Special thanks to Ruby Guerrero for her help with this article.

The Pantone Color Institute unveiled PANTONE 11-4201, known as Cloud Dancer, officially naming it the 2026 color of the year on Dec. 4. The announcement immediately garnered widespread attention from color enthusiasts, as the shade stood in contrast to the more bold and expressive colors of prior years.

Spurred by the turn of the millennium, the Pantone Color of the Year program began in 1999 as an educational initiative to engage color enthusiasts around the world and highlight the cultural impact of color. Each year, Pantone selects between one and two shades that best express the mood and attitude of the new year, based on trends in fashion, entertainment, design, and global events.

“I think it’s picked as any other design element or trend gets picked – A group of people meet to discuss ideas and come to an agreement, and then put it out there. I expect that Pantone has employees that study trends and get inspired by that,” Megan Dulkinys, art teacher at West Chicago Community High School (WCCHS), said.

On the contrary, some believe there has to be something tied to the significance of the color.

“I think you could pick a color based on a cultural phenomenon or world event,” Suzanne Richardson, art teacher at WCCHS, said.

Students expressed surprise at the muted choice, noting it does not align with current trends they see around them.

“I feel like I’ve been seeing a lot of navy blue and dark green,” senior Lia Mazurski said. “I have not seen that many people wearing [Cloud Dancer], so that’s surprising.”

Contrary to previous color of the year nominations, Cloud Dancer stands out as an anomaly. What makes Cloud Dancer so unique from its predecessors is the reserved and muted nature of the color, when bold, eye-catching colors like Living Coral (2019) and Viva Magenta (2023) have been so prevalent.

The choice marks a noticeable shift from the vibrant and more saturated hues that have trended in recent years. According to Pantone, Cloud Dancer reflects a collective desire to slow down and recalibrate, providing individuals with a sense of relief from our overcommitted and overstimulated hustle culture.

“At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity. The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simplification, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external influences,” Vice President Laurie Pressman said via the company’s website.

Designers across industries have been quick to capitalize on Cloud Dancer’s growing appeal, using its subtlety and versatility to build a foundation for their products. In fashion, the shade is appearing in monochromatic and minimalist collections, incorporating a simple yet luxurious aesthetic.

“It’s a controversial choice for sure! I’m not sure I consider it a true color,” Richardson said.

Interior designers have begun incorporating Cloud Dancer into walls and furniture to create spaces that feel calming and serene. Even branding and product packaging have begun to adopt the color to a more relaxed society.

“Cloud dancer exemplifies our search for balance between our digital future and our primal need for human connection, a liminal space that is a launchpad for creative expression,” Vice President Laurie Pressman said on Pantone’s website.

Despite its popularity, Cloud Dancer has drawn significant criticism from the public. Many critics, including designers and marketers, called the choice bleak and boring. The color was seen as a retreat from the bold and expressive colors associated with the color of the year. Additionally, the selection of a white-based color sparked backlash amid rising concerns over white nationalism, racial inequality, and the rollback of DEI initiatives. Some observers also suggest Pantone intentionally chose a divisive color to generate controversy and media attention.

Love it or hate it, Cloud Dancer reflects the moment Americans are living in, showing how color can both mirror society and challenge it at the same time.