How to Wear Pantone’s Controversial Color of the Year 2026 — Shop All-White Handbags, Sweaters, Makeup Faves, and More

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Pantone Color of the Year 2026 Fashion & Beauty Shopping List

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Anyone who’s spent any time on social media as of late has likely already heard the buzz. Color expert and trend-forecasting giant Pantone just cut the ribbon on its 2026 Color of the Year, which it’s been updating annually for the past 26 years — making this the first time in 26 years that it chose the color… white?

The rationale behind this nothing-short-of-interesting choice is as (perhaps intentionally?) misty as the hue itself. Pantone’s winning colorway, Cloud Dancer, is supposed to “serv as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection,” per the brand. It goes on to say that the shade’s goal is to foster “relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.”

Whichever way you might feel about the neutral tone (that can be found on almost every wall in your office and home), its undeniable appeal lies in the fact that Cloud Dancer never feels overwhelming. It’s the blank slate needed to think clearer and more fruitful thoughts — something that’s likely going to be a part of many people’s New Year’s resolutions for 2026.