Pantone has revealed its Colour of the Year for 2025 as “Mocha Mousse,” a sophisticated yet unpretentious light shade of brown. This warm, earthy tone reflects a desire for comfort, wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures, drawing inspiration from nature’s calming hues. Pantone’s Colour Institute, which has been selecting the annual color since 1999, chose Mocha Mousse after considering global trends across entertainment, art, fashion, and technology. The color embodies stability and warmth, evoking natural surroundings and providing a sense of grounding in a time when many are seeking solace in the familiar and the organic.
This shade of brown feels particularly relevant in today’s world, where the desire for comfort and timelessness is growing. As Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of Pantone Colour Institute, notes, Mocha Mousse resonates with the growing trend toward wellness and finding joy in the simple things. The color’s soft, earthy nature makes it a versatile choice, easily incorporated into various aspects of life and style.
Mocha Mousse is poised to be a go-to color for the year ahead, complementing current fashion trends such as “quiet luxury” and “country club chic.” These styles emphasize understated elegance, with classic pieces that stand the test of time. Mocha Mousse fits seamlessly into this aesthetic, offering a neutral base that can be dressed up or down. Whether it’s outerwear like trench coats, leather jackets, or suede gilets, the color can be styled effortlessly across seasons.
The beauty of Mocha Mousse lies in its versatility. As a neutral, it pairs well with a wide range of colors, making it an ideal foundation for building outfits. This flexibility makes it a perfect choice for those looking to invest in long-lasting wardrobe staples. The trend of buying fewer, higher-quality items that can be worn for years is reflected in this color, which transcends fleeting trends and remains timeless.
When it comes to styling Mocha Mousse, the key is to consider your skin tone and hair color. For those with light skin and blonde hair, pairing Mocha Mousse with lighter shades like aqua, sky blue, ivory, or dusty rose can create a soft, harmonious look. These colors complement the warmth of Mocha Mousse while maintaining a light, airy feel.
For individuals with darker hair and eyes, bolder colors can work beautifully with Mocha Mousse. Shades like burgundy, scarlet, lime green, or turquoise provide a striking contrast, adding vibrancy to the earthy brown tone. These colors bring out the richness of Mocha Mousse, creating a more dynamic and sophisticated palette.
Those with warmer undertones will find that Mocha Mousse pairs well with shades like apricot, mustard, orange, or terracotta. These warm hues enhance the natural warmth of the brown, creating a cozy and inviting look. On the other hand, people with cooler undertones can balance Mocha Mousse with blue-based colors like sky blue, plum, hot pink, or raspberry. These cooler tones offer a refreshing contrast, adding a touch of brightness to the earthiness of the brown.
Mocha Mousse is already making an impact in the fashion world. Celebrities like Rita Ora have been spotted wearing the color on the red carpet, showcasing its potential for high-fashion looks. At the 2024 EMAs, Ora wore a feathered Ashi Studio couture gown in the light brown hue, proving that Mocha Mousse can be both glamorous and sophisticated.
Beyond fashion, Mocha Mousse also aligns with the growing trend of sustainability. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are gravitating toward pieces that are not only stylish but also durable and timeless. Mocha Mousse, with its understated elegance and versatility, is a perfect example of a color that can be worn year after year, making it an excellent choice for those looking to build a sustainable wardrobe.
In summary, Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, offers a perfect blend of sophistication, comfort, and timeless appeal. Its earthy, neutral tone makes it a versatile addition to any wardrobe, easily paired with a variety of colors to suit different skin tones and personal styles. Whether used for outerwear, accessories, or statement pieces, Mocha Mousse is poised to become a key color in 2025, reflecting a growing desire for simplicity, sustainability, and elegance in fashion.
