It’s that time of year again.
It’s time to discuss the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year. Each December, the Pantone Color Institute, one of the leading companies in paint colors and interior design, announces a color for the upcoming year.
For 2025, they chose shade 17-1230, or Mocha Mousse. It’s a warm, soft brown that fits well with the current neutral trend.
But how can you wear this color? What color season is it best for? What pairs well with it? We’ll cover all that today as we explore the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year.
What is Mocha Mousse?
According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute:
“Underpinned by our desire for everyday pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe.
For Pantone Color of the Year 2025, we look to a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
Who Can Wear Mocha Mousse?
This warm brown shade will look best on people in the soft autumn color season. It works well with the quiet luxury trend, as the color falls into the neutral range alongside black, white, and gray.
If you don’t fall into that color season, you can still try incorporating Mocha Mousse this year. Try wearing it on your lower half, as a nail polish color, or in a piece of jewelry as an accent shade.
It’s already been quite divisive online. Some people love the neutral look and can’t wait to try it. Others are disappointed that Pantone once again chose a soft, pale color or say it looks too similar to beige.
What Colors to Wear with Mocha Mousse
Brown
Pairing a color with itself is always an option. Mocha Mousse would look beautiful with a dark brown or a similar warm brown shade for a monochromatic outfit.
Cream
White goes with almost anything. Since this is a warm neutral, go for cream instead of pure white.
Light Blue
Try adding light blue, such as cornflower, to the mellow brown. It’ll be a nice pop of color that makes the coffee shade come to life.
Navy
A good dark blue color would also look good with Mocha Mousse. Find shades that lean brighter and warmer rather than cool and dark.
Fushia
For an eye-catching combination, pair the brown with a bright fushia pink. Look for pieces with a warm undertone to blend the colors harmoniously.
Golden Yellow
Mocha Mousse is a very warm color. Pairing it with a muted golden yellow will help draw that warmth out further.
Olive Green
For an earth-toned outfit, wear a gentle green with the brown. Like light blue, the green will also make the brown look brighter.
Orange
If you like a 70s-inspired aesthetic, try wearing Mocha Mousse with a bright orange. It’ll make even the most modern outfit feel vintage.
Maroon
Deep red is a sophisticated combination with the light coffee color. The darker shade will ground the warm brown and make both of them shine.
How to Style Mocha Mousse
Tops
Those in the soft autumn category can easily wear this color as a top. It would look as lovely in a drapey chiffon as in a structured leather.
Bottoms
This color works well for neutral pants or skirts. It’s sophisticated and perfect for any work events or parties you attend this year.
Dresses
Wearing a dress in Mocha Mosse will mimic the titular decadent dessert. Any dress in this shade will make you look elegant and pair well with classy accessories.
Shoes
Many people complain that this color is too close to their skin tone. But if that’s the case for you, this is the year to look for your perfect nude shoe.
Bags
Mocha mousse is a neutral shade perfect for an elegant handbag. It adds more color than black or white but looks quite luxurious.
Accessories
The neutral color allows any accessories in this shade to blend effortlessly with your outfit. A scarf or nice hat in Mocha Mousse would look especially beautiful.
Jewelry
While this color looks a bit grandma-ish in jewelry, that doesn’t mean you can’t pull it off. Look for timeless pieces you can wear for years or trendier ones for a modern take.
Makeup
Makeup is where Mocha Mousse will really shine in 2025. From lips to eyes to blush, it or similar shades will look beautiful on multiple skin tones.
Nail Polish
Brown nails have been trending lately. This color could also be a nice way to experiment and see if you like the look.
Just because Mocha Mousse is 2025’s Color of the Year doesn’t mean you have to try it. But it can also be fun to play around and try unusual colors.
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