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    1. Fashion
    2. Summer fashion

    Summer Color Trends That Double as Mood Boosters

    From mellow yellows to powdery pinks.

    Sara Holzman#039;s avatar
    By Sara Holzman
    Published 13 April 2021 In News

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    summer colors collage
    (Image credit: Courtesy / Susanna Hayward)
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    You can choose to ignore the runway trends, 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

    summer color collage

    Hermès, Loewe, Fendi

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

    Hamp;amp;M, Clothing

    HM Rib-Knit Cardigan
    $34.99 AT HM.COM

    gingham shoulder bag

    STAUD Gingham Shoulder Bag
    $250.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    summer color trends

    Dandy Del Mar The Tropez Romper
    $119.00 AT DANDYDELMAR.COM

    Mattison Sandals

    Villa Rouge Mattison Sandals
    $94.50 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Box Pleat Mini

    Zara Box Pleat Mini
    $39.90 AT ZARA.COM

    summer color trends

    Nanushka Jen Pleated Top Handle Bag
    $325.00 AT NEIMANMARCUS.COM

    The Nesli Nap Dress

    Hill House Home The Nesli Nap Dress
    $125.00 AT HILLHOUSEHOME.COM

    Fae Sandal

    Cult Gaia Fae Sandal
    $388.00 AT CULTGAIA.COM

    Rust

    summer color collage

    Dior, Miu Miu, Acne Studios

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

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    Ribbed Stretch-Knit Cardigan

    Staud Ribbed Stretch-Knit Cardigan
    $165.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Leather Slide Sandals

    Tory Burch Leather Slide Sandals
    $248.00 AT BLOOMINGDALES.COM

    summer color trends

    Varley Vine Half-Zip Pullover
    $158.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    summer color trends

    Mateo Cognac Elizabeth Bag
    $350.00 AT MATEONEWYORK.COM

    Demi Knit Dress

    Cult Gaia Demi Knit Dress
    $159.20 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Georgia Ruched Leather Sandals

    Khaite Georgia Ruched Leather Sandals
    $272.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    summer color trends

    A.L.C. Adelaide Ruffle Mini Skirt
    $237.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    summer color trends

    Simon Miller Retro Suede Shoulder Bag
    $148.12 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Mellow Yellow

    summer color collage

    Givenchy, Miu Miu, Bevza

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    Contrary to bright canary yellows, this gentler iteration is suited for a monochrome look. Luckily, the effects of wearing it are still mood-boosting.

    summer color trends

    Nanushka Cleto One-Shoulder Terry Sweater
    $295.00 AT INTERMIXONLINE.COM

    summer color trends

    Manebi Espadrille Slides
    $130.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Tiered Midi-Dress

    STAUD Tiered Midi-Dress
    $335.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Freida Double Buckle Slides

    3.1 Phillip Lim Freida Double Buckle Slides
    $455.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Linen Top and Pants Set

    Sleeper Linen Top and Pants Set
    $260.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Knotted Strap Purse

    Acne Studios Knotted Strap Purse
    $430.00 AT ACNESTUDIOS.COM

    summer color trends

    ZARA Knit Dress
    $39.90 AT ZARA.COM

    Pleated Bucket Bag

    Mansur Gavriel Pleated Bucket Bag
    $295.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Powdery Pinks

    summer color collage

    Prada, Chanel, JW Anderson, Proenza Schouler

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

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    Slip Dress

    Wilfred Slip Dress
    $118.00 AT ARITZIA.COM

    Emmanuelle Hat

    Eugenia Kim Emmanuelle Hat
    $325.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Cropped Cardigan

    Alice + Olivia Cropped Cardigan
    $118.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    summer color trends

    Kintu New York Crossbody Bag
    $550.00 AT KINTUNEWYORK.COM

    Gingham Dress

    Zara Gingham Dress
    $39.90 AT ZARA.COM

    Jatoba Bag

    Nannacay Jatoba Bag
    $138.40 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Tennis Skirt

    Aritzia Tennis Skirt
    $68.00 AT ARITZIA.COM

    Barisci Sandals

    ATP Atelier Barisci Sandals
    $390.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Golden Hour

    summer color collage

    Paco Rabanne, CELINE, Dries Van Noten

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

    Floral Print Midi Dress

    Ulla Johnson Floral Print Midi Dress
    $695.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    summer color trends

    Loeffler Randall Penny Knot Slide
    $395.00 AT REVOLVE.COM

    Sequined Bodysuit

    Balmain Sequined Bodysuit
    $1195.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Fringe Bucket Bag

    Caterina Bertini Fringe Bucket Bag
    $66.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Gold G Dress

    Gucci Gold G Dress
    $4200.00 AT GUCCI.COM

    Gold Sandal

    Sarah Flint Gold Sandal
    $265.00 AT SARAHFLINT.COM

    Gold Sequin Sweater

    Valentino Gold Sequin Sweater
    $2490.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    summer color trends

    Hasanova Golden Shell Bag
    $188.00 AT WOLFANDBADGER.COM

    Soft Grey

    summer color collage

    Michael Kors, Issey Miyake, Brunello Cucinelli

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    Cotton Jersey Wrap Dress

    Baserange Cotton Jersey Wrap Dress
    $210.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Jitney 1.4 Leather Top Handle Bag

    Off-White Jitney 1.4 Leather Top Handle Bag
    $640.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Alpaca-Blend Cardigan

    Totême Alpaca-Blend Cardigan
    $465.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Leather-Trimmed Canvas Slides

    Vince Leather-Trimmed Canvas Slides
    $250.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    summer color trends

    Cuyana Grey Midi Skirt
    $165.00 AT CUYANA.COM

    Valentina Leather Satchel

    Botkier New York Valentina Leather Satchel
    $278.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Wrap Top

    Reformation Wrap Top
    $70.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Cashmere Ballet Flats

    Skin Cashmere Ballet Flats
    $100.00 AT NET-A-PORTER.COM

    Orange Theory

    summer color collage

    Sportmax, Versace, MSGM, Miu Miu

    (Image credit: Courtesy)

    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.

    Halterneck Dress

    Tove Halterneck Dress
    $575.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Micro Mini Bag

    Reike Nen Micro Mini Bag
    $78.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    Polo Shirt

    Cos Polo Shirt
    $69.00 AT COSSTORES.COM

    Satin Knot Bucket Bag

    Ganni Satin Knot Bucket Bag
    $115.00 AT SHOPBOP.COM

    summer color trends

    Self-Portrait Ribbed-Knit Midi-Dress
    $445.00 AT MYTHERESA.COM

    Croc-Embossed Leather Slides

    Mercedes Castillo Croc-Embossed Leather Slides
    $440.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Knit Midi Dress

    Zara Knit Midi Dress
    $49.90 AT ZARA.COM

    Slingback Pumps

    Prada Slingback Pumps
    $950.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
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    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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