In 2021, Pantone’s color of the year was “Very Peri,” a vibrant periwinkle with violent undertones, which was quite cute and unoffensive.

For 2022, they switched things up and offered two shades, “Ultimate Gray” with “Highlighter Yellow,” and those were harsh days indeed.

Then, 2023 saw “Viva Magenta,” which set lipstick and nail polish choices a blaze.

Last year, Pantone debuted “Peach Fuzz,” which was meant to serve as a heartwarming hue, bringing out feelings of kindness and tenderness.

For 2025, the Color of the Year is “Mocha Mousse,” a true neutral that’s not the deep browns of this past autumn but instead is lighter, with more white in the mix. Camel, more so than beige, comes to mind when searching out this shade. As the website states, “It nurtures us with its suggestion of delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort.” And yes, now I want a latte.

What to do with a neutral? It’s hard to get excited about such a muted tone. However, this color certainly fits with the concept of “quiet luxury” that’s been permeating fashion trends for the past couple of years.

Chances are you probably already have pieces with this color, or close to it, in your closet.

In case you don’t and are looking to add some classic neutrals to your wardrobe this season, check out Old Navy’s Bell-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater and High-Waisted Crop Kick Flare sweater pants, both in camel. These pieces, worn together, play right into the sweater set trend from a few weeks back. Plus, who wouldn’t want to pick up some new loungewear to hunker down and get cozy this season?

If you’re looking to take Mocha Mousse outside, there are plenty of camel overcoats to choose from, many of which are on sale.

There is London Fog’s Tower Wool-Blend Coat available from Kohl’s that comes in a long and lean silhouette. Michael Kors’ Wool Blend Wrap Coat hits at knee-length and can be cinched at the waist with the fabric belt. Or Topshop’s Double-Breasted Coat over on Asos.com. Any of these options would amp up the sophistication level when thrown over a casual look or work as outerwear for a dressier outfit.

Loungewear and coats are all well and good but can become kind of a big commitment. For the more cautious folks, try dipping your sartorial toes into Mocha Mousse via accessories.

Charles & Keith’s Midori Geometric Tote Bag comes in a creamy camel with a detachable and adjustable strap and roomier interior to work both as a day or evening bag.

For a sportier vibe, there’s New Balance Unisex Fresh Foam X1080 Utility sneaker. Sure, this running shoe can be worn to work out just as easily as it can be styled with black knitwear and jeans for a neutral yet fresh winter look.

On the beauty front, nail polish is the lowest commitment approach to test drive any color trend. For Mocha Mousse, check out Essie’s Expressie Polish in “Never Skip A Beat,” a midtone brown neutral with red undertones. This quick-dry formula will have you drumming your nails on trend in no time.

For a shimmery, take a look at Victoria Beckham’s Satin Kajal eyeliner in cinnamon. This creamy liner’s warm tone is an extremely flattering shade versus harsher black liners. Finish your glam face with Makeup by Mario Moistureglow’s Plumping Lip Color in Soft Nude, Caramel, or Mocha Raisin for a no-makeup makeup look.

Lastly, home décor. Pantone’s Color of the Year isn’t limited to fashion and makeup; it also influences design and tech products. Think of accent lamps, a few throw pillows, or maybe even some new paint or carpet in comforting brown, caramel, clay, or terracotta to refresh your interiors.

I’m really liking the offerings on TeePublic.com. They feature a tongue-in-cheek Mocha Mousse print of forest and moose silhouettes against a brown background. You can get this graphic on a phone case, coffee mug, tapestry, or wall art.

Amazon also offers many types of caramel-tinted home goods like a Crevent fringe blanket, a fantestictyan glass vase, and even an AGV Lighting glass coffee table under $200.

Mocha Mousse, unlike some of its predecessors, will not go out of style quickly because natural hues rarely do. So, you can take comfort in splurging on investment pieces or redecorating in this shade, knowing you’ll be stylish for years, if not decades, to come.