While the good folks over at PANTONE got quite a bit of mixed feedback last year when they announced that their “Color of The Year” for 2025 was a rich chocolate brown shade – with many commenting that it felt like they were phoning it in – I think the expectation was that something big, bold and beautiful would be selected for 2026 to liven things up a little. I mean, it was a tough year for a lot of people – let’s have a little fun heading into a new year with new opportunities and adventures!
While I had low-key been hoping for a vibrant red or orange, something I could really get into and have fun incorporating into my wardrobe and makeup collection as I traditionally tend to do every year, I really wasn’t expecting the color announced for this year at all.
For 2026, Pantone announced that their “Color of The Year” was 11-4201 – “Cloud Dancer”.
From THEIR ANNOUNCEMENT:
“Introducing Pantone Color of the Year 2026, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection. A billowy white imbued with serenity, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer encourages true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”
Guys, it’s white. It’s just white. And while white is, of course, a color – and one I wear often – even I was a bit let down at the simplicity of it. It also made me think of the famous Patty Hearst/Kathleen Turner courthouse scene in “Serial Mom” where it was made very, very, VERY clear we weren’t supposed to wear white after Labor Day.
I digress, “Cloud Dancer” is an effortlessly easy shade to match, so going through my closet and makeup bag didn’t take me too long. For example, I’ve been enjoying wearing pops of crisp, clean whites while wearing my emerald green coat from London Fog since the holiday season – like when I wore this white baby doll dress underneath it while grabbing lunch with Dan earlier this week.
And a snowflake bangle I received as a Christmas present has lovely little pearl accents to it, which fits the “Cloud Dancer” description too, I think!
The only thing I haven’t matched (yet) is my makeup – since I usually reserve white eyeliners or shadows for the Summertime when I’m not as pale as I am during the colder months – but that just means I’ll be wearing “Cloud Dancer” in one form or another throughout the year. Well played, PANTONE.
You’ll be seeing me in a lot of white this year, particularly in the Spring and Summer when I wear more of my delicate and feminine or beachy pieces – but I’m really hoping we get something much more creative and unique by the time the 2027 color is announced. I want to go bright and actually colorful the next time around!
And if you’d like to see some of my past Pantone-inspired series, I’ve linked them below!
Next week, I have a new recipe to share for those who are looking for healthy meal options to stick with their New Years Resolutions and a reflective look back on some of the things I’ve learned over this past decade as I get ready for a milestone birthday!
[ Photos by Dan Little ]
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 