This week, You! shares how this year’s Pantone colour, Cloud White, can be styled and worn…
beauty
Fion often moves in cycles. After periods marked by bold colour and heavy styling, it tends to return to restraint. Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2026 reflects that shift. Cloud White enters as a measured choice, steady and deliberate. This is not bridal white. It is neither icy nor creamy. Cloud White sits in a softened range that feels considered and wearable. It does not compete for attention. Instead, it creates room for styling to lead. That quality explains its growing presence across collections and editorials.
Cloud White works because it highlights form. It rewards clean cuts and the colour translates well across fabrics. From crisp cotton and structured crepe to silk, lawn and heavier wool blends. This is a shade that depends on styling. When the fit and finish are right, it looks clean and current.
This week, You! breaks down how Cloud White can be worn across silhouettes and settings, offering styling cues for every day and occasion dressing…
The power suit, rewritten
A Cloud White tailored suit instantly feels editorial. Think straight-leg trousers, defined shoulders and a clean blazer cut. Styling matters. Skip anything fussy underneath. A tonal camisole, a structured top or even a sharp button-down keeps the look controlled. Footwear should ground the outfit, nude heels, pointed flats or metallic sandals work well. Hair slicked back or worn in a low bun sharpens the look further. This is the kind of outfit that works for workdays, formal lunches and events where polish is expected.
Jumpsuits that do the
work for you
A jumpsuit in Cloud White is effortless dressing with impact. Wide legs, cinched waists, halter necks or one-shoulder cuts keep the silhouette interesting. The colour allows bold construction without feeling heavy. This is where accessories come in. A statement belt, structured bag or sculptural jewellery elevates the look. Keep makeup clean and skin-focused to balance the structure.
Eastern wear that feels current
Cloud White thrives in Eastern wear because it highlights craftsmanship. A shalwar kameez in this shade feels fresh when the cut is right. Straight silhouettes, clean necklines and thoughtful detailing matter more than heavy embellishment.
A long kameez paired with straight pants reads modern and polished. A classic shalwar adds ease without losing shape. Fabrics do the heavy lifting here, crisp lawn for day, silk or organza for evening.
Farshi shalwars in Cloud White deserve special mention. The volume looks regal when styled with restraint. Pair with a shorter kameez or a fitted top to balance proportions. Keep jewellery minimal and let the silhouette speak.
Kaftans, but make them styled
A kaftan in Cloud White walks the line between relaxed and refined. The trick lies in structure. Defined sleeves, a controlled drape or a belted waist prevents the look from feeling too casual. This is ideal for intimate gatherings, dinners or events where comfort meets style. Footwear should stay clean; slides, sandals or low heels work best.
Fashion risk-taking
For those leaning into fashion-forward dressing, a Cloud White corset paired with flared pants delivers contrast through shape. The structured top anchors the look, while the pants add movement. Keep the styling tight. Hair slicked back. Makeup neutral but defined. Accessories minimal. This outfit works because it looks deliberate from head to toe.
Formalwear and
occasion dressing
Cloud White transitions seamlessly into festive wear. A lehenga choli in this shade feels modern when embroidery stays tonal or texture-based. The focus shifts to craftsmanship rather than colour contrast. Long kameez silhouettes with controlled detailing work beautifully for formal evenings. The colour allows jewellery to take centre stage without clashing.
Beauty and makeup: where
the look comes together
Makeup plays a crucial role
when wearing Cloud White. Because the colour is soft, the face needs definition.
Skin should look fresh and well-prepped. A soft base with concealed imperfections works best. Blush placement matters, keep it lifted and controlled to avoid washing out the face.
Eyes can go two ways. For daytime, stick to warm neutrals, soft browns or taupe tones with clean liner. For evenings, add definition through kohl-lined eyes or a smoked lash line without going dramatic.
Brows should be groomed but natural. Lips work best in muted tones, nude pinks, soft browns or rose shades. Skip overly glossy finishes unless the rest of the look stays minimal.
Hair should feel styled, not undone. Sleek buns, low ponytails, soft waves or straight finishes all complement the colour well. Avoid overly messy textures that clash with the clean nature of Cloud White.
