What colour will dominate 2026 according to Pantone? It's Cloud Dancer

$A woman wearing the winter colour of the year \- Cloud Dancer$

Cloud Dancer - what colour is it?

The colour of the year 2025 was Mocha Mousse - a warm, enveloping shade of brown evoking hot chocolate, the calm of home and the need for security. It was a response to a time of uncertainty, an invitation to slow down and immerse oneself in the familiar and the comfortable. Today, however, we are officially saying goodbye to this colour and opening a new chapter. The year 2026 belongs to Cloud Dancer - a neutral, ethereal white that gives space instead of enveloping. It is a clear change of mood and direction. From a warm shelter towards lightness, freshness and silence. Cloud Dancer does not compete for attention, it does not dominate the styling or the interior - it becomes a background that allows form, texture and emotion to resound.

This choice is not accidental. After years of intense stimuli and an excess of content, we increasingly feel the need for simplicity and balance. However, Pantone's white is not cool or sterile. It is a soft, subtly warm shade that calms the senses and symbolises a new beginning - a clean slate on which to write your own story. The transition from Mocha Mousse to Cloud Dancer is not only a change of colour of the year, but also a change of narrative. We move from comfort and safety into a stage of reflection, lightness and conscious minimalism. It is an invitation to redefine the aesthetic - less literal, more emotional. White 2026 does not end the story. She is just beginning it.

$Colour of the year 2026 according to the Pantone Institute \- Cloud Dancer$

How will we wear the colour of the year 2026 - Cloud Dancer?

The Cloud Dancer colour is already starting to make an appearance in styling. It is a shade that can change character depending on what you pair it with and what materials you put in the foreground. Its strength lies in its versatility - it can play a leading role and then give the effect of freshness, lightness and elegant minimalism, but it also works well as a neutral base that calms the whole and allows textures, colours and accessories to play out. It's also a great choice if you want to move away from classic white but still stay within a bright, timeless aesthetic. Subtle yet very contemporary - exactly the right shade to easily match different moods and occasions. We've put together some inspiration for you with the colour of the year in the lead.

$Woman styled in Cloud Dancer shade \- leggings, sweatshirt and UGG Tazz$

Wool jumper in Cloud Dancer shade starring

Do you like total looks, but with a slight break from the pattern? This look is exactly in that vein. Coherent in colour, yet with a unique vibe. The base is the Varley wool jumper with a fairisle pattern in a blue shade, which emphasises its winter appeal. Pair the jumper with soft, loose-leg trousers in the same shade for a full, enveloping total look that's perfect for cold days and outings. If you prefer a sportier finish and a more pronounced contrast, opt for leggings in a shade of broken white to brighten up the look, highlight its lightness and give it a more dynamic, modern feel. Finally, accessories that can transform any look. A soft beanie and scarf with the same pattern as the jumper round off the look and add a touch of fashion flair. The perfect choice for both everyday wear and winter occasions when you want to look stylish but above all feel comfortable.

Woman in a wool jumper in the Cloud Dancer shade

A ski look for the slopes

The Cloud Dancer ski look is for those who value not only functionality on the slopes, but also a consistent, refined aesthetic. Global brands reacted immediately and included this trendy colour in their collections, such as Perfect Moment, Goldbergh and Bogner. This bright, subtle colour contrasts beautifully with the winter landscape, and at the same time adds a light and modern touch to styling. It is the perfect alternative to classic black or intense colours - fresh, minimalist and very stylish.

Woman in ski jacket in 2026 Cloud Dancer shade

Cloud Dancer works well with ski silhouettes. It emphasises the clean lines of technical jackets and trousers, exposes material textures and gives even a sporty look a more luxurious expression. In this look, the functional elements - warm layers, ergonomic cuts and protective details - fit naturally into an aesthetic of calm elegance. It's a look that effortlessly combines comfort with trends and shows that style on the slopes can be just as thoughtful as it is off.

Woman in Perfect Moment ski suit in shade Cloud Dancer

Cloud Dancer with a sporty twist

Do you like to look good during your workout too? Fashion has long proven that it can fit in well with a sporty statement, and the Cloud Dancer is a prime example. In this look, white takes on a modern, technical feel, combining minimalism with functionality. The white sweatshirt and sweatpants by On create a cohesive, polished total look that looks light, fresh and very contemporary. Simple forms and high-quality materials emphasise the sporty silhouette, while making the total look stylish not only in the training room, but also outside it. It's a set that transitions seamlessly from activity to everyday wear, without having to change outfits. The Cloud Dancer in this version is a combination of comfort, technology and aesthetics - ideal for those who go for style-consciousness even in a sporty way.

Woman in ON sports sweatshirt in a shade similar to Cloud Dancer

Cloud Dancer in a sleek winter look

For those who want a softer, more modern look in the winter months, we have a last suggestion. In this version, Cloud Dancer shows a more refined side: the light, subtle shade becomes a balancing point for stronger accents and adds lightness to the styling. The juxtaposition of black flowing trousers with a loose leg and a sheepskin jacket from Stand Studio in the shade Cloud Dancer creates a contrast that looks extremely refined and timeless. The flowing line of the trousers accentuates the silhouette and adds an elegant touch to the overall look, while the soft texture of the fur introduces winter warmth and a luxurious feel. It is a style that strikes the perfect balance between classic and trendy. It is crisp yet unobtrusive, finely detailed and ready for cold days in an urban setting.

Woman in black trousers and sheepskin jacket in a shade similar to Cloud Dancer

Pantone colour of the year 2026 - summary

The Pantone Institute's choice of colour of the year has been setting the fashion trend for years, and this time is no different. The unassuming, at first glance, shade of white has caused quite a stir in the trend world, and this is just the beginning. Cloud Dancer works well as the perfect backdrop to a look, but is just as striking when worn solo. From classic woollen jumpers to everyday minimalist ensembles and trendy slope looks. This colour adapts seamlessly to different occasions and aesthetics. We hope that we have inspired you to make your own interpretations and that Cloud Dancer will also make its way into your wardrobe in the coming year.