‘CLOUD DANCER’ IS THE 2026 COLOR OF THE YEAR—7 FUN WAYS TO WEAR IT IN THE V.I.
You’re not seeing things—Cloud Dancer is, essentially, white.
Pantone announced its annual Color of the Year for 2026 as Cloud Dancer, describing the hue as “a lofty white that serves as a symbol of calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of quiet reflection.”
Sounds lovely.
A Little Background
Pantone is a company that specializes in color, and what it says has major influence. It assigns each color a specific name and number—in the case of this year’s color, it’s Cloud Dancer 11-4201. This prevents confusion and ensures consistency, whether a color appears on a runway look, a lipstick, a fabric swatch, or a product label.
Pantone doesn’t just track color, though; it studies culture. Each year, its experts analyze trends across fashion, beauty, art, design, technology, film, social media, and even global events. The Color of the Year is meant to reflect the collective mood—how people are feeling and what they’re drawn to emotionally.
SIDE NOTE: With all the upheaval in the world right now, Lord knows we can use as many things as possible that offer some sense of calm. Thanks, Pantone!
Because Pantone has serious credibility and works directly with major fashion houses, beauty brands, retailers, printers, and manufacturers, its color predictions are seen as sort of a bible for the industry. When Pantone speaks, the fashion world listens—and often designs accordingly. Designers plan collections months—or years—in advance, and Pantone’s guidance helps align everything from fabrics and packaging to marketing and retail displays.
Lots of Ways to Wear It
Cloud Dancer was featured prominently on the runways of Spring/Summer 2026 collections that rolled out last fall. Soon, you’ll start seeing the color everywhere at your favorite retailers, whether shopping in-person or online.
But, girls, it might not be necessary to run out and purchase items in the specific color of Cloud Dancer (unless you really want to). If you have clean, crisp white pieces at the ready in your closet, I’d say you’re already in the game!
Here are 7 fun ways to wear Cloud Dancer this year in the Virgin Islands and abroad:
1. White button-down or dressy blouse, like this one from Walmart. You should already have a white button-down as a staple in your closet. It’s one of those pieces that works overtime and is part of the foundation for a great wardrobe. Wear it with jeans, slacks, shorts, as a cover-up…the options are endless!
2. A shirt dress. I haven’t worn my white shirt dress in a while, but I’ll definitely be bringing it back for Cloud Dancer season in 2026!
3. All-white, everything! Last November, we highlighted the exclusive all-white experience on St. Thomas that was Bacchanal En Blanc. Pull together your own chic, all-white look like a true fashionista in head-to-toe Cloud Dancer.
4. Dance on the clouds (see what I did there?) with shoes! Sneakers, heels, flats, mules…get them in crisp white to rock the Cloud Dancer trend.
5. Your next mani/pedi.
Who doesn’t love a clean and classic all-white mani/pedi for summer or for us in the Caribbean, year-round? It never gets old and looks great on everyone!
6. A leather bag (backpack, cross-body or tote). Accessorizing with Cloud Dancer is a smart way to build the color into your wardrobe over the year. And ladies, a white belt and/or a white purse will never, ever go out of style!
7. Spritz on a fragrance. Interestingly, there is (was) an actual perfume named Cloud Dancer, but apparently, it’s “sold out forever,” according to the company. However, if you can appreciate the serene, airy, fresh vibe of Cloud Dancer (the color), try this brand or this scent from Prada.
