Introducing Cloud Dancer, Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026. According to the colour tastemakers, the hue is a ‘lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection’. The ‘billowy white imbued with serenity’ set tongues wagging, with critics dubbing it boring, but we don’t agree. The calming colour is actually the perfect foundation for every wardrobe, home and even beauty bag, and here’s the proof.
Best Cloud Dancer fashion buys
Far from being boring, a soft white goes with any hue you can think of, from soft pastels and neutrals to vibrant colours, making it the perfect colour to invest in. You can mix and match it with fashion pieces you already own, using it as the building block of your outfit – think a classic tank top or a good white dress – or as the perfect finishing touch (a lofty trench coat, bag or shoes). You can start wearing it now in the form of a Cloud Dancer-inspired knit with jeans or a black pencil skirt, and start mixing it with pastels or pops of colour come spring. We love the idea of wearing the colour head-to-toe in summer too.
Best Cloud Dancer homeware buys
A tidy house brings a tidy mind, and if there’s a colour-version of tidiness, Cloud Dancer is it. Pantone agrees, explaining that their Colour of the Year will allow ‘the mind to wander and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation’. With that in mind, here are some great homeware pieces that will brighten up your home for the new year and infuse a dose of calm to your favourite rooms. We’ve focused on soft furnishings and accessories, like this delicately scented Chai Milk candle from Space NK and Vida Glow Liquid + Energy to glow like a cloud, as well as the Crisp Cotton H&M candle and M&S ceramic bobble lamp, since they are a quick and easy way to update a space without breaking the bank.
Best Cloud Dancer beauty buys
Whilst we aren’t advocating painting your lips and eyes with Tipp-Ex style shades, our beauty interpretation of the Cloud Dancer ethos is plump, pillowy skin, clear, glossy lips and a delicate shimmer on the eyelids. In other words, a natural and radiant look achieved with minimal effort. Milk’s Cloud Glow Primer, Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick Eye Shadow, Inglot’s lip oil, Surperdrug’s gentle moisturiser and Ariana Grande’s Cloud fragrance will help you achieve just that.
Best Cloud Dancer tech buys
If you’re investing in new tech this year, why not take a departure from the usual steel and black finishes and opt for off-white and creamy gadgets that’ll look both modern and ethereal? From hairdryers to cameras and smart watches, everything is getting the Cloud Dancer treatment this year.
Best Cloud Dancer food buys
There is no denying the strong influence colour has on food. Alongside smell, the visual appeal of food dictates whether you want to devour your plate or not. When we think of Cloud Dancer, we think of sweet and airy treats like marshmallows, comforting teas and soft textures. We dare you not to fall for these toasted marshmallow cookies, Blue Cloud tea, toasted coconut and other treats.
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