Clarity in Creativity: “Cloud Dancer” Named As Pantone Color of the Year 2026

Last week, Pantone released their always highly anticipated “2026 Color of the Year”:

“Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences.” 

This year’s selection for 2026 is: Cloud Dancer. It’s described as a neutral “serene” white symbolizing renewal, fresh starts, and quiet reflection. It’s a “conscious statement of simplification” in an overwhelming cacophony according to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Aside from the message that choosing a “neutral white” may send in this political climate, the last few selections were gorgeous, vibrant hues with names like “Mocha Mousse” and “Peach Fuzz” so from that perspective it’s understandable that the fashion and design world were taken back a bit! But, after some thought — and keep in mind I’m planning a wedding looking at white dress after dress — I found some inspiration by simply looking at their color palettes, this one in particular really spoke to me:

This gorgeous brown lady sipping coffee surrounded by warm light and beautiful art?

That’s my jam!

The palette reminded me of a BYO design board I completed for a client which I code named “Arizona Dreaming” — and I started writing a blog about but never finished…

Maybe I should get on that!