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Greetings! I can't wait to discover what color has been chosen for 2026. What's the scoop?

Prepare yourself, as every year since 1999, Pantone chooses a Color of the Year. This pick aims to capture the spirit of the times—shaping everything from our collective sentiment and fashion choices to how we design our living spaces. Last year's selection was the darker neutral "a creamy brown," preceded by the soft and warm "a fuzzy pastel."

The latest selection, though, is somewhat unexpected. It is "a billowy white," labeled as a "soft and structural white."

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

Well, Cloud Dancer sounds… hold on, just white? Could they be trolling us? Can white truly be considered a proper color?

How does one define the shade of milk? A blank page? Even though some consider white as a color, the entire spectrum is at its core a spectrum of light waves. It appears in a child's crayon box, so in everyday terms the answer is yes.

The question of whether Pantone is out of touch is harder to determine. They claim, Cloud Dancer pairs effortlessly with other colors, isn't overstimulating, embodies understated style, and exudes quiet sophistication.

Responses from critics, however, has not been as kind. Some commentators have declared Pantone of being completely "out of touch." Trend analyst Mandy Lee described it as "underwhelming." Critics have compared it with subtle advocacy of problematic concepts seen in other media.

Okay, one would hope they're cheerfully oblivious that this isn't the best moment to be pointedly celebrating pure white... Anyway, how can a regular person who doesn't follow a runway use this trend in my world? I just painted my ceiling with white, does that qualify?

It absolutely counts. The same goes for your earbuds, bathtub, or linen sheets.

It's funny you mention runways, since many this season's presentations have been bold and fuzzy, featuring plant-based feathers on the stage.

White ensembles made appearances, as always, in designer collections—from structured tops to collared dresses. Well-known individuals have also been spotted in pristine white outfits at major events.

The positive takeaway is: chances are you already have pieces in this "discreet" chosen hue. As Pressman, Cloud Dancer "represents a greener option for the environmentally aware," which might translate to avoiding the need to purchase anything new at all.

SO, a design directive for the deeply unmotivated. An empty canvas, in a manner of speaking. A sanctuary of calming neutrality against the clutter. Alright, I'm sold. Are you planning a whiteout for your closet?

Absolutely not. Do you know how hard it is to get out red wine stains from a white fabric? I could do without additional cleaning headaches in 2026.

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