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 is a great option for the office.
This shirt is selling like hotcakes, which means it won’t be in stock for long.
The ruching and frills on this make it so pretty.
Alexa Chung wore a very similar flounce-trimmed dress recently. Get the look with this style for under £20.
This looks so easy, breezy and comfortable.
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.
This print looks so expensive.
How cute does this look with jeans?
I’m a fan of the subtle cut-outs on this dress.
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.
I love the idea of wearing this to a wedding.
Such an easy throw-on style.
A great option for adding a pop of colour.
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
I can’t believe this dress is high-street.
Wear this with the matching trousers below or with jeans.
I can guarantee you these will sell out in no time.
This is a staple you’ll wear for many years to come.
Cut-outs are the biggest trend this summer.
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
Comfy and stylish.
Make a statement with your swimwear, too.
These are a great way to add colour into your workwear wardrobe, but they also look cute with jeans.
I love the detailing on this minidress.
The neckline and deep green of this top make it feel really elevated.
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
I’ve just added this to my basket.
Nineties inspiration is still going strong.
A great beach cover-up option you can also wear in the city.
How cute is this minidress?
H&M wide-leg trousers are like gold dust right now.
Up Next: This Is the Trick to Finding the Most Expensive-Looking Pieces at H&M
Opening image: @the_oluwaseun
-
Move Over, Black Tights—Everyone Is Opting for This Richer-Looking Color InsteadWe love a luxe-looking trend for under $20.
-
4 Anti-Trend Outfits I Spot Every Time I'm in EuropeClassic looks that are always in style.
-
3 Non-Holiday Ways to Wear Velvet This WinterYou're welcome.
-
Hailey Bieber Just Used the TikTok Styling Hack That Will Actually Go the DistanceI'm going to use it this weekend.
-
The Pretty 2025 Color Trend That'll Dethrone Burgundy Just Got a Major EndorsementA celebrity endorsement, that is.
-
After 15 Years as a Fashion Writer, I Know These Free Style Tweaks Will Make a Big ImpactHow to give your wardrobe a new lease on life.
-
These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025Prepare your wardrobe.
-
4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's EndAnd the chic knitwear I'm making room for.
