Summer Style

5 Colors to Elevate Your Summer Style

By Dylan Roche

Summer is almost here, and whether you’ve got a start-of-season barbecue or some other special occasion where you want to make an impression, you can elevate your look with these five colors. They’re perfect for sunny days, coastal atmospheres, and relaxed vibes.

 BLUE

Here’s what’s special about blue—pretty much any shade of blue is going to be a great pick for summer. A dark navy looks appropriately nautical (especially if paired with accents of white and red) while shades of cobalt and royal blue just look fun and casual, ideal for your favorite outdoor activity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a lighter shade of blue like cerulean or sky blue, both of which are perfect for warmer months.

 WHITE

This one’s the most obvious choice for summer. Traditionally, people kept the white in their wardrobe for occasions between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and it’s a style rule that makes sense—after all, white is great for staying cool under the hot summer sun. White looks good whether you’re pairing it with other white clothes or with pops of color. Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen. Both men and women can easily show off a solid white top with pants or shorts in a darker, bolder color.

 PINK

When it comes to summer colors, pink is always a favorite. And it’s one that looks good on women and men alike. If you want a tropical look, opt for a bright shade of fuchsia or flamingo. But even subtler shades with hints of orange, such as coral and salmon, look appropriately summery and may be a better choice for anyone who doesn’t want to commit to pink as a fashion choice. Pink is great as the most prominent color in your outfit, but it works well as an accent color too.

 YELLOW

Nothing warms up a summer outfit quite like yellow. Although it’s sometimes difficult to pull off bright colors, trust yellow to look cheery and uplifting when you wear it for summer occasions. Like white, it’s light enough that you’re not going to feel overheated when wearing yellow on a sunny day. If you’re adventurous, you can go with a bright shade like canary yellow or lemon yellow. However, even a more subdued shade like daffodil will brighten up an outfit without looking too ostentatious.

SAGE GREEN

Although many colors look great in their brightest shade for summer outfits, green might be the exception. Don’t worry—lime and chartreuse aren’t bad choices by any means, and they’ll give your outfit a nice tropical look. But subtler greens like sage and seafoam make a perfect neutral color for summer outfits. They’re still plain enough that you can pair them with pretty much anything, while colorful enough that your summer outfit won’t look boring. 