Is it ever a good idea to... wear white in winter? JEAN-MICHEL TIXIER POUR M LE MAGAZINE DU MONDE
W
hile most controversies sparked on social media are best met with stunned silence, the debate that followed Pantone's announcement of white as the color of the year for 2026 deserves some attention. Beyond its controversial nature, this decision provides an opportunity to ask a seasonal question: Is wearing white in winter a bad idea, or a very bad idea?
Wearing a pristine t-shirt, polo or dress during summer is an obvious choice – one that flatters the complexion and evokes the memory of French music producer Eddie Barclay – but attempting a winter version of this look can be risky. Anyone who has ever dared to wear white trousers or a white coat in November or February can attest to the thrill of flouting the season's dress code, followed by a creeping sense of dread that can ruin the entire day.
Once outside the comforting, warm light of home, the real ordeal begins. Under the astonished gaze of fellow commuters, anyone dressed in white must contort themselves to avoid shoe scuffs, grime and greasy stains.
