I see, hopefully they're blissfully unaware that now is a sensitive time to be explicitly championing the color white... So, how might someone rarely near a catwalk use this news in daily life? I recently coated my ceiling in white paint, does that qualify?

Yes, that certainly counts. So would your white headphones, sink, or favorite mug.

The timing is curious you mention runways, since many this season's presentations have been vibrantly colorful, featuring eco-friendly materials on the runway.

The color white featured prominently, like always, in high-fashion looks—from elegant blouses to sleek suits. High-profile figures have also been seen in pristine white attire at prestigious shows.

The good news is: you likely already own items in this "subtle" designated shade. In the words of Pressman, Cloud Dancer "signifies a greener option for the environmentally aware," which could mean not having to buy anything new at all.

SO, a fashion trend for the deeply unmotivated. An empty canvas, so to speak. A haven of monochromatic zen against the chaos. I'm convinced, I'm on board. Are you planning a all-white theme for your personal style?

Definitely not. Do you know how hard it is to get out tomato sauce stains from a light garment? I don't need extra stain-removal drama in 2026.

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