Mocha Mousse, Pantone Color of the Year 2025: The India Edit

Rich, indulgent, elegant, simple and luxurious—Mocha Mousse, the Pantone color of the year 2025, embodies all of these qualities and more. On December 5, the Pantone Color Institute declared mocha mousse – a warm, rich brown hue that is instantly reminiscent of chocolate, coffee or a delicious dessert – as the reigning color for 2025.

The color is an extension of quiet luxury, the global zeitgeist trend that has climbed higher and higher in the past three years since its inception. The shade also aligns with game-changing celebrity brands like Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS and Hailey Bieber’s Rode. Sophisticated elegance is the common theme that shines through.

With its sophisticated and earthy elegance, Mocha Mousse can stand alone, but also serves as a versatile base for both minimalist and richly detailed designs. For the Indian palette, it is a perfect match! Whether in your wardrobe, home interior, or makeup, Mocha Mousse effortlessly adds a luxury twist to your style.

Mocha Mousse in your fashion game

Versatility is the strongest point of mocha mousse. It can easily find place in your wedding decor, beach vacations or even boardroom meetings. Indian celebrities have already embraced this unconventional hue in a plethora of silhouettes.

Deepika Padukone styled a mousse-coloured sweater vest over an oversized shirt and brown trousers. Actress Tara Sutaria looked fabulous in an all-brown blazer set with the addition of a scarf and retro charm. Eye-catching bodycon dresses have been a favorite among divas like Janhvi Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ananya Panday, especially for holidays.

Mocha Mousse is both a summer and winter color and can be styled all year round.

“In winter, it matches beautifully with cashmere and dark browns like rust and dark brown for a cozy, luxurious feel. In the warmer months, it looks stunning with lighter pieces – think a mocha skirt with a crisp white shirt or a satin blouse with tailored trousers,” says Delhi-based designer Shasha Gaba.

“In Indian fashion, ‘Mocha Mousse’ has incredible potential. It can accentuate contemporary bridal looks, work beautifully with intricate embroideries, or even accentuate fusion ensembles. “It’s a versatile shade that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity,” says fashion designer Varun Chakkilam.

Be it a simple satin saree worn by Shilpa Shetty or an embellished creation that Kiara Advani once wore, there is no dearth of inspiration. While a shiny brown lehenga draped in sequins might be the best choice for a sangeet night, you can also carry a mocha mousse colored lehenga to the mandap. Chakkilam suggests pairing it with jewel tones to create a dramatic contrast by using statement accessories.

Here are some bonus tips from Khushi Sahay, founder of label K-K, for styling mocha mousse this winter:

• For a chic and cozy vibe, wear it with tonal accents — like a buttery suede jacket over a soft cashmere sweater and leather boots.
• Try layering – a thick knit over a sheer silk skirt or leather trousers will create a beautiful contrast of structure and softness.
• If you’re aiming for something timeless, go monochromatic. A head-to-toe mocha mousse ensemble, perhaps in a blend of linen, chiffon or velvet, looks incredibly polished and elegant.

Mocha Mousse in Your Makeup

Beauty experts say that mocha mousse is a great color for Indian skin tones, especially for eye makeup. Again, the versatility shines through in how it caters to both Indian and Western fashion sensibilities.

“You can tone it up and down to brighten the eyes—it will work wonderfully with darker shades like brown, sunset orange, and coppery gold,” says Bindya Talluri, beauty content creator and founder of Bindt Beauty.

While nude lips are a classic choice for many, mocha mousse colored lipstick may not be the best fit for everyone. “Because of its cool undertones, mocha mousse can’t complement darker shades like lipstick,” says Bindya. Otherwise, try ombre lips using this color.

“To use mocha mousse in makeup, start applying it as a base eyeshadow for a warm, neutral look. For a more defined eye, layer a dark brown or blonde shade to create dimension and a smoldering effect. This color also works great for a soft, winged eyeliner or to add subtle depth to your lower lash line,” suggests Savibha Bali, founder and CEO of Zygos Beauty.

home decoration

Warm, cozy and luxurious, Mocha Mousse offers a blend of the vibes you want your home to radiate. It is already a staple in many Indian homes, especially those with a minimalist aesthetic.

“For us Indians, it’s an earthy color, so it naturally creates a feeling of warmth and comfort,” says Nishi Parekh Patel, Director of Architecture and Hospitality, Splendor Living.

“While mocha mousse is most commonly used in furniture upholstery, it can also be incorporated into your home through wallpaper or accent walls. Even in smaller homes, it can work wonders as an attractive color. Add warmth with compact furniture or accessories like pillows, blankets and rugs. “This thoughtful approach will bring comfort without overwhelming your space,” suggests Pavela Bali, CEO and founder of Studio by Pavela.

Vases, mugs, plant holders and satin silk pillows will add calm and coziness to this shade. As far as lighting to complement the mocha mousse theme is concerned, soft, warm lighting is recommended.