With the seasons shifting and the sun lingering a little longer each day, I’ve found myself drawn to a new colour palette—namely, the soft creams and revitalising shades of blue that seem to be everywhere right now. From budding blooms to clear skies, these hues are shaping the season, and while I’ve always admired them in nature, weaving them into my wardrobe has felt less intuitive—until now.
A quick scroll through Instagram offered up the inspiration I didn’t know I needed. There was Gwyneth Paltrow, showcasing just how elegant and wearable this palette can be. Dressed in a breezy blue shirt and cream Bermuda shorts, she served up a wearable take on chic summer styling.
Minimalist but impactful, her look reminded me that simplicity often breeds the most sophisticated style. The beauty of pairing pale cream with soft blue lies in the serene, unfussy finish it creates—a mood that feels especially at home in summer when long, sun-drenched days become our norm. Paltrow’s choice of a slightly sheer shirt and knee-grazing Alexis Shorts, from her own label, Goop, balanced polish with ease, it’s a formula I’ve been eager to try ever since.
Already making waves across the streets of Europe—I've spotted fashion people wearing it in both Stockholm and London—this calming colour combination channels a sense of ease that aligns with any polished-looking outfit. And while Paltrow opted for shorts, the same shirt pairs just as seamlessly with wide-leg trousers or cream denim.
Inspired by Paltrow's easy take on summer elegance, read on to discover the best blue shirts and cream trousers below.
SHOP BLUE SHIRTS AND CREAM TROUSERS:
This comes in sizes XXS—4XL.
Style these with a blue shirt or pair with a cosy knit.
I always come back to With Nothing Underneath for their chic, high-quality shirts.
Style with the matching top or wear with breezy shirt.
This looks much more expensive than it actually is.
These also come in khaki.
This also comes in five other shades.
These come in short, regular and lengths.
Style this with cream trousers or wear with straight-leg jeans.
Style with strappy sandals or pair with a simple mule.
-
I Tried On the Everlane Pieces You're About to See Everywhere This SummerElevated basics ahead.
-
The Highly Specific Denim Trend Even I Didn't See ComingDanielle Haim is a fan.
-
This Is the Chicest One-Color Outfit to Wear Instead of All-Black Ones This SummerThis neutral is the new black.
-
The Expensive-Looking Sandal Trend Fashion Girls Are Wearing With Baggy Jeans and White T-ShirtsA highly chic outfit lies ahead.
-
Forget the Wrong Shoe Theory—I'm Backing the Wrong *Bag* Theory All Summer LongTap in to learn all about it.
-
There Are Over 500 Tops and Jeans at Zara, But Only These 32 Chic Picks Need Your AttentionI'll bet they'll sell out before July's over.
-
I'm a Shopping Editor—These 31 Under-$50 Amazon Finds Are Giving Main Character EnergyThese were really hard not to gatekeep.
-
Everyone With Good Taste Is Wearing This Under-$10 AccessoryIt's just so chic.
