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, descri bes "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.RELATED STORY | More women out-earning partners and analysts credit the 'Taylor Swift effect'"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." ...read more read less