Seasonal Reset: Decluttering, Energy Shifts & 2026 Color Trends
Lately I’ve felt a real pull toward a seasonal reset: clearing clutter, finishing (or letting go of) unfinished projects, and creating a little more breathing room at home and in my mind. Part of it is the urge to relax into the holidays without extra mental “noise,” but it also feels like an energy shift. I’m clearing a path to step into a new season with more lightness and intention.
Clearing Space & Moving Forward
In an interesting bit of synchronicity, I’ve also been getting served a lot of content in my social media feeds about the Lunar New Year, and moving from the Year of the Snake to the Year of the Horse. From what I understand, the end of the Snake year is about shedding what no longer serves us or no longer aligns with our authentic selves. Not just things, but attitudes, practices, beliefs and relationships. Which clears space and allows growth for the “moving forward” energy of the Horse year.
This really resonates with me, as I’ve been feeling a similar shift this year: focusing on what feels right and authentic versus what I think others expect of me, and not “blanding in” so that others feel more comfortable. Whatever form this moving forward takes in the coming months, I feel both lighter and more grounded, and open, and ready.
What about you? Have you been “shedding,” or feeling other shifts this year?
Pantone, Wut?
Pantone has revealed its Color of the Year for 2026, and it’s…
White? Really? While I have nothing against white, and most of us have some version of white among our wardrobe basics, it does seem like an odd choice for “color of the year.” Or, I guess you could make the argument that white light contains all of the colors of the spectrum. So rather than the absence of color, it’s just…non-committal? (This particular white looks like the soft white from the Summer palette.)
But I wouldn’t worry too much; I find that Pantone’s color picks rarely dictate the fashion choices available. So I’m taking my 2026 color cues from Céline’s Spring/Summer 2026 runway, with its rich neutrals and bold brights.
Your Top Picks
What readers like you are loving this week… (you can click on text in red to go to product page and shop)
3. PLAID FLANNEL SHIRT (c/o) | 4. PALAZZO JEANS (c/o) | 5. WAVE RING
6. COTTON-SILK SWEATER | 7. TOP-HANDLE LEATHER BAG
8. AIR-FRYER & TOASTER OVEN
As the light shifts this time of year, I’m reminded how even small moments of clarity (a tidy corner, a finished task, a bit more open space), can change the whole feel of a day. Whether you’re decluttering, shedding old habits, or simply moving toward what feels more authentic, I hope you find pockets of that same ease and spaciousness in the weeks ahead. Here’s to stepping into the new season with a little more light, intention, and room to move forward.
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I like white. Whenever I put on a white shirt it instantly makes my outfit look more polished and put together. I also have white in my house, and yes white is the combination of all colors which makes it a good backdrop for most everything. While I like Celine, as a winter the colors aren’t my best, but colors have gotten warmer toned through the years.
Pantone’s annual color is intended to reflect the zeitgeist, and in this case it does that very well, including your own current mood. White symbolizes purity, simplicity and new beginnings, among other things. You are feeling that now, and I believe many in our country and in our world are longing for honesty, clarity and a fresh start with pure intentions. I admit I am a bit biased: color is a deep passion for me, but if pushed to name favorites, they would be pinks and whites. So I’m celebrating!
Well said, Nancy!
As someone with cool undertones, light skin and low contrast, just here to thank Pantone. I look forward to Cloud Dancer in my wardrobe.
Ah yes – decluttering and resetting to begin the new year anew!
I’m saving your lovely last paragraph, maybe putting it where I’ll see it each morning, to start my days gently with the motivating words that I so need right now.
Thank you, Susan!
Ditto to the positive comments about Pantone’s Cloud white. As a summer, I love it! Feels like peace, clarity, soft tranquility. Or something like that–hard to explain.
I found it interesting about the shedding and shifting of this lunar year as it “hit the nail” to the major upheavals I’ve experienced in my life this year. Sometimes you just have to learn to let go of things, no matter how big or small or where you are in life. Thanks for the insight!
Thanks, Susan, for the inspiration to move forward. I agree with Nancy B.s comment about the appeal of this white. I love a warm neutral white with every so slight a green undertone on my walls, and I love wearing whites, perhaps for that sense of purification, simplicity, and clarity. And I also love the neutrals you highlighted, Susan, and am surprised at how much I am enjoying the Teak color cashmere that Quince added this year, a brand you introduced me to. It’s a warm tone, deeper than camel, yet still neutral. Thanks, as always!
It is so interesting that you mentioned decluttering. I am in the midst of clearing out my house,too much everything. There are several generations worth of stuff. My kids are all thirty and above so I’m finally letting go of elementary school art projects,kids clothes and an excess of seasonal decor.
For women too much stuff is a burden,we can’t tune it out and it causes stress. I’m also repainting the inside of my house (lighter colors)and being intentional about what and how much goes back on the walls. Let go of what no longer serves you. We have so much in this country and very often others in need can use what is sitting idle in our closets or garages. I found the Pantone color interesting,but I am gravitating towards the light colors inside my house because they feel calming and the world is crazy right now.
I love your blog and your simple style with a twist.
Ann
I am definitely feeling the SHEDDING! good name for it!
Actually, white seems to encapsulate the feeling of decluttering, moving into the light, a sense of shedding that you evoke. And if interior design-wise it’s a rebuke of “maximalism,” I’m all for it.
This is a good time of the year for a reset. We were with family for Thanksgiving, but will be on our own through December and January. Time to think and make some changes. Last year I said yes to a volunteer commitment before thinking about it. Although I did what was expected of me, I know now to always hit pause before committing. I am looking forward to the new year. Re the Pantone color of the year, I like white – white towels, white sheets, white plates, white shoes, etc. The color of the year doesn’t change anything about what I buy. Thanks for this post. I have been thinking along the same lines.
As Maria Killam loves to point out, there are many, many different shades of white. I can’t tell what the undertones of Cloud Dancer are, and anticipate manufacturers continuing to offer clothing called “white” that is actually off-white, ivory, soft white, chalk, and even beige. It’s hit or miss trying to find your perfect white.
Beautifully stated, Susan! Thank you!
Yes! I came home from Thanksgiving travel and immediately felt the need to organize, simplify, and clean out! Maybe there’s something to the “snake shedding skin” theory, which I hadn’t heard about until you mentioned it 😊. Love your posts as always 💕!!
I haven’t even gotten my tree decorated and I’m supposed to worry about decluttering! That won’t happen for a month when all the blogs that urged us to buy buy buy start with the throw out nonsense.
I was inspired to buy the Lands End plaid shirt you showcased and am glad to have that in my holiday rotation. Which I am just starting to enjoy.
I was surprised by white too. In a way it makes sense, we need to clear the plate, and find truth , simplicity, and peace.
The funnel neck sweater looks cozy and versatile.
I love that lamp! Any chance it’s still being sold?
Hi Denise, thank you, and yes, you can find it here: https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/lighting/table-lamps/grace-table-lamps
Thank you! That’s a great website.
Thank you for your thoughtful article on shedding and moving forward. It has made sense in this very turbulent year of negative events not in our immediate control. I am feeling more grace as I move toward the end of year.
I look forward to your thoughts in every email.
I hear you! More breathing room! I’m liking the idea of having a cozy area to read (or think/daydream) and have a cup of tea or coffee. Going toward the equinox must have many of us feeling the same way: getting cozy; relaxing; and less fussing. In my mind I’m reassessing my lifestyle at home plus what I might need for 2-4 weeks abroad. I think I could cut my wardrobe in half if I put my mind to it. It seems as though (despite Pantone and its ‘Cloud Dancer’) there is a trend toward more individuality in one’s home and personal couture. I personally think this is a good thing. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, Susan. Here’s to a better new year, full of compassion, generosity and individuality! And don’t get me wrong: I love white in all its permutations! Even though I’m an Autumn, I still will wear a white shirt or sweater 😉
I was taught that white is a ‘tint’, black is a ‘shade’, and the ‘colors’ are ROYGBIV… It is semantics, but I shall sit this round out.
Thank you, a beautiful post 🥰
On the subject of Pantone:
The King of Color (2025):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35415189/
Biography of Larry Herbert, inventor of the Pantone Matching System, which established a universal worldwide language for color.
I am looking to retire in about five years and find I am thinking about every clothing purchase option through that lens. Will have to review some of the posts here about that transition into “retirement” and the style journey that goes with it.
Thanks for the always-thoughtful posts!
Just don’t shed me please. 😊😘
Greetje
Never!!!
We just shed our family home of 35 years for a smaller ranch. I’m embarrassed by all the stuff I’ve donated, tossed or sold in the process. Including my clothes. Your posts keep me focused on my true retirement lifestyle and shopping my closet for fresh looks. I see a simpler and more enjoyable life on the horizon!
Colors carry meaning—purity, simplicity, and more, as others here have noted. But Pantone’s choice of color, in this moment and in this political climate, can’t be separated from its broader context. At best, it feels tone-deaf; at worst, it risks subtly normalizing bigotry. I realize it may seem overly serious to critique a fashion-industry color announcement, but these are serious times. Such choices don’t go unnoticed, especially by those who are most often targeted for being different.
Well said. My concerns exactly.
Thank you, Wendyloch! Although I’m sure Pantone internal discussions go on for much of the year, this choice feels either purposeful or oblivious.