The bitter chocolate is the color we were waiting for Pantone, the color of the year is brown

We all know that Pantone has just crowned Cloud Dancer as the Color of the Year. It’s an intense white symbolizing “a calming influence in a society rediscovering the value of silent reflection.” However, the fashion world has pledged loyalty to several different shades for the winter season, and the latest runways prove it clearly. From Gucci to Stella McCartney to Ferragamo and Tory Burch, major fashion houses have been inspired by one color in particular: Bitter Chocolate, a deep, rich dark brown. The Wall Street Journal described it as “the powerful and versatile new black, replacing darker neutrals with rich, earthy tones that evoke power and luxury.” Some have paired it with bold tones like lilac and acidic greens, or with fan-favorite shades like butter and beige. Others have embraced a monochromatic approach, making it the undeniable star of slip dresses, coats, and tailored suits. In short, it’s a wild card that perfectly embodies quiet luxury while also fitting the cozy aesthetic ideal for daytime wear.

How to introduce brown into our wardrobe?

The countdown to the Christmas Eve dinner has already begun, and soon we’ll be facing our wardrobes to choose the outfits we’ll wear during the holidays. Bitter Chocolate comes to our rescue, wrapping us like the perfect cup of hot chocolate in our favorite cozy holiday movie. There are many ways to bring this shade into your closet: for a zero-effort yet chic look, we recommend opting for a monochromatic wool set. You can then play with textures, think a velvet jacket, a suede bag, or a vinyl coat, betting on the power of a single statement piece that elevates the entire outfit.

Chocolate-inspired make-up

Over the past two years, several make-up trends built around brown color palettes have emerged. From the iconic espresso make-up to the more recent toasty make-up, beauty creators won’t be giving up their dark pencils anytime soon, not even in 2026. The key word for Bitter Chocolate is definitely dark, which sets it apart from the rest. The eyes are the focus, and to make them pop you only need a few essentials: add a dark brown liquid eyeshadow to your make-up bag, applying it outward for a cat-eye effect and letting it dry. If you prefer a glossy finish, just layer a clear eyeshadow on top for a wet-look effect. Finish with a cool-toned bronzer on the cheekbones and a lip combo reminiscent of a bar of dark chocolate. As a final touch, choose a fragrance that evokes the decadent magic of a Viennese chocolaterie.