It’s officially Spotify Wrapped, last-minute holiday shopping, and Color of the Year announcement season. Pantone declared Cloud Dancer will be the next big thing. Nobody cheered. Kinda feels like they phoned it in. Kinda feels like a fancy name for ‘white.’ Technically, white isn’t even a color, so we’d like to offer a few suggestions.
Why go outside? The sun’s too bright and the air’s too fresh. Yuck! Indoor Kid plays well with others (so long as nobody forces it to leave its bedroom). It’s a great accent color and brings contemporary energy to palettes that otherwise feel dull. Think of it like a pinch of sugar to brighten the flavors. But far less sugar than a Mountain Dew.
A little sticky and a little smelly, but nobody can accuse Gross Surface of failing to do the job. It’s a workhorse that performs in many areas. This elevated neutral is the perfect choice if you’re aiming for calm yet flavorful. Fussy, luxurious shades like Fawn or Tan can’t compete—Gross Surface is a color you have to earn.
She really has it all. Did you see those gauchos she got from Limited Too? Her parents must be loaded or something. At first glance, Aspirational Fifth Grader may feel a bit outdated. But it’s only a matter of time before she makes a comeback. This color brings a special level of freshness when used the right way. Pair her with equally bright colors or let her take center stage alongside neutrals.
You can see it a mile away. It’s high-visibility haute couture. Very useful for locating your son who disobeyed you, because honestly, you’re doing too much and you need to lay off a bit. Cautionary Tale is a rich color that lives right on the edge of fun but remains grounded with hints of brown. When used alongside a dark palette, Cautionary Tale really shines.
Maybe that gas station sushi roll wasn’t the best idea. But all of your favorite divas are this color: Mike Wazowski, Shrek, and the Grinch. Tummy Hurts is striking and memorable, which is exactly how it earned icon status. It’s a complex color that stands tall on its own. As part of a team, Tummy Hurts brings depth and maturity to a youthful palette without losing momentum.
