Is the 2025 Color of the Year... Boring?

The Swish Magazine Creative Team weighs in to this year's Color of the Year Winner.

A few days ago, Pantone unveiled its Color of the Year for 2025: Mocha Mousse, a rich, warming brown inspired by the indulgence of chocolate and the familiarity of coffee. Described as earthy, elegant, and comforting, this shade bridges the natural world with modern refinement. But is it just plain boring old brown... or something more?

For over two decades, Pantone has served as the world’s authority on color. From fashion to beauty, interior design, and wellness, their Color of the Year shapes global trends and sets the tone for creativity and innovation. Mocha Mousse is no exception, nominating a versatile hue that complements skin tones, enhances minimalist designs, and evokes a sense of grounded sophistication.

The Color of the Classics

Mocha Mousse is a basic neutral color, but its a great tie in with Classical styles for fashion and interior design rooted in elegance. Here’s how:

Timeless Elegance: Like a well-tailored camel coat or a vintage leather handbag, Mocha Mousse exudes timelessness, which is a primary principle of elegance. Bright colors like 2021's Illuminating Yellow Shade, don't stick around long and can grow tiresome. However, basic colors like Mocha Mousse avoid the fleeting nature of trends, and instead embrace the enduring beauty of natural, understated tones. For women inspired by classical femininity, this color offers a wardrobe and décor palette that feels both refined and approachable-- a look that is beloved by the Princess of Wales!

Earthy Subtraction Less is more when it comes to natural shades, and the 2025 color of the year is no different! Mocha Mousse encourages a sense of grounding, stripping away excess and celebrating earthy, essential beauty. Basics like this are a great foundation to layer, or direct focus to your jewelry or she shape of your style. It pairs beautifully with neutrals like ivory, blush, or navy, creating a harmonious and calming aesthetic. Or, take a leap with a bolder accessory to make it stand out.

Seductive Warmth There’s an inherent softness to Mocha Mousse that draws people in. Its warmth is inviting, much like the art of graceful hospitality or a quiet, confident presence. Utilizing the elegance principle of Seduction, this hue can be used to create intimate spaces or add a touch of warmth to styles without being boring.

How to Incorporate Mocha Mousse into Your Life

Whether it’s a cashmere sweater in Mocha Mousse, an elegant coffee set, or an accent wall in your home, this color offers endless opportunities to enhance your style and surroundings. In beauty, opt for eyeshadows, lipsticks, or nail polishes in this rich brown for a look that’s both chic and effortless.

In décor, use it for cozy throws, wooden furniture, or ceramic pieces that bring warmth and texture to your space paired with an antique accent piece or classic art work. The key is to let Mocha Mousse serve as the foundation of a palette that reflects your values that you can build on.

As we step into 2025, Mocha Mousse reminds us to embrace the richness of life’s simple pleasures and direct your attention to the most important things. Whether in a cup of coffee, the shade of a cherished accessory, or the ambiance of your home, let this color inspire a return to timeless beauty and classical femininity. Remember to never be driven by trends fueled by a desire to fit in. Make this years color all your own and be inspired for years to come! Mocha Mousse is only boring if you don't make it all your own.

What do you think of this year’s color? How would you use Mocha Mousse to reflect your values? Let us know in the comments!