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Hi there! I'm incredibly excited to learn what color will define 2026. What's the scoop?

Prepare yourself, since every year beginning in 1999, Pantone announces a defining hue. This selection aims to capture the zeitgeist—influencing everything from our emotions and what we wear to interior styling. Last year's hue was the rich tan "a coffee-inspired shade," preceded by the gentle and peachy "a delicate peach tone."

The new choice, in contrast, is particularly baffling. It is "an airy shade," described by a "ethereal and neutral white."

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

Hmm, Cloud Dancer… seriously, white? Are they joking? Is white even a distinct hue?

What is the best way to characterize the color of clouds? Milk? Although some consider white as a color, all color is essentially a perception of light wavelengths. It's present in a set of colored pencils, so I'd argue the answer is yes.

Whether Pantone is being provocative is more difficult to ascertain. They claim, Cloud Dancer pairs effortlessly with other colors, avoids sensory overload, declares simplicity, and exudes refined calm.

Feedback online, however, has been less complimentary. A number of observers have declared Pantone of being completely "Pantonedeaf." Style expert Mandy Lee described it as "a let-down." Others have drawn parallels to implied endorsement of controversial ideas seen in recent advertising.

Okay, hopefully they're happily ignorant that the timing is awkward to be pointedly celebrating whiteness... Anyway, how can a regular person who doesn't follow a runway apply this trend in my world? I recently coated my ceiling in white paint, does that qualify?

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

It's interesting you mention fashion shows, since many recent shows have been exceptionally bright, featuring naturally dyed fabrics on the catwalk.

White ensembles made appearances, as per usual, in high-fashion looks—from elegant blouses to collared dresses. Celebrities and public figures have also been photographed in crisp all-white attire at public appearances.

On the bright side is: chances are you already own something in this "subtle" designated shade. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "represents a eco-friendlier decision for the environmentally aware," which essentially suggests avoiding the need to purchase anything new at all.

AT LAST, a style movement for the inherently lazy. A blank page, so to speak. A sanctuary of monochromatic zen amid the chaos. Okay, I'm on board. Are you planning a all-white theme for your wardrobe?

Definitely not. Do you know how hard it is to get out grass stains from a white fabric? I'm not seeking additional cleaning headaches in 2026.

I do possess a pair of once-white sandals, and those remain perpetually fashionable.