What Summer Colors Are Trending in 2023?

Get on the trend with these hues we’re vibin’ with!

Summer’s just around the corner, and it won’t be long before we’re all hitting the beaches, soaking up the sun, and sipping on some refreshing drinks. But before you start packing your bags, make sure you’ve got the latest summer colors in your wardrobe!

This year, we’re seeing a surge in both warm and cool tones that are perfect for the season. On one hand, we have sunny yellows, burnt oranges, and coral pinks that reflect the warmth of the sun and evoke feelings of happiness and energy. On the other hand, we have the cool blues, serene greens, and soft lavenders that bring a sense of calmness and tranquility.

The question now is, how do you know which ones would work best for your fits this season? Read on as we break down the hottest summer color trends of 2023 and how they suit your vibe. Let’s get right into it!

Trending Summer Colors for 2023

Without further ado, here are some of the trendiest color palettes and hues you gotta check out for your summer outfits this 2023:

The Warm Color Palette

The warm color palette is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their summer wardrobe. And yes, this is the perfect palette for those with warm undertones yet a fun and energetic personality. 

Coral

Coral is a fun and lively color that adds warmth to any outfit. It complements neutrals like beige and white, or mixes with other bright colors for a bold statement. This is perfect for those who want a subtle yet playful look. 

Coral can enhance your summer wardrobe with accessories like sunglasses, sandals, and jewelry, or in clothing pieces such as dresses, skirts, and tops. Pair a coral top with white shorts and sandals for a chic and effortless look. Or, for a more sophisticated one, you can partner a coral blazer with black pants and heels.

Terracotta

Terracotta is a classic warm color that’s perfect for achieving an earthy, bohemian look. It pairs well with denim and natural materials. This is a great pick for those who have that nature-loving vibe and want to add a touch of warmth and depth to their summer outfits. Terracotta can be worn as a statement color or can be used to complement other warm hues like mustard and rust.

Mustard

Mustard is another trending color for 2023 that works well with other warm tones or can be paired with cooler blues and greens for a striking contrast. This is a popular choice among fashion-savvy GenZs and millennials who are looking to add some vibrancy to their summer wardrobe. Mustard can be incorporated in various ways, such as in a statement piece like a jacket or dress or in small accents like a scarf or bag. This color is perfect for those who want to make a statement without being too bold, and it complements all skin tones beautifully.

The Cool Color Palette

Now, if you have a cool undertone or simply want a refreshing and calming look, the cool color palette is for you. These shades are great for creating a relaxed and serene vibe that’s perfect for the summer season. 

Here are some of the cool colors you should check out for your summer outfits

Mint Green

Mint green is a cool and refreshing color that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a great color to add to your summer wardrobe since it pairs well with other pastels like pink and peach. It can also be partnered with darker colors like navy blue and black to add a pop of brightness to your overall fit. This shade is perfect for achieving that youthful and playful look!

Lavender

Want to achieve that romantic and dreamy vibe in the summer? Say no more.

Lavender is a soft and feminine color that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. It’s a great color to wear during the summer months as it brings a sense of calmness and relaxation. Lavender pairs well with other pastels like pink and blue but can also be paired with neutral colors like beige and white for a more sophisticated look. This is also a popular color choice for wedding outfits or special occasions, as it exudes a delicate and ethereal feel.

Sky Blue

Sky Blue is the perfect hue for those who want to add a touch of freshness to their outfits. It pairs well with whites and light pinks for a clean and crisp look. It can also radiate that softy vibe when partnered with other cool tones like lavender or mint green. Sky blue is versatile and can be worn in various styles, from flowy summer dresses to casual denim outfits. It’s a great color for those who want to achieve a relaxed and effortless summer aura!

The Psychology of Color

Hmm, but why do these color palettes matter anyway?

Well, there is what we call the psychology of color. This is the study of how different hues affect human behavior and emotions. It has been observed that colors have the power to influence our moods, thoughts, and even purchasing decisions. Marketers and designers have long recognized the importance of color in their work, as it can make or break a product or brand’s success. 

For print-on-demand businesses, understanding these concepts helps create designs that connect with your audience and generate desired responses. In short, it’s your ticket to making collections that would get your target shoppers engaged and interested in what you have to offer.

The Impact of Colors on Consumer Behavior

Certain hues can strategically evoke emotions and responses, offering you an advantage. For instance, red is often associated with passion, energy, and urgency–which is why it’s often used in sale and clearance signs. On the other hand, blue is linked to trust, reliability, and calmness, making it a popular choice for corporate financial institutions and healthcare brands. Green represents nature, health, and growth, while yellow symbolizes happiness and optimism, being highly attention-grabbing.

How To Choose the Right Color for Your Brand

Choosing logo, theme, and collection colors requires understanding your brand and audience, just like any other branding aspect. You want to choose a color that represents your brand’s personality and values and resonates with your customers.

Start by researching color psychology and the emotions and responses that different hues can evoke. Then consider your brand’s personality traits and values. Are you an eco-friendly brand that values sustainability and nature? Consider using shades of green or brown. Are you a high-energy, innovative brand? Try using bold and bright colors like red or orange.

Also, consider your target audience. Are they primarily young and trendy? Then bold, bright, and playful colors must be the right picks. Are they professionals in a corporate environment? Well, you can go for sophisticated, muted colors like navy blue or gray.

Examples of Products or Designs Using Summer Colors Effectively

Need some inspos for your own summer fit or your next merch collection? Here are some of the styles and outfit designs that caught our eyes:

Matching Mustard Yellow Beanie and Tee

This pair of mustard-colored beanie and relaxed fit tee can ultimately set the tone for a fun and casual summer look. You can design your own collection with our Sportsman – SP12 Solid Knit Beanie and give it a more flattering twist with our off-shoulder tops. 

Since the vibrant shade of mustard already makes a statement on its own, you can opt for a simpler design and let the color do the talking. For example, you can just put your brand’s logo in a small size on the chest area or the beanie, and let the bold color be the main focus.

Women’s Baby Blue Mesh Top

This cute yet edgy mesh top in baby blue is perfect for a summer day out with your friends or a night out. If you want a slightly different look, you can opt for a cropped tee that gives off the same laid-back yet playful vibe. This is perfect for designs with large texts, such as statement t-shirts or bold graphic prints that you want to stand out. You can also pair it with high-waisted shorts or a skirt to complete the summer look. 

To create your own collection with this color, you can consider adding other pastel shades, such as pink, lilac, or mint green, to complement the baby blue. You can also incorporate white or light gray for a more neutral and cohesive look.

Summer Print Tanks

These tank tops come in different summer colors, and that’s exactly what makes them perfect for any summer collection. You can choose to create a design that complements the color of the tank top or a design that contrasts it for a bold statement. For example, you can create a beach-themed design for the yellow tank top or a tropical print for the green tank top.

Incorporating Summer Colors in Your Online Store

Inspired enough to create your own summer collection? Well, let’s now work on your online store!

Tips for Incorporating Summer Colors in Product Listings

If your store already has certain brand colors, it’s important to find ways to incorporate summer hues without straying too far from your brand identity. Plus, you want to make sure that your images do not clash with your website’s design and layout.

Here are some tips to do just that:

Strategize Your Product Photography

When taking product photos, make sure to plan out how you want to incorporate summer colors in them. You can use props or backgrounds that are associated with summer, such as beach towels, sand, or floral arrangements. Think about how the colors in your product will look against these backgrounds and how they can enhance the overall summer vibe of your photos.

Use Backgrounds and Props Wisely

Choosing the right backgrounds and props for your product photography can make a big difference in the overall presentation of your online store. Incorporate props that match the theme of your products but make sure that the focus remains on the product itself. For example, if you’re selling summer dresses, you could use a beach or tropical background and add some sunglasses or a hat as props. Keep in mind that the background and props should complement the product and not overpower it.

Plan Your Color Blocking and Coordination

When designing product listings, consider how different colors will work together to create a cohesive look. Plan your color blocking and coordination ahead of time to ensure that your products complement each other and create a visually pleasing display. Choose colors that are associated with summer, such as pastel shades, bright hues, and cool tones. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different color combinations until you find the perfect balance.

Examples of Online Stores Effectively Using Summer Colors

Now, to help you get started working on your store’s summer theme, here are some inspos we’ve found: 

Cider

Cider’s overall store layout is pretty straightforward. However, when you hover over its “Swimwear” tab, you’ll see images of its newest pieces that perfectly capture summer’s essence. The photos feature models in swimsuits with bright, fun patterns set against a beachy backdrop, instantly making you crave a summer getaway. Additionally, their product pages feature multiple images of the swimsuit from different angles, giving the customer a better idea of the fit and design.

H&M

What makes H&M’s summer-themed homepage great, apart from the brilliant use of cool-toned summer hues, is their set of eye-catching images that showcase their latest collections. The use of bright, vivid images creates an inviting and exciting atmosphere that encourages customers to explore the site and shop their new arrivals. Additionally, H&M’s website utilizes a clean and minimalist design that allows their products to be the main focus. The use of white space and minimal text creates a sleek and modern look, perfect for showcasing their summer pieces. 

Not to mention, their models of different colors and body types perfectly represent the diversity and inclusivity that H&M strives to support and express in their brand.

That’s a Wrap!

This year’s trending summer colors, from the warm tones of terra cotta and mustard yellow to the cool shades of baby blue and mint green, offer endless possibilities for creating a stunning summer collection for your online store. By strategizing your product photography, using backgrounds and props, and planning your color blocking and coordination, you can effectively incorporate these summer hues into your product listings. 

What are you waiting for? Start designing your summer collection now, and let the colors do the talking!

For more print-on-demand business tips and tricks, check out our blog!