The Color of the Year? Yes, It Matters More Than You Think.
By Lisa Eide, owner of Her Happy Place, style curator and lover of all things beautiful
Each January, as the holiday lights dim and a fresh new year unfolds, an interesting little tradition quietly takes place—a tradition that might not make headlines, but still manages to find its way into our wardrobes, living rooms, and even our morning coffee rituals.
It’s the announcement of the Color of the Year.
Now, if you're thinking, “Do we really need a color of the year?” — fair question. It might sound like something the fashion world dreamed up to keep itself entertained, but there's more to it than meets the eye. A lot more, actually.
So pour something warm—or maybe iced, now that the sun’s making longer appearances—and let’s chat about what this tradition is all about, what the color of the year brings us, and how it can inspire our style as we step into the beauty of Minnesota's spring and summer.
What Even Is the Color of the Year?
The most recognized name behind this annual announcement is Pantone, a color company that’s been setting the standard in design industries for decades. Every year, their color experts look far and wide—across art, nature, fashion, politics, technology, social media, and street style—to choose one single color that captures the emotional pulse of the moment.
For 2025, that color is Mocha Mousse.
A warm, earthy, comforting brown, Mocha Mousse is rich without being flashy. Think soft suede, rich cocoa, or your favorite morning latte. It’s the kind of color that makes you exhale. Grounding. Steady. Quietly beautiful.
More Than a Trend—It’s a Feeling
Colors are more than surface decoration. They affect how we feel—psychologists, designers, and stylists all agree on that. Certain shades uplift, others calm. Some energize, others soothe.
Mocha Mousse falls into that soothing camp. It offers comfort without dullness, warmth without heaviness. It’s not just about what’s “in style”—it’s a visual reflection of what many of us are longing for. Peace. Simplicity. Something real.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, puts it perfectly:
"Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, [it] extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe."
Spring and Summer, the Mocha Way
When we first hear “brown,” many of us think of fall leaves or heavy sweaters. But Mocha Mousse has a softness to it that wears beautifully through spring and summer. It’s become a surprising star in warmer-weather wardrobes.
In spring, it pairs beautifully with delicate pastels—powder blue, soft blush, mint green, and lavender. These combinations feel romantic and fresh without being too sweet.
In summer, Mocha Mousse really comes alive next to bold, joyful colors like coral, teal, sunshine yellow, or fuchsia. It adds balance and elegance to brighter hues, giving you permission to play while keeping your look grounded.
And it’s not just being talked about—it’s being embraced. Ralph Lauren showcased Mocha Mousse in their Spring/Summer 2025 collection, highlighting its versatility and timeless appeal. From flowing fabrics to tailored pieces, the color proved it can move effortlessly from season to season.
How You’ll See It (Without Realizing It)
The Color of the Year doesn’t stay locked in the design studio. You’ll find it in clothing racks, home décor, makeup counters, even the packaging of your favorite products.
It may show up as:
A soft brown handbag that seems to match everything
A lipstick that adds warmth without overwhelming
A pair of sandals or loafers in a rich, wearable neutral
A cozy throw or mug that feels like a hug on a rainy day
And the best part? You don’t have to go full-on mocha to enjoy it. Even a small touch can invite the comfort and charm of the season’s most-loved shade.
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Pair It Like a Pro
Looking to try Mocha Mousse in your own way this season? Here are a few color pairings to get you started:
Mocha + Soft Pink or Blush: Elegant, feminine, and gentle.
Mocha + Lilac or Powder Blue: Fresh and polished.
Mocha + Mint or Seafoam Green: Breezy and unexpected.
Mocha + Coral or Turquoise: Summer-ready and spirited.
Mocha + White Linen: Crisp, clean, and effortlessly classic.
Use it in accessories, layering pieces, or home accents—it plays well in every setting.
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It’s Not Just Pantone Making These Choices
While Pantone gets the spotlight, other major brands and companies also release their own color picks each year:
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Benjamin Moore: Cinnamon Slate
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Sherwin-Williams: Grounded
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Behr: Rumors
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Glidden: Purple Basil
What do they have in common? Warmth. Earthiness. Connection. Whether in fashion or home décor, color trends help us express what we’re collectively feeling.
Why This Still Matters
Sure, we can live just fine without knowing the Color of the Year. But when we pay attention to it, we start to notice something beautiful—it’s a shared, creative rhythm. A way of marking time and emotion through something as simple as color.
Color touches everything. Our moods. Our homes. Our memories.
And this year, that color is Mocha Mousse.
Final Thoughts
Mocha Mousse may not be the loudest color in the room, but it might just be the one that makes you feel most at home—in your wardrobe, your space, and yourself.
Whether you wear it, decorate with it, or simply enjoy spotting it in your surroundings, let it remind you: calm, comfort, and style can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
And sometimes, a color is more than just a shade—it’s a soft, sweet message that says, you’ve got this.
