How to Style the Color of the Year: Mocha Mousse

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A bit like Michelin with restaurants, Pantone, in a masterstroke, has appointed itself master of colors. So every year, the company selects a Color of the Year that sets the tone (pun intended) for fashion, design, and creative industries. For 2025, that color is Mocha Mousse– a rich, earthy brown that brings warmth and sophistication with a touch of chocolatiness. 

Unlike louder statement colors from past years, Mocha Mousse is all about bringing style without trying too hard. It’s neutral but never boring, bold but not overwhelming. The best part? It works across seasons and suits just about everyone. So, how do you work Mocha Mousse into your wardrobe? Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, here’s your straightforward guide to styling the shade of the year.

1. Start with the Basics: Everyday Neutrals

Mocha Mousse is a neutral color with depth, making it easy to wear with the staples you already own. If you’re into minimalist fashion, this color fits right in with shades like black, white, beige, and gray. Try pairing a Mocha Mousse t-shirt or hoodie with classic denim for an easy, put-together look. Want something a little more elevated? A Mocha Mousse crewneck sweatshirt with cream-colored sweatpants strikes the perfect balance between cozy and chic, and also looks like a pretty tasty dessert.

A delicious looking chocolate mousse in the color of the year: Mocha Mousse

2. Pair with Complementary Colors

One of the best things about Mocha Mousse is how well it plays with other colors. If you want to add some dimension to your outfit, try pairing it with:

  • Soft pastels like blush pink or powder blue for a fresh, modern contrast.
  • Earthy tones like olive green, rust, or mustard for a warm, autumnal feel.
  • Deep jewel tones like emerald or navy to create a refined, polished look.

For a foolproof outfit, a Mocha Mousse hoodie with dark green cargo pants is an easy go-to. Add white sneakers, and you’ve nailed the effortlessly cool aesthetic.

3. Mix Up Textures for Interest

Because Mocha Mousse is a muted, natural shade, it really shines when you mix different textures. Think about layering a Mocha Mousse fleece hoodie under a denim jacket, or pairing a long-sleeved tee with a chunky knit scarf. The key is to balance softness with structure– smooth fabrics like cotton and jersey work well against rugged textures like leather or corduroy.

4. Go Monochrome (But Keep It Interesting)

The AI version of our copywriter: Juul

A head-to-toe Mocha Mousse look might sound intimidating, but when done right, it’s effortlessly stylish. The trick is to play with shades and textures. For example, layering a Mocha Mousse oversized hoodie with slightly darker brown pants and white sneakers creates a sleek, cohesive outfit. If you’re feeling bold, add a matching beanie or cap to complete the look.

For a great example of this outfit, you only have to look at our colleague Juul, who just happened to be wearing Mocha on the day we came up for the idea for this blog post. She didn’t want her photo to appear in the blog, so we’ve run it through A.I. to create new Juul, or Njuul. I think we can all agree that she’s an upgrade (joking, probably).

5. Keep Accessories Simple and Intentional

When styling a warm, earthy tone like Mocha Mousse, accessories should either blend in seamlessly or add a subtle pop of contrast. Here’s what works:

  • Gold or bronze jewelry for a warm, polished touch.
  • Canvas or suede sneakers in neutral shades like beige, cream, or even a dusty rose.
  • A structured tote or backpack in black, olive, or dark brown to ground the outfit.

If you’re into layering, a Mocha Mousse tee under a neutral button-up with a statement belt can take your outfit from basic to thoughtfully styled.

6. Seasonal Styling: Year-Round Wearability

Mocha Mousse isn’t just for fall– it’s a true year-round shade that can adapt to different seasons with a few small tweaks.

  • Spring: Pair a Mocha Mousse tank top with light-wash jeans and white sneakers for a fresh, airy vibe.
  • Summer: Go for a Mocha Mousse oversized tee with linen shorts and slide sandals.
  • Fall: Layer a Mocha Mousse hoodie under a shacket (a shirt/jacket) with dark denim.
  • Winter: A Mocha Mousse fleece crewneck with black joggers and a puffer jacket is equal parts cozy and stylish.
A man wearing an oversized t-shirt in the color mocha mousse
A hoodie in the color mocha mousse

7. Who Can Wear Mocha Mousse? (Spoiler: Everyone!)

Some colors can be tricky depending on your skin tone, but Mocha Mousse is one of those rare shades that’s universally flattering. Whether you have fair, medium, or dark skin, its warm undertones bring out natural depth without washing you out. If you’re hesitant, start small– try a Mocha Mousse beanie or scarf before committing to a full outfit.

8. Make It Your Own

At the end of the day, fashion is about making trends work for you. Whether you’re all in on Mocha Mousse or just dipping your toes into the trend, the key is to wear it in a way that feels authentic to your style. You don’t need to overhaul your whole wardrobe– just swap in a Mocha Mousse tee or hoodie where you’d usually wear a standard neutral like black or gray.

The Mocha Moment: Final Thoughts

Pantone’s Mocha Mousse is a refreshingly wearable Color of the Year– versatile, stylish, and easy to incorporate into everyday outfits. Whether you’re into bold fashion moves or keeping things casual, this shade is an effortless way to update your wardrobe without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. So go ahead, give it a shot– because let’s be honest, your closet can always use a little shake-up.

Best of luck making your magnificent mocha mousse-inspired outfit. For any clothing you need – mocha or otherwise – at Wordans we can help, with the best prices and the best brands around. For more inspiration and great outfits, check out our Instagram @wearewordans.