The Top Color Trends to Mix and Match This Summer

Summer is a wonderfully vibrant season, but there are a few shades in particular that you’ll soon be seeing everywhere you look. Searches for these five hues have been steadily growing in popularity on the global shopping platforms Lyst and ShopStyle for some time now, and a quick scroll through Instagram reveals lots of influencers are already incorporating them into their summer wardrobes. Here, the top color trends to keep an eye on, plus tips on how to wear them no matter your style.

RELATED: The 20 Best Plus Size Maxi Dresses to Add to Your Closet This Summer

1. Bright Pink

It began with a flurry of women sporting Argent’s hot pink suit during the election, but Barbie-approved hues have continued to grow in popularity all through 2021, with no signs of slowing down. For those who admire the head-to-toe look, try a flowy maxi dress or voluminous midi instead of a structured suit (they’ll feel more breathable and comfortable in the summer heat). Or you can add just a few pops here and there in the form of a button down shirt with neutral hued shorts or a vivid handbag paired with a floral sundress or casual jeans.

Shop the trend: In The Style dress ($45); Cece top ($69); NBD top ($98); Yaura Plus pants ($103); Krisa dress ($187); Cult Gaia skort ($258); Tanya Taylor dress ($465)

2. Sage Green

This pale springy hue may not call as much attention to itself as bright pink, but it definitely stands out in its own way. Much like camel, tan or beige, sage tends to look pretty luxe, even if you’re rocking more affordable pieces rather than designer duds. And much like those light brown shades, it can easily transition from spring to summer to fall, so it might well be worth the investment if you do decide to splurge. Pair this delicate green with other lighter colors—like white, tan or any pastel—rather than bold patterns or vibrant pops to really let it have its moment in the spotlight.

Shop the trend: ASOS dress ($40); ASTR the Label bodysuit ($68); Wilfred dress ($78); Pretty Lavish top ($72); Eloquii jumpsuit ($120); Staud top ($175)

3. Emerald Green

Maybe it’s inspired by our newfound love of nature or maybe we’re all just drawn to its calming vibes, but green is the It color of 2021. After sage the most popular variation is deep emerald, a hue most often reserved for the holidays or winter months. But it turns out it works equally well for summer, so long as it’s worn with more subdued shades, rather than a multitude of other gem tones or brights. Stick with white, gold or brown accessories, or paler hues if you really want to add a few other colors to the mix.

Shop the trend: Wednesday’s Girl top ($22); Halogen top ($39); Superdown romper ($66); Ann Taylor pants ($98; $80); J.Crew shorts ($98); Alice + Olivia dress ($275); Shoshanna dress ($398)

4. Sky Blue

Unlike sage green, this light color works super well both on its own and as a background hue for more eye-catching shades. In fact, it looks particularly great paired with bright pink, and can be worn as a neutral hue with just about any other color you like. Our favorite way to wear it, however, is with other shades of blue, like cobalt or cerulean and pops of gold jewelry.

Shop the trend: ASOS trench coat ($111; $38); Nordstrom camisole ($49); Eloquii top ($65); Hill House dress ($125); Amanda Uprichard dress ($216); Theory pants ($275); Faithfull the Brand dress ($319)

5. Yellow

Though most women are sticking to pastels this year, mustard yellow and even neon are having a moment. Folks often assume yellow is a hard color to pull off, but the trick is just to find the right shade for your skin tone. Those with cool undertones look best in daffodil, lemon or superbright yellow, while buttercup, goldenrod and honey hues work better on those with warm undertones.

Shop the trend: New Look dress ($44); Topshop cardigan ($62); Liverpool Los Angeles shorts ($68); Vince Camuto top ($69); Levi’s shorts ($70); Hope & Ivy dress ($119); Eloquii dress ($125); Bardot blazer ($169)

RELATED: 8 Fashion Trends, from Clogs to Corset Tops, that Will Be Huge This Summer

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.