Every December, Pantone delivers its annual mood forecast in the form of a single shade — a colour they believe captures where we’re headed. For 2026, that colour is Cloud Dancer: an ultra-soft white they're describing as "a whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world."

It's the first time Pantone has ever tapped a shade of white for its coveted Colour of the Year. But zooming out, it makes sense. Rather than leaning into saturation or intensity, Pantone has gone the other way for 2026, choosing a hue that feels almost like a reset. In essence, Cloud Dancer is meant to bring a sense of ease — a pause, a clean slate, a moment of visual silence – in a world that rarely stops moving.

You can already see the the influence of Cloud Dancer taking shape across the cultural landscape. Crisp white featured heavily on the Bottega Veneta Summer 2026 runway, other-worldly bridal-inspired pieces continue to infiltrate Dilara Findikoglu's collections, while quiet luxury's penchant for simple, chic shades has refused to die. Take The Row's Summer 2026 collection for example, where simple, easy-to-wear shades of white bolstered a large portion of the pieces. Beauty has followed suit with milky nails and vanilla fragrances taking over our vanity's in 2025, as well as diffused matte finishes replacing the high-gloss era. Even interiors are on the cusp of a tonal reset, with plastered walls, chalky ceramics, boucle everything, and warm whites replacing stark gallery neutrals.

Ready to bring a little clarity into the new year? Here are our favourite ways to fold Cloud Dancer into your wardrobe, beauty routine and home.

ALAÏA Gathered jersey maxi dress 

DÔEN Lilibet lace-trimmed pintucked organic cotton-voile top

COTTON ON Shift Mini Dress

DIOR 007 Jasmine Nail Vernis

CHANEL Eclat Primer Bright Milky Essence

SHONA JOY Campbell square neck maxi dress

SHEET SOCIETY White Quilt Cover

DIPTYQUE Vanille Candle

IN THE ROUNDHOUSE White Scallop Dining Set

TONY BIANCO Minaj White Mesh/Patent