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

Brace yourself, since every year since 1999, Pantone selects a signature color. This selection seeks to represent the current cultural mood—influencing everything from our emotions and our wardrobe selections to home decor. Last year's selection was the deep beige "a creamy brown," which came after the gentle and peachy "a delicate peach tone."

The new announcement, however, is particularly baffling. It is "Cloud Dancer," described by a "soft and structural white."

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

Hmm, Cloud Dancer… wait, white? Could they be trolling us? Is white even a proper color?

Can you even describe the color of clouds? Fresh snow? Even though many view white as a color, every hue is at its core 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 out of touch is more difficult to ascertain. The company states, Cloud Dancer mixes well with other colors, provides a calm backdrop, embodies understated style, and radiates subtle elegance.

Feedback online, on the other hand, has not been as kind. A number of observers have accused Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee called it "disappointing." Others have likened it to implied endorsement of controversial ideas seen in popular culture.

I see, it's to be hoped they're blissfully unaware that now is a sensitive time to be pointedly celebrating pure white... Anyway, how might someone who doesn't follow a fashion show incorporate this trend in daily life? I just painted my kitchen ceiling white, is that enough?

Yes, that certainly counts. This applies equally to your white headphones, bathtub, or ceramic plate.

It's interesting you mention runways, since many collections this year have been exceptionally bright, featuring eco-friendly fabrics on the stage.

All-white outfits made appearances, as always, in designer collections—from structured tops to sleek suits. Well-known individuals have also been photographed in crisp all-white attire at prestigious shows.

On the bright side is: you probably already possess items in this "understated" designated shade. According to Pressman, Cloud Dancer "embodies a more sustainable choice for the sustainability-minded," which could mean not having to buy fresh products at all.

SO, a design directive for the deeply unmotivated. A fresh start, so to speak. A cocoon of serene simplicity amid the noise. I'm convinced, I'm sold. Do you intend a whiteout for your closet?

Absolutely not. Attempting to get out red wine stains from a light garment? I could do without extra stain-removal drama in 2026.

I do own a pair of once-white sandals, and this classic footwear never go out of style.