One of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe isn’t by buying lots of new clothes; it’s by looking at the colors you’re putting together. The right summer color combination can make even the simplest outfit feel fresh, polished, and completely on trend.
This summer, we’re seeing a move towards softer neutrals, earthy tones, and sun-washed shades, alongside a few vibrant colors that instantly brighten your look. Whether you prefer understated elegance or a little more impact, these are the color pairings we’re loving this season.
And because so many of this summer’s colors feel very much like traditional autumnal shades, you can easily take many of these color combos into fall and beyond. Let’s take a look at our favorites.
Cream + Terracotta
Warm, earthy, and effortlessly sophisticated, cream and terracotta are a match made for summer. The softness of cream balances the richness of terracotta beautifully, creating an outfit that feels both relaxed and luxurious. Think cream linen trousers with a terracotta top, or a flowing cream dress finished with terracotta sandals and accessories. We also love the terracotta swimsuit combo below.
Rip Curl Paradise Check Cover-Up Shirtdress – Miraclesuit Network Madero One-Piece Swimsuit – Kork-Ease Yazmin Platform Slide Sandal – Handed By Paris Recycled Plastic Tote Bag – Ana Luisa Wade Medium Hoop Earrings
Olive + gold
Olive and gold create a rich, sophisticated color combination that feels effortlessly elegant in summer. Olive acts as a versatile neutral, while golden tones, from soft butter yellow to warm ochre and metallic gold accessories, add warmth and luminosity. The pairing works particularly well in natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and silk, giving outfits a relaxed yet refined feel. Try olive linen trousers with a golden blouse, or an olive dress finished with gold sandals and jewelry for a timeless look that transitions beautifully from daytime sightseeing to evening dinners.
Massimo Dutti Flowing Midi Dress – Veronica Beard Tia Buckle Sandal – Olga Berg Jen Mesh Frame Clutch – Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool & Cashmere Scarf – Karine Sultan Wrapped Cuff Bracelet
Coral + turquoise
Coral and turquoise are a vibrant pairing that instantly evokes sunny holidays and coastal escapes. Coral brings warmth and energy, while turquoise adds a fresh, cooling contrast that feels perfect for summer. If head-to-toe color feels too bold, use one shade as your main color and introduce the other through accessories such as a scarf, handbag, or jewelry. Together, they create cheerful, flattering outfits that work beautifully for everything from beachside lunches to relaxed evening strolls. They also look great for fall if you start to add soft beige and brown suede jackets and boots.
Eliza J Eyelet Belted Sleeveless Maxi Dress – Veronica Beard Tia Buckle Sandal – Olga Berg Jen Mesh Frame Clutch – Ettika Turquoise Bead Station Cuff Bracelet – Ettika Reconstituted Turquoise Drop Earrings
If you’re looking to introduce more color without going too bold, coral and sand are a beautiful partnership. The warmth of coral is softened by natural sandy tones, creating an outfit that feels vibrant yet balanced. It’s a combination that works especially well for vacations and summer evenings.
Denim blue + white
Denim and white is one of those timeless summer combinations that never goes out of style. Crisp white brightens the casual feel of denim, creating a fresh look that’s effortless to wear. Whether you choose white jeans with a chambray shirt, classic blue denim with a white linen blouse, or a denim jacket layered over a white dress, this pairing is endlessly versatile and works for everything from sightseeing to relaxed lunches and summer evenings.
Theory Shrunken Three Button Blazer – Modenaire Zip Front Sleeveless Denim Midi Dress – Vaneli Lorian Sandal – Dune London Dinkydeliberate Woven Top Handle Bag – Ana Luisa Wade Medium Hoop Earrings
Chocolate + cream
Chocolate brown and cream offer a softer alternative to classic black and white, creating an elegant color combination with timeless appeal. The richness of chocolate adds depth, while cream keeps the look light and fresh for summer. Together they feel effortlessly luxurious, especially in natural fabrics such as linen, cotton and lightweight knits. Pair cream trousers with a chocolate top, or a flowing cream dress with brown leather sandals and accessories for a sophisticated outfit that works from day to evening.
Massimo Dutti Flowing Midi Dress – Easy Spirit Noya Sandal – Olga Berg Quinn Woven Faux Leather Clutch – Ana Luisa Wade Medium Hoop Earrings
Red + raffia
Red and raffia are the perfect combination for adding a touch of Mediterranean style to your summer wardrobe. The vibrancy of red feels bold and confident, while natural raffia accessories soften the look and give it a relaxed, holiday-ready feel. A red dress or linen shirt paired with raffia sandals, a woven tote or a straw hat creates an effortlessly chic outfit that’s equally suited to sightseeing, alfresco lunches or sunset drinks.
Eileen Fisher Organic Handkerchief Linen Sleeveless Shirt – Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Wide-Leg Pant – Trotters Garret Sandal – Eileen Fisher Beach Tote – Nordstrom Packable Woven Straw Panama Hat – Max Mara 55mm Round Sunglasses
Blue + beige
Blue and beige create a calm, classic color combination that always looks polished. The coolness of blue is beautifully balanced by the warmth of beige, making it an easy pairing to wear throughout the summer. Whether you choose a pale blue shirt with beige linen trousers, a navy dress with neutral accessories, or a beige blazer layered over a blue-and-white striped top, this versatile combination feels fresh, elegant and effortlessly timeless. Perfect if you have a classic style personality.
Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Blouse – Nordstrom Pleated Linen Blend Shorts – Trotters Garret Sandal – Eileen Fisher Beach Tote – Max Mara 55mm Round Sunglasses – Nordstrom Packable Woven Straw Panama Hat
Lime green and silver
Lime green and silver or grey make a fresh, modern combination that’s perfect for summer. The vibrancy of lime green is softened by cool grey tones or shimmering silver accents, creating a look that feels contemporary without being overpowering. If you’re new to brighter colors, pair a lime green top with grey linen trousers, or introduce the color through accessories while keeping the rest of your outfit neutral. Finish with silver jewelry or metallic sandals for an elegant, polished touch.
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Cotton Round Neck Top – Eileen Fisher Striped Organic Cotton Gauze Wide-Leg Pant – Trotters Garret Sandal – Eileen Fisher Beach Tote – Max Mara 55mm Round Sunglasses
Navy + cream
Navy and cream is an effortlessly elegant color combination that works beautifully throughout the summer months. Navy provides depth and sophistication, while cream softens the look and adds brightness without the starkness of white. Whether you choose cream trousers with a navy linen shirt, a navy dress with cream accessories, a cream waistcoat with navy shorts, or a striped Breton top with cream jeans, this timeless pairing is polished, versatile, and easy to wear from daytime outings to evening dinners.
Boden Crew Milano Knit Waistcoat – FRAME The Structural Pleated Denim Shorts – Steve Madden Frolic Slide Sandal – Olga Berg Quinn Woven Faux Leather Clutch – Ana Luisa Wade Medium Hoop Earrings
Build Your Summer Wardrobe Around a Color Story
Choosing a handful of colors that work beautifully together makes getting dressed so much easier. Rather than filling your wardrobe with lots of unrelated shades, focus on a palette that allows everything to mix and match effortlessly. You’ll create more outfits with fewer pieces, your wardrobe will feel more cohesive, and every look will come together with very little effort. Sometimes, the secret to great style isn’t buying something new; it’s simply pairing familiar pieces in a fresh new way.
Take a look at the combos together below and choose your favorites.
Continue reading:
- What to wear in the heat without sacrificing style
- Summer party outfits: what to wear for every invitation
- What to wear on the plane
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