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There was once a time when the colour of the year arrived like a definitive statement. The crowned pigment was unanimously agreed as the one shade to rule them all, sealed by trend-forecasting councils and fashion gurus alike. But in 2026, the race is far more crowded, as algorithms, cultural moments and brands all compete for their tone to win our affection. This year, we have five contenders vying for the title of chosen hue. First up is the dream-like minimalism of Pantone’s colour of the year Cloud Dancer, which is starkly contrasted by WGSN’s bold Transformative Teal. On the other hand, IKEA’s Rebel Pink serenely complements the softness of Pinterest’s newly announced Cool Blue pick. And of course, no battle is complete without a wildcard. Enter our suggestion for the shade we think will be everywhere in 2026: Aperol Orange.
While only time will reveal how these shades will actually fare in 2026, each has already enjoyed its share of standout moments this year—giving them a distinct edge in this chromatic competition. Below, we’re rounding up these tones’ biggest highlights of 2025. Consider this your front-row seat to the colour showdown shaping the year ahead.
Pantone’s Cloud Dancer
Perhaps one of Pantone’s most controversial picks of recent years, Cloud Dancer is, ironically, more of a shade than a true colour. Selected for its supposed ability to evoke calm, clarity and a sense of understated optimism, the dreamy white reflects a growing desire for serenity amid the craziness of today’s cultural climate. The airy shade also acts as a serene counterpoint to the bolder hues on this list, and it’s already appeared as a key tone in Alberta Ferretti, Fendi and Alaïa’s 2026 collections.
WGSN’s Transformative Teal
According to WGSN, Transformative Teal is the perfect 2026 colour of the year for its ability to embody renewal, resilience and a sense of forward-looking calm. This deep blue‑green somehow feels both grounding and energizing, offering a fresh perspective amid a world facing increasingly complex challenges.
And, of course, it’s already been making major waves on recent runways, with designers like Head of State, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake and Nina Ricci exploring the shade in billowy matching separates, flowing coats and statement outerwear throughout their Spring 2026 lines.
IKEA’s Rebel Pink
Spirited, playful and unapologetically joyful—this light hue was selected as the IKEA colour of the year and crafted for people craving new opportunities for self‑expression and a sense of fun to liven up their spaces. According to IKEA, this pink pick is meant to provide a new way to inject personality into everyday surroundings, whether through statement furniture or subtle accents.
And of course, its impact has already extended far beyond living rooms, with designers like Simone Rocha and Kolor embracing the shade across their Spring 2026 collections. Plus, the celebration of the flirty hue feels like a natural continuation of 2025’s ‘Glindification,’ serving as a stylish farewell to Ariana Grande’s culture-shaping portrayal of the Good Witch.
Pinterest’s Cool Blue
Cool Blue is Pinterest’s colour of the year pick, chosen for its rising presence in searches for glacier-toned statement pieces, icy accessories and its elegant air of sub-zero sophistication. Its crisp, modern neutrality offers a cool counterpoint to warmer hues, which have already been played up in 2026 collections from Jacquemus and Tory Burch. The tone also famously made a statement on red carpets in 2025—most notably when Sabrina Carpenter stepped out in a backless pastel-blue JW Anderson gown earlier this year at the Grammys.
Aperol Orange
Bursting onto the scene with sun‑soaked energy, we’re putting our money on Aperol Orange for 2026. Its lively energy and citrusy sparkle feel like a call for optimism, unabashed confidence and a reminder that the new year brings brighter days ahead. Nobody made that case for this punchy shade more loudly than Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, who stepped out on December 8 in matching monochromatic custom orange looks by Chrome Hearts. Of course, the radiant hue’s reign doesn’t end with Kylie and Timmy, as designers like Loewe and Saint Laurent also ushered in the trend on the runways in standout Spring 2026 looks.
