As the sun beams down and temperatures rise, we’re reaching for our lightest and brightest pieces. While summer typically calls for vibrant colors, this season there’s a fresh emphasis on powder pastels and zesty hues. And as predicted, many of 2025's top color trends are officially having their moment.
From sorbet nails and sardine prints to Mocha Mousse tones, the fashion food craze is going strong. Now, a full-color feast — from pistachio green to clementine orange — is being served across summer staples. Designers like Sergio Hudson and Emilia Wickstead showcased cotton candy pink on their spring/summer 2025 runways, while labels like Quince and Hill House Home have plucky shades like sky blue on offer. Meanwhile, fashion influencers are declaring cherry red the new “tomato girl summer” shade (unsurprisingly, we’re here for it).
Read on for a deeper dive into each summer color trend — plus styling ideas for your vacation looks, work ‘fits, wedding guest attire, and more.
1. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Cherry Red
In addition to being a major swimwear trend, bright red has made its way into every part of the summer wardrobe. The bold hue popped up all over spring/summer 2025 runways via matching sets, statement dresses, and high heels. Try it monochrome for impact, or pair it with pink for a refreshingly bright combo — we even love it with blue for a fisherman-coded look.
2. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Pistachio Green
Whether sparked by Dubai’s pistachio chocolate obsession or runway momentum, this playful green is everywhere. The distinct shade (and all of its brighter and more muted variations) is fueling a summer dress trend that’s equally fun for daytime picnics and evening events. It also plays well with Mocha Mousse for a more understated, earthy effect.
3. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Cotton Candy Pink
Slightly brighter than early spring’s baby pinks, cotton candy tones are having their moment. From nostalgic ruffled gowns to power suits, the darling hue balances whimsy and structure — equally fitting on a puffed sleeve top or a platform sandal. Look out for smaller pops via pink accessories, too (think silk headscarves and mini bags).
4. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Sky Blue
From refined button-down tops to versatile maxi dresses and playful bloomer bottoms, sky blue was a design house fan-favorite… and is now splashed across staples from our favorite brands. Treat the bright hue as a neutral — like white or navy — or make it the star of the show through head-to-toe outfits and statement accessories.
5. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Clementine Orange
Vibrant and juicy, this zesty orange stands apart from this season’s pastels, transforming farmers market citrus and tropical island florals into wearable pieces. The runways delivered bold separates and sweeping gowns, but accessories like swim sarongs, chokers, oversized sunglasses, and bags are giving us the most inspiration.
6. Summer 2025 Color Trend: Butter Yellow
Of course, we couldn’t forget about butter yellow, the color viral we’ve all been melting for. From runways to reader-favorite retailers, the pale hue continues to dominate. Luckily, it’s easy to pair with other pastels or crisp black for a high-contrast, retro-meets-modern mix.
