Every year, design enthusiasts and artists wait with bated breath for the Pantone Color of the Year announcement, a significant forecast that captures the current social culture, mood and attitude, as well as shapes lifestyle trends and global zeitgeist for the year to come. This year, the Institute has zeroed in on PANTONE 17-1230 ‘Cloud Dancer’ as the deciding colour – describing it as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection”.
Taking to Instagram, Pantone shared, “Introducing PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a lofty white neutral whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world. A billowy white imbued with serenity, it invites true relaxation and focus, allowing the mind to wander and creativity to breathe.”
The colour ‘Cloud Dancer’ symbolises a “calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection” — much needed in this chaotic day and age.
According to the official website of Pantone, it is a key structural colour whose versatility provides scaffolding for the colour spectrum, allowing all colours to shine. “In a world where color has become synonymous with personal expression, this is a shade that can adapt, harmonize, and create contrast, bringing a feeling of airy lightness to all product applications and environments, whether making a standalone statement or combined with other hues,” further read the site.
Pastel and neutral tones make compatible combinations with Cloud Dancer, offering subtle hue shifts that are nuanced, pleasing, and understated.
Take inspo from Kareena and Tapsee to add a cloud dancer to your wardrobe. (Source: Instagram/@kareenakapoorkhan, @tapseepannu)
Quick tips on styling
Take a cue from Bollywood stars and learn how you can style the shade:
Layering is key: Take a leaf out of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s stylesheet and amp up an otherwise basic all white monotone look with a blazer in a contrasting colour for a semi-formal look. Her crisp white shirt and trouser combo paired with a textured navy blue blazer at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend set serious fashion goals.
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Go ethnic: A crisp white salwar suit is perfect for the many events and celebrations this wedding season. From pure cotton for day events to organza for chilly evenings, pair your suit with flared pants and a dupatta in a contrasting colour to keep it chic yet elevated. Take a cue from Alia Bhatt’s looks from Kalank’s promotions and go for oxidised silver jewellery and a pair of juttis to complete the look. You can pull your hair up in a bun or let it loose, whichever suits your mood.
Jazz it up: White need not always mean boring. Add a touch of glam to your look by pairing your white shirt with blingy sequinned pants, just like Tapsee Pannu.
How to style Pantone colour of the year 2026 (Source: Instagram/@ishaankhatter)
Keep it classic: Black and white never goes wrong! Ishaan Khatter’s satin white shirt paired with tailored black trousers and a matching black scarf oozes oodles of charm.
For 2025, the Pantone Color Institute had selected PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a luxurious, warm, brown hue that boasted delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, representing comfort and thoughtful indulgence. Redolent with the essence of cacao, chocolate, and coffee, this sophisticated brown makes for a versatile shade that blends sophistication and earthy refinement.
