Fashion : Mocha Mousse - The 2025 Color Trend You Didn’t Know You (Still) Needed

Chic, Calm & Caffeinated: Meet Pantone’s Color of the Year

A NEW YEAR half way over, and a new “it” color we have been swooning over. As I type, it’s Fashion Week in Paris. Collections with the annual haute couture — shown twice a year in January and July — Like clockwork, Pantone has revealed the color we are seeing this year on the streets, in homes, hotels and that chic handbag you’ve been eyeing for awhile now. Even though fashion collections around the world (New York, London, Milan, Paris etc.) have already shown their wares for the upcoming RTW S/S ‘25 season — it’s here so, let’s dish into it.

P.S. If you’re new to fashion and industry calendars, and lingo, or don’t have a clue what “RTW” or “S/S” means, or that the color of the year is announced every December, check out my 101 fashion post (I wrote it just for you!).

With the outgoing 2024 “it” color, peachy hue, say hello to the vibe for 2025. It’s “quiet luxury meets chocolate soufflé,” and frankly, it’s giving me Starbucks energy. Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is warm, grounded, and low-key glamorous — hello, Pinterest mood board. Be mo duck, glamorous friend, mocha mousse was never created to take front stage. It’s a compliment to the palettes in your closet.

Let’s talk how to wear it, style it, and sip it (espresso martini or flat white, anyone?).

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Color of the Year for 2025, the Pantone Color Institute’s Mocha Mousse. Image courtesy of Pantone Color Institute.

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Pantone Color Institute’s 2025 Color of the year, Mocha Mousse. Image: courtesy of Pantone

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PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse a warming, brown hue imbued with richness. It nurtures us with its suggestion of the delectable qualities of chocolate and coffee, answering our desire for comfort. ~Laurie Pressman, VP, Pantone

• Why It Works: Cozy meets couture. Minimalist, but not boring. Think tonal dressing, earthy but luxe, suede accessories, and plush textures. It’s an afterthought, not the main focus.

• Wear It: Camel coats, caramel knits, nude gloss, satin skirts, and anything with sheen.

• Style It: Interior decor, manicures, bags, jewelry, footwear, men’s ties, and even your morning coffee mug.

• Real Sheryl Says: What I’d pair it with (hint: leopard, cream, gold jewelry or a bold red lip) sipping a delicious coffee drink somewhere…maybe the French Riviera?

• Glossy Chaos Tie-In: It’s the perfect neutral for reinvention. Soft, forgiving, but still polished. Hints of mocha mousse include accessories— handbag, evening clutch (hello, satin sheen!), belts, evening wraps (Pashmina) and footwear.

• Sip It: (Intended for adults of legal drinking age in your area (21+ recommended). Drink glamorously—and responsibly. Never drink and drive.)

  
  Simple Espresso Martini¹

  A bold, boozy pick‑me‑up with creamy foam, ideal after dinner or for a fun night out 🎉

  Basic recipe (per drink):

  - 45 ml vodka

  - 30 ml freshly brewed espresso (cooled)

  - 15 ml coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa)

  (optional: 15 ml simple syrup)

  Directions: Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice for ~20 seconds. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

  Tips: Let espresso cool to prevent dilution, and shake hard for that gorgeous signature froth.

  
  

  Marocchino²

  True Italian indulgence—espresso, cocoa, and milk foam in a small glass .

  Simple method (per drink):

  1. Dust inside of a small glass with cocoa powder.

  2. Add 1 shot of espresso.

  3. Top with milk foam and another sprinkle of cocoa. Perfect for a chocolate‑coffee fix! (P. S. Use Nutella or your favorite hazelnut spread too for a delicious dessert).

So, which mocha mood are you feeling — glam, grounded, or a little of both?

💋 Let me know in the comments, and remember to subscribe for more style with soul. Thanks for reading.

Until next time,

Sheryl x

P. S. Missed the launch post? Catch up here.

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✨Come say hi on Instagram at @RealSherylSays or check out the blog’s IG sister account at @GlossyChaosDotCom #AllTheFeels #StillStanding

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{Personal Note: Me To You

Formerly known as “A Fashionable Blog” (2011–2024), REAL SHERYL SAYS has officially moved to Substack!

You will still find posts from AFB archived here (yes, including that unforgettable NASA suit tie moment when I was a VIP at a night launch in South Florida — go read it, it’s a gem).
Also, prior to 2023 you may see my sign off signature using my birth name. I legally changed my name to Sheryl Saint Clair (my middle name at birth) — a shift that reflects who I’ve become (yes, I blogged about it). The stories are still mine. The sparkle definitely still is).

I’m happy you’re here.

~Sheryl x}

1. Credit with link to visit: Simple Espresso Martini – An Italian in My Kitchen

2. Credit with link to visit: Coffee About - What is a Marocchino Coffee & How To Make