8 Mood-Boosting Colours to Get You in the Summer Mindset

I am so beyond ready to shop for summer [1], but I also know that my current mindset leaves me feeling a little clueless: where the heck do I start? Drawing up a mood board based on colour is an easy way to begin, and I've done the thorough research. By browsing Instagram and scoping out the new arrivals on some of my favourite sites [2], I've determined eight colours that aren't just "on trend" but also bright enough to make me smile, so I hope they make you smile, too. Slowly but surely, people are starting to venture outside as the season changes, showing off new swimwear [3] in some of these bold shades or breezy house dresses that will eventually become cover-ups when it gets warm enough to soak up the sun.

There are girlie colours here, like fandango, which isn't your typical Barbie pink and is actually a bit more sophisticated, in my opinion, and then there are bohemian shades — shopping natural tones with major texture is definitely fashionable right now (think: crochet, ribbing, and quilted accessories). If you prefer the cooler side of the colour wheel, then sea blue is sure to be a favourite, and it'll also remind you of the ocean. Scroll through to see my summer 2020 palette, and shop some of my favourite pieces available now.

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Coral

I love this colour because it's truly flattering on just about every skin tone. Try picking up your next slip dress in the shade or investing in a shorts suit or at least a blazer in this bright hue.

Zara Ruffled Dress

Zara Ruffled Dress [5] ($70)

River Island Shorts Suit

River Island Coral Long Puff Sleeve Blazer [6] ($130) and River Island Coral High Corset Belted Waist Shorts [7] ($76)

Staud Bruco Pant in Coral Sateen

Staud Bruco Pant in Coral Sateen [8] ($255)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Key Lime

Lime, not to be confused with mint, which is also a popular colour trend for summer, has major yellow tones and just a touch more green than a chartreuse. It's super playful, so I love it for matching sets and bucket hats.

Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Knotted Hawaiian Top

Scotch & Soda/Maison Scotch Knotted Hawaiian Top [9] ($189)

Simon Miller Hammer Slides

Simon Miller Hammer Slides [10] ($330)

COS Lyocell Linen Long Seersucker Checked Dress

COS Lyocell Linen Long Seersucker Checked Dress [11] ($135)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Lavender

Lavender is a must shop this season. There's no denying it's one of the most eye-catching colour trends for summer 2020. I suggest playing around with it and mixing it with other bright pops, like orange, green, or red. It's definitely most appealing when boldly contrasted — I wouldn't recommend wearing the shade from head to toe or you might come across as a pastel princess who's just ready for Easter.

Ro's Garden Long Sofia Dress

Ro's Garden Long Sofia Dress [12] ($295)

Theia Jewellery Aurora Round Cut Stud Earrings

Theia Jewellery Aurora Round Cut Stud Earrings [13] ($37)

Zara Drawstring Bucket Hat

Zara Drawstring Bucket Hat [14] ($26)

Pull&Bear Cropped Straight-Leg Jeans

Pull&Bear Cropped Straight-Leg Jeans [15] ($40)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Natural Tones

Natural tones are most beautiful and exciting when they come in materials with texture. Try a colorblock dress like this one or something in crochet. While you can construct a whole outfit around varying neutrals, it's fun to add a colour pop with a bag or hair accessory.

& Other Stories Sarong Wrap Midi Skirt

& Other Stories Sarong Wrap Midi Skirt [16] ($79)

Cult Gaia Clio Beaded Sphere-Heel Sandals

Cult Gaia Clio Beaded Sphere-Heel Sandals [17] ($390)

Reformation Hosby Dress

Reformation Hosby Dress [18] ($128)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Sea Blue

Sea blue sort of runs the gamut — it can start at sky blue and venture into the royal territory, but most importantly, it's vibrant and not at all muted. This summer blue is powerful — there's no messing around with it! Try shopping swimwear in the colour for the ultimate statement.

Zara Printed Dress With Belt

Zara Printed Dress With Belt [19] ($70)

Topshop Leather Woven Pouch Bag

Topshop Leather Woven Pouch Bag [20] ($35)

Zara Flat Padded Leather Sandals

Zara Flat Padded Leather Sandals [21] ($60)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Fandango Pink

This shade is somewhat of a cross between Barbie pink and orchid. It can be flirty, but when it takes the form of a blazer or a sophisticated sheath dress, it's incredibly chic and stands for girl power in the best way.

Finders Keepers Emilia Midi Slip Dress

Finders Keepers Emilia Midi Slip Dress [22] ($71, originally $149)

Valet Rachael Clip

Valet Rachael Clip [23] ($33, originally $47)

Glamorous Curve Midaxi Shirt Dress With Tie Waist in Mini Check

Glamorous Curve Midaxi Shirt Dress With Tie Waist in Mini Check [24] ($30, originally $67)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Marigold

I'm shopping marigold in summer essentials like little bright bags and clutches, silk slip skirts, and mules. You can work this colour well with your neutral tones, and it looks beautiful in nature.

Zara Set

Zara Tank Top [25] ($20) and Zara Wrap-Style Pants [26] ($36)

Everlane The Linen Picnic Top

Everlane The Linen Picnic Top [27] ($48)

Dannijo Limoncello Slip Dress

Dannijo Limoncello Slip Dress [28] ($395)

Summer Colour Trend 2020: Mint

Mint is definitely a lot softer than lime and looks really nice in satin and silk. Consider it for your breezy, lightweight blouses and tanks and even your lingerie. IMO, mint is the most unexpectedly romantic shade of summer 2020.

Mango Oversize Modal Shirt

Mango Oversize Modal Shirt [29] ($46)

8 Other Reasons Super Sleek Headband in Mint

8 Other Reasons Super Sleek Headband in Mint [30] ($29)

Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Studio Romper

Amanda Uprichard x Revolve Studio Romper [31] ($224)

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