Summer Color Trends That Double as Mood Boosters
From mellow yellows to powdery pinks.


You can choose to ignore the runway trends (opens in new tab), but color? It's everywhere. Finding your favorite hue may come down to how it makes you feel, and wearing it, even unknowingly, can be a powerful communication tool. From ethereal blues to gentle yellows to feminine pink hues, the spring/summer 2021 runways are leaning into the power of color theory. Here are the top color schemes to tap into.
Sky Blue
Hermès, Loewe, Fendi
Reminiscent of a cloudless sky, designers are embracing soft, soothing blue hues. The color's calming influence graced short suits for business, jumpsuits for play, and floaty dresses for wiling the summer away in.
H&M Rib-Knit Cardigan
STAUD Gingham Shoulder Bag
Villa Rouge Mattison Sandals
Zara Box Pleat Mini
Nanushka Jen Pleated Top Handle Bag
Hill House Home The Nesli Nap Dress
Cult Gaia Fae Sandal
Rust
Dior, Miu Miu, Acne Studios
This earthy tone is no longer reserved for the autumn season or '60s corduroys. In a sheer fabric or silky strap dress, we're putting it at the top of our summer wish list.
Staud Ribbed Stretch-Knit Cardigan
Tory Burch Leather Slide Sandals
Varley Vine Half-Zip Pullover
Cult Gaia Demi Knit Dress
Khaite Georgia Ruched Leather Sandals
A.L.C. Adelaide Ruffle Mini Skirt
Simon Miller Retro Suede Shoulder Bag
Mellow Yellow
Givenchy, Miu Miu, Bevza
Contrary to bright canary yellows, this gentler iteration is suited for a monochrome look. Luckily, the effects of wearing it are still mood-boosting.
Nanushka Cleto One-Shoulder Terry Sweater
Manebi Espadrille Slides
STAUD Tiered Midi-Dress
3.1 Phillip Lim Freida Double Buckle Slides
Sleeper Linen Top and Pants Set
Acne Studios Knotted Strap Purse
ZARA Knit Dress
Mansur Gavriel Pleated Bucket Bag
Powdery Pinks
Prada, Chanel, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler
Exuding charm, romance, and hope, a dusty pink color can be worn as a neutral. The runways were chock-full of it; on sophisticated dresses, light summer knits, and quirky tailored suiting.
Eugenia Kim Emmanuelle Hat
Alice + Olivia Cropped Cardigan
Zara Gingham Dress
Nannacay Jatoba Bag
ATP Atelier Barisci Sandals
Golden Hour
Paco Rabanne, CELINE, Dries Van Noten
Synonymous with ambition and good fortune, summer's gold tones express optimism. Wear the alluring color on everyday staples like windbreakers and maxi skirts or parade them celebratory on capes and gowns.
Ulla Johnson Floral Print Midi Dress
Loeffler Randall Penny Knot Slide
Balmain Sequined Bodysuit
Caterina Bertini Fringe Bucket Bag
Gucci Gold G Dress
Sarah Flint Gold Sandal
Valentino Gold Sequin Sweater
Hasanova Golden Shell Bag
Soft Grey
Michael Kors, Issey Miyake, Brunello Cucinelli
Perfectly poised for plush sweaters and trims in cold weather, we're reminded that grey is anything but a drab winter tone. From breathable knit dresses to vacation-ready gathered skirts, soft grey is the ideal warm-weather palette cleanser.
Baserange Cotton Jersey Wrap Dress
Off-White Jitney 1.4 Leather Top Handle Bag
Totême Alpaca-Blend Cardigan
Vince Leather-Trimmed Canvas Slides
Cuyana Grey Midi Skirt
Botkier New York Valentina Leather Satchel
Reformation Wrap Top
Skin Cashmere Ballet Flats
Orange Theory
Sportmax, Versace, MSGM, Miu Miu
Designers played with uplifting orange colorways in statement-making prints and proportions. If you're not ready for all eyes on you, opt for an attention-grabbing citrus accessory instead.
Tove Halterneck Dress
Reike Nen Micro Mini Bag
Cos Polo Shirt
Ganni Satin Knot Bucket Bag
Self-Portrait Ribbed-Knit Midi-Dress
Mercedes Castillo Croc-Embossed Leather Slides
Zara Knit Midi Dress
Prada Slingback Pumps
Sara Holzman is the Style Editor at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.
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