The Coolest Summer Color Combinations to Try This Season

With temperatures on the rise, it’s time to embrace dopamine dressing.

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Published In Buying Guides
collage of women wearing summer color combinations
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I must admit, my minimalist outfits have been feeling a little, well, boring. While there’s nothing wrong with pared-down pieces, I’ve realized my closet is a sea of beige, cream, and black. And with summer finally on the horizon, I’m looking to brighten things up with saturated shades.

So, I’ve turned my attention to the street-style scene, where It girls are rocking the coolest color mash-ups. Stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson recently wore a strawberry red top with blue bottoms—a combination that emerged on the Spring 2026 runways of Miu Miu, Diotima, and Prada. Another savvy fashion insider teamed a bubblegum dress with a red sweater, a pairing seen in the warm-weather collections of Balenciaga, Chanel, and Tory Burch.

Inspired by dopamine dressing, I’ve decided to incorporate these combos into my own wardrobe. I’m not saying goodbye to neutrals completely, but I am welcoming more whimsy into my lineup.

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Ahead, discover the exact styles I’m shopping, inspired by fashion’s best-dressed women.

Bubblegum Pink & Tomato Red

woman wearing a pink dress and a red sweater

Pro styling tip: Wrap your cardigan around your waist to cinch your look and provide more shape.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Not to toot my own horn, but I predicted this color mash-up years ago, and it’s still going strong. Consider this vibrant blend if you’re looking to make a saturated statement.

Lavender & Grape

woman wearing putple top and purple skirt

Soften the sharp pencil skirt trend with a cozy short-sleeved knit.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

There’s something so chic about a monochromatic look. Mixed shades of lavender and grape offer a high-contrast effect that immediately catches the eye.

Moss Green & Sand Beige

woman wearing green top and khaki pants

This is for the minimalists who prefer a low-key look.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

If vibrant colors aren’t your thing, consider this pairing. Rooted in earthy undertones, moss green can practically be styled as a neutral alongside beige. Embrace the look with a tank top and khakis, or a casual dress and sneakers.

Strawberry Red & Sky Blue

gabriella karefa-johnson wearing a red striped shirt, and denim shorts

Put a cool-girl twist on the rugby shirt trend with laid-back denim shorts.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Championed on the runways, these colors have quickly become a favorite among the fashion crowd. That said, you don’t need to break the bank to get the look—discover affordable styles ahead from brands like Mother and Agolde.

Ballerina Pink & Tangerine Orange

wo,an wearing pink sweater and orange skirt

This look has convinced me to infuse hints of pink and orange into my summer wardrobe.

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

I’m happy to report that the balletcore trend is here to stay for another season. To make the look feel fresh, throw a touch of tangerine orange into the mix.

Lauren Tappan
Lauren Tappan
Fashion Editor

Lauren K. Tappan is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire, where she covers trend forecasting and shopping stories, highlighting runway-inspired styles and a blend of emerging and established brands. Prior to joining Marie Claire, she worked as a freelance editor for Harper’s Bazaar and ELLE, specializing in e-commerce content and curating seasonal trend reports. Earlier in her career, she worked at Town & Country, developing a strong portfolio of fashion roundups and designer profiles.

Lauren holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in journalism from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, she served as editor-in-chief of The Walk, the university's fashion magazine, and completed internships at Philadelphia Style Magazine and EveryStylishGirl.