Colour is one of the easiest yet most impactful ways to update your look. If you're usually found wearing neutral shades (much like I am), opting for a bright dress for the next circled date in your social calendar will be just the thing to give your aesthetic a shake-up. Similarly, if you're usually found wearing vivid clothing, neutralising your wardrobe with an all-white ensemble can be just the thing if you find yourself in need of a change. Such is the power of colour trends, and summer is the ideal time to start experimenting.
Now, you could look to what's currently trending to inform your colour choices for the season ahead; call it the Barbie effect, but pink still looks set to be a big colour for the season, as is bright red, which steadily rose the fashion ranks over the past few months. However, if you're keen to ensure any colours you do decide to invest in will stand the test of time, I've rounded up what I, a fashion editor who has been working in the industry for 12 years, consider to be the most timeless summer colour trends out there. Whatever is happening on the runways or in pop culture, these colours have proven they have serious staying power. And no, I'm not referring to black which, although it looks slick, is a given any season.
From standout shades to something more subtle, scroll on to see the summer colour trends that will still feel relevant next year, and the year after that, and the year after that.
1. Tomato Red
Style Notes: Red isn't always the easiest colour to wear with other tones, but fashionable types have cracked the code—wear it top to toe. Personally, I think juicy tomato hues are the way to go; they work with every skin tone and hair colour and never fail to look striking.
An ideal option for summer events.
Style with a matching bandeau top or go for the colour blocked look with a white t-shirt.
This would look great styled with a voluminous skirt.
Such a fab set.
2. Buttermilk Yellow
Style Notes: If quiet luxury were a colour, it would absolutely be pale yellow. Long before the aesthetic was a thing, however, buttermilk tones have been a mainstay in the summer wardrobes of the best-dressed women I follow. More wearable day to day than ultra-bright yellow tones, this shade works well with other summer colours on my list, doubling up as a neutral when you need it to.
Go on, get the matching shorts too.
The exposed back makes this dress a real showstopper.
Style with white jeans for a casual yet cool look.
This bodysuit gives such a sleek silhouette.
3. Fresh White
Style Notes: Okay, so I know I said I wasn't going to talk about black, but white? This is a shade that feels so intrinsic to summer, it would be remiss of me not to mention it. Commonly found by way of lightweight materials such as linen or cotton, some of the most cherished pieces in my wardrobe are white and designed for summer, and I can wear them year after year without the slightest concern about them looking dated.
A white linen skirt is a summer must-have.
Easy, breezy perfection.
These shorts are giving sophisticated Challengers vibes.
This linen vest is so chic, and can be styled with so many pieces.
4. Cerulean Blue
Style Notes: Often it's the colours we find in nature that feel the most timeless, and that's certainly the case with blue. I've noticed more and more people wearing this gorgeous cerulean shade over the past few years, and it's easy to see why. Joyful and chic in equal measure, this is another shade that looks incredible on everyone.
This shirt comes in a slew of colours—take your pick!
The way this dress hangs makes it look like a designer find.
Hunza G remains as popular as ever this summer.
Nod to the trend with a simple accessory like this silky scarf.
5. Avocado Green
Style Notes: Kelly green—otherwise known as Bottega Veneta green—is a bright, grass-green shade that has been enjoying a surge in popularity over the last few seasons. However, more grounded, avocado-type greens make just as much of a statement while, arguably, being less trend-driven. Although it looks great on its own, this green's powdery undertones mean it styles beautifully with colours you might not expect; think pink, orange and blue.
This dress lives in my mind rent free.
Picture this with strappy sandals, a white vest and a basket bag.
Toteme's embroidered styles are beautifully elevated.
A bag you'll use and love forever.
6. Soft Beige
Style Notes: A few years ago, beige might have been deemed too boring to include in an edit of summer colour trends but, thankfully, the tides have turned, and now beige is getting the chic appreciation it deserves. Yes, it's versatile, but my favourite beige looks are when the colour takes centre stage as opposed to playing second fiddle to more enticing colours.
The perfect nice top to pair with your favourite jeans—or the matching trousers.
The silhouette of these linen pants is just so good.
Wear this with linen trousers, denim or over beachwear.
Style with strappy sandals and black sunglasses.
This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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