‘Calming and grounded’ color for 2025 provides sense of stability
Simple and comforting, reminiscent of delectable chocolate and coffee, Mocha Mousse (Pantone 17-1230), the color of the year 2025, is an invitation for thoughtful indulgence, harmonious comfort, and feelings of contentment.
“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,” stated Laurie Pressman, Pantone Color Institute vice president.
“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,” added Leatrice Eiseman, Pantone Color Institute executive director.
The Pantone Color Institute—the specialist unit which highlights seasonal runway colors, forecasts global color trends, and advises color for product and brand visual identity—noted its earthy elegance can stand alone or serve as a foundation which enhances a wide range of palettes and applications, from minimalist to detailed designs, across all color-focused industries.
Textile and surface designer and visual artist Olivia Jaro Lopez highlighted that Mocha Mousse is a grounding element in compositions, a backdrop for vital focal points or a unifying shade in abstract works.
Endless possibilities
“It resonates well with themes of introspection, resilience, and connection,” she stated. “While others see this as a sad brown color, it pairs beautifully with both vibrant tones for energy, and softer hues for balance, inviting endless possibilities for exploration.”
Lopez, an educator under the Fashion Design and Merchandising of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, affirmed it reflects the 2025 fashion trends and its focus on authenticity, timelessness, and the shift toward sustainability, practicality, and versatility.
“During a time of digital saturation and rapid change, the calming and grounded Mocha Mousse provides a sense of stability and nostalgia,” she stated. “Its earth-toned roots symbolize a connection to nature and the move toward investing in functional, emotionally resonant, and seasonless pieces.”
To add a touch of the color of the year to the wardrobe, she recommended strong attention to quality, versatile pairings, and textural play.
“Mocha Mousse works well in layering—whether in monochromatic browns or combined with complementary neutrals like beige, gray, or white,” she explained. “It can seamlessly replace the traditional black to offer a warmer and more refined base.”
It aligns with the quiet luxe aesthetic, which centers on quality pieces over fast fashion, and adds an air of understated elegance to fabrics like wool, silk, cashmere, or leather.
“A monochromatic approach using various shades such as light caramel, deep chocolate, or beige can create a sophisticated and minimalist look,” she said. “Adding texture through materials like suede or silk in Mocha Mousse elevates the outfit and offers tactile interest while maintaining a cohesive tone.”
Neutral hue
Accessories in this adaptable neutral hue enrich the appeal of any ensemble. “Opting for handcrafted leather accessories or sustainable fabrics allows for a more thoughtful approach to dressing that aligns with both style and values,” Lopez reiterated.
Soft pieces, from chunky knits to plush scarves, provide a comforting touch, while hard options such as eyewear, structured bags, and metallic jewelry add elevated style. With gloss or matte finishes, its soft, pinkish warmth is revealed as the color interacts with light.
In the hair and beauty departments, Mocha Mousse renders a glow that awakens the inherent radiance of individual skin tones across a range of undertones. It promotes a pure and organic approach to luxury, works well in matte and sheen applications, blends with many shades, and serves as the base for metallic gloss finishes.
Lopez reiterated that it is adaptable to various combinations, from the vibrant Spicy Mustard, Blue Curacao, or deep reds to softer pastels Rose Tan, or Cannoli Cream.
“This gives it the flexibility to anchor both bold and subtle looks across clothing, accessories, and makeup,” she added.
The evocative brown likewise presents a tasteful touch of glamour in interior design and décor. It fosters the essence of home, whether featured on flooring, painted walls, or accents in more natural materials such as wood and stone, rattan and wicker, or leather and linen.
The delicious, seemingly tactile shade invites consumers to reach out and engage. It serves as an enticing choice for a variety of products, to include foods and beverages, as well as cosmetics and wellness items made with natural ingredients.
The selection process for the Pantone Color of the Year undergoes meticulous trend analysis spearheaded by the institution’s team of experts. It seeks new color influences on a global scale that encompasses what’s in and popular in the entertainment and film, art, fashion, design, and travel industries as well as new technologies, lifestyles, play styles, and socioeconomic conditions, among many others.
