Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about updating your wardrobe with the latest trends and colors for the warmer months ahead. Choosing the right colors and styles can completely transform your look and help you beat the heat in style. In this article, we’ll explore some of the hottest color trends you can expect to see this summer and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your own fashion.
The Return of Y2K
One of the biggest color trends this summer is the return of early 2000s inspired hues. Brands like Prada, Versace, and Miu Miu all featured Y2K colors like neon pinks, greens, and oranges on the runway. These bright, bold tones are perfect for summer when you want your look to pop.
Some key Y2K colors to try this season include:
- Neon pink
- Acid green
- Electric blue
- Traffic cone orange
When styling these colors, go for a bold monochrome look by wearing one color from head to toe. Or mix and match different hues in the same color family for a more eclectic vibe. Accessorize with barrettes, chokers, and jelly shoes to fully capture the nostalgic Y2K aesthetic.
Soft Pastels
At the other end of the spectrum, ethereal pastels are also having a major moment for summer 2023. Think pale shades of lilac, mint, peach, and sky blue. These softer colors are ideal for keeping cool and channeling a more romantic, feminine vibe.
Some of the prettiest pastel colors to wear this summer include:
- Lavender purple
- Blush pink
- Butter yellow
- Seafoam green
Pastels pair perfectly with lace, eyelet details, and floral prints. Try an all-white look accented with pastel accessories or mix and match different hues for a soft colorblock effect.
Earth Tones
Natural earth tones are back in a big way this summer. Think rich shades of terracotta, olive green, cocoa brown, and clay red. These grounded colors connect back to nature and add a touch of organic warmth to any summer outfit.
Some earth-inspired colors to integrate into your wardrobe include:
- Terracotta
- Mustard yellow
- Mocha brown
- Forest green
Style earth tones together for a tonal monochrome vibe. Brown pairs particularly nicely with green for an earthy colorblock look. You can also accent basics like denim shorts or a white dress with earth tone accessories.
Vibrant Tropical Colors
Channel tropical vacation vibes with vibrant shades like citrus orange, palm green, and ocean blue. These playful colors evoke summer fun and are bold enough to stand out even when you have a tan.
Some tropical-inspired hues to brighten up your summer wardrobe include:
- Lime green
- Coral pink
- Turquoise blue
- Sunflower yellow
Make these colors pop even more by wearing them together. Think a coral skirt with a lime green top or an orange dress with turquoise jewelry. Floral prints, ruffled details, and crochet textures will give your look a free-spirited tropical feel.
Metallic Shine
Metallic colors add instant glamour and shine to any summer look. Silver, gold, bronze, and copper metallic shades look particularly beautiful when you have glowing summer skin.
Some metallic color options to shine in this season include:
- Rose gold
- Bronze
- Silver
- Champagne gold
The trick to metallics is keeping the rest of your look minimal. Try pairing a metallic skirt or top with neutral basics. Accessorize with metallic sandals or bag for an extra pop of shine. For makeup, choose a bold metallic eyeshadow with a nude lip.
White
A summer style staple, white is crisp, light, and effortlessly chic. For summer 2023, white is back in its purest form. Designers like Stella McCartney, Chloe, and Isabel Marant showed white looks paired back to let the color speak for itself.
Some chic ways to wear white this summer include:
- An all-white ensemble – think white jeans with a matching blazer or set of shorts and tank top
- A white dress or jumpsuit
- White denim
- A crisp white shirt
White reflects light and will keep you cool even on the hottest days. Streamline your look with minimal white accessories and makeup for a modern, elegant aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to rock white shoes either!
Black
Black may seem counterintuitive for summer, but it’s a versatile neutral that easily translates to the warmer months. Designers like Valentino, Givenchy, and Hermes championed black in their summer 2023 collections.
Some tips for wearing black in summer:
- Lightweight fabrics – choose breathable cottons, linens, and silks
- Minimal silhouettes – avoid heavy fabrics or bulky shapes
- Accent colors – brighten up black with neon or pastel accessories
- Open shapes – try cropped, cutout, or strappy styles
Some chic black summer pieces to try are:
- A black cotton sundress
- High-waisted black shorts
- A black crop top or tank
- A simple black bikini
- A black straw hat
Black is timeless and slimming – making it perfect even in the summer heat.
Popular Color Combinations
Now that we’ve covered the top colors for summer 2023, let’s discuss some stylish ways to combine them. Color blocking and tone-on-tone dressing are both big trends this season. Here are some of the hottest color pairings you can expect to see:
| Color Combo | How to Style |
|---|---|
| Neon + Neutrals | Pair a neon pink top with white jeans or neon yellow bag with a black dress |
| Pastels + Metallics | Combine a metallic skirt with a soft pastel top or metallic shoes with a pastel bag |
| Earth tones + Black | Try an all-black outfit with terra cotta accessories or olive green shirt with black shorts |
| Tropical colors + Whites | Wear a white maxi skirt with a lime green top or white jeans with a citrus orange jacket |
Have fun mixing different colors and textures. The bolder and brighter, the better this summer!
Key Takeaways
Here are the major color trends to incorporate into your wardrobe for summer 2023:
- Y2K neon hues like hot pink, acid green, and traffic cone orange
- Soft ethereal pastels including lavender, seafoam, and buttercup yellow
- Earthy natural tones like terracotta, olive green, and clay red
- Vibrant tropical colors like lime, turquoise, and sunflower yellow
- Metallic shine in rose gold, silver, bronze and champagne
- Crisp whites and classic blacks
- Color block combos like neons + neutrals or pastels + metallics
Use these color guidelines to help you create fun, fashionable looks for summer. Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix different hues in unexpected ways. With these trending shades, you’ll stay cool and look hot all season long!
Conclusion
Summer 2023 is shaping up to be a vibrant season full of energizing, optimism-boosting colors. Whether you gravitate towards Y2K neons, soft pastels, earth tones, or tropical hues, embracing color is a great way to refresh your style for the warmer months. Use this guide to help select pieces in colors you love and create stylish summer outfits.
The right colors can make you look tanned, lift your mood, and help you stand out in a crowd. Combine colors in fresh new ways with tone-on-tone dressing or bold color blocking. Don’t forget the details either – accessories, bags, shoes and beauty looks are perfect for popping in an accent color.
With so many options, you can develop a unique summer style that’s totally you. Stay stylish and beat the heat by keeping these 2023 color trends in mind. Have fun with fashion this summer by wearing colors that make you feel happy, confident and cool.