The Pantone Color Institute has selected "Cloud Dancer" as its Color of the Year for 2026 — a serene white shade to represent the coming year.
The organization, considered a top authority on color trends and brand advisory, describes "Cloud Dancer" as "a billowy, balanced white imbued with a feeling of serenity."
Pantone's executive director said "Cloud Dancer" also signifies people's desire for a fresh start.
It pairs well with a variety of different color palettes, including powdery pastel and neutral shadow tones.
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"Cloud Dancer lifts us to lofty heights where this diaphanous white breaks through gray skies revealing clear, breezy blues under a misted sunlight," said Pantone on its website.
The institute makes its annual decision after analyzing current cultural references and focusing on a specific color family. The Color of the Year honor began in 1999.
Last year's winner was the brown-based "Mocha Mousse," while 2024 featured "Peach Fuzz."
