The 6 Colours Arket, & Other Stories and H&M Are Backing This Summer

It’s fair to say there are plenty of good things to look forward to about summer: jetting off on Mediterranean holidays, listening to a great band at your favourite festival, whiling away the weekends in your local pub garden with far too much rosé… I could go on. But one quite niche thing I always really look forward to is embracing more colour in my wardrobe. In autumn/winter, I’m all about those classic neutrals that are easy to layer. But in summer, my inner extrovert comes out, and all I want to wear is printed shirts, bold dresses and bright swimwear. Yes, tonal whites, beiges and creams can look really chic in summer, but there’s just something really feel-good (not to mention flattering) about a bright colour against sunkissed skin.
In my expert opinion, when it comes to wearing colour in summer, anything goes. Wear your favourite shade from head to toe, or try out some expensive-looking combinations—you do you. But each year, by about this time, it becomes clear that there are certain pantones the fashion set (and subsequently the high street) are championing in particular for the season ahead. Take one scroll through the new-in sections of Arket, & Other Stories and H&M right now, and it will become evident pretty quickly what these hero shades are.
From tomato red to fresh orange to sea blue, it’s an explosion of juicy colour for 2022 (alongside some buttery creams if you prefer to tone it down a little). Whether it’s an easy-to-style button-down shirt, a statement accessory to add an accent to your look or a bold dress for an instant happy outfit, the pieces below embrace the six colour trends our favourite high street stores are backing this summer and beyond.
1. Sea Blue
Think of the many shades of the Mediterranean Sea when it comes to buying blues this summer, and you’ll get it spot on. Whether you choose deeper or lighter shades, blue is a flattering colour on all skin tones and against all hair colours.
SHOP THE TREND
This shirt is selling like hotcakes, which means it won’t be in stock for long.
Alexa Chung wore a very similar flounce-trimmed dress recently. Get the look with this style for under £20.
2. Tomato Red
A personal favourite, this orangey-red is always striking whether you opt for a pop with a simple sandal or a full-on maxi dress. It looks great with denim and tan leather accessories.
SHOP THE TREND
Halternecks are the next cult trend of the summer— you heard it here first.
I’d wear these with jeans and a white tank top, but they’d also make a stylish statement with any of these red dresses.
3. Fresh Orange
Who needs that thirst-quenching fresh orange at your favourite hotel breakfast buffet when you can wear your vitamin C instead? Or you could always indulge in both. I plan on wearing the H&M maxi to all the weddings I’m invited to for the foreseeable future.
SHOP THE TREND
Great with just a pair of denim shorts or over a bikini.
If you’re nervous about colour, a bright tank is a great, easy option.
4. Buttercream
If brights scare you, don’t fear. Buttery shades are coming through as well this summer. Pair your off-whites with other tonal shades and timeless black accessories for an expensive-looking summer outfit.
SHOP THE TREND
5. Apple Green
Green has been the fashion person’s colour of choice when making a statement for a good few years now, and it doesn’t show any signs of dipping in popularity. It looks freshest against crisp white layers and straw accessories.
SHOP THE TREND
These are a great way to add colour into your workwear wardrobe, but they also look cute with jeans.
6. Power Pink
Not for shy and retiring types, pink is a power play this summer. Nothing will make you feel more tropical on those balmy summer holiday evenings.
SHOP THE TREND
Up Next: This Is the Trick to Finding the Most Expensive-Looking Pieces at H&M
Opening image: @the_oluwaseun
Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working for Who What Wear UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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