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Hi there! I can't wait to discover what color will define 2026. What's the scoop?

Get ready, because every year for over two decades, Pantone announces a signature color. This selection seeks to represent the zeitgeist—influencing everything from how we feel and fashion choices to how we design our living spaces. The previous year's hue was the rich tan "a creamy brown," preceded by the soft and warm "a delicate peach tone."

The new selection, however, is even more puzzling. It is "Cloud Dancer," which Pantone calls a "ethereal and neutral white."

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

Interesting, Cloud Dancer… seriously, white? Is this a prank? Is white even a proper color?

What is the best way to characterize the hue of a cloud? A blank page? While people often think of white as a color, all color is at its core a spectrum of light waves. It's present in a child's crayon box, so I'd argue 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, avoids sensory overload, embodies understated style, and exudes subtle elegance.

Feedback online, on the other hand, has proven more critical. Several voices have suggested Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Fashion and trend forecaster Mandy Lee described it as "disappointing." Others have likened it to coded promotion of problematic concepts seen in other media.

Right, one would hope they're cheerfully oblivious that this isn't the best moment to be overly emphasizing pure white... Therefore, how should I not exactly adjacent to a runway apply this news in everyday routine? I recently coated my kitchen ceiling white, does that count?

It absolutely counts. So would your wireless speakers, tiles, or ceramic plate.

The timing is curious you mention runways, since many this season's presentations have been exceptionally bright, featuring plant-based fabrics on the runway.

The color white were present, as per usual, in designer collections—from elegant blouses to collared dresses. Well-known individuals have also been seen in monochromatic white attire at public appearances.

On the bright side is: you probably already have something in this "discreet" chosen hue. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "embodies a more sustainable choice for the sustainability-minded," which might translate to skipping the requirement for fresh products at all.

SO, a fashion trend for the deeply unmotivated. A blank page, so to speak. A haven of serene simplicity against the clutter. I'm convinced, I'm sold. Will you be creating a whiteout for your personal style?

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

I do possess a pair of formerly pristine comfort shoes, and those never go out of style.