Cool Summer, Cool Palettes

Well, summer has come in fast and furious! Much of the country, especially the East Coast, has experienced a heat dome followed by a heat wave days before summer even began. The heat is here and here to stay! Of course, as a color specialist, I’m always thinking of ways in which color can help or improve whatever situation we are in. Right now, we could all use some cool summer colors to help us beat the heat and keep our energy and spirits high!

To learn about cool color combinations for your home and design needs, please see this blog: How to Beat the Dog Days? Cool Summer Colors! I will take a different approach to this article, as I want to help you learn how to dress for cooler-feeling results. Let’s explore some cool summer color palettes to wear around this season; look great and feel cool!

Cool Summer Color Palettes – Fabrics First

When you find yourself in a surprising dome of heat, choosing the right fabric can make all the difference in staying cool and comfortable. I know, I know, I’m a color expert, not a fashion designer, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know a thing or two about smart wardrobe choices! In the heat, it’s best to opt for natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and even chambray, which are breathable, lightweight, and, most importantly, comfortable.  

Cotton is a summer staple because it allows air to circulate, absorbing moisture and wicking it away from your skin.

Linen, another natural fabric, is excellent for breathability and moisture-wicking. It tends to be loose and airy, allowing your skin to breathe and aerate. It also has a wonderful texture, making it ideal for casual outings and more sophisticated events. I love that you can dress linen up or down; it’s one of my favorites! 

Chambray, often mistaken for denim, is a lighter, woven fabric—great for summer wear. While chambray looks like denim, it thankfully lacks weight and heat, making it great for casual shirts, skirts, and dresses.

If you keep these fabrics in mind when selecting your outfits, you’ll be ahead of the curve and ready to contend with whatever heat the summer throws at you!

Cool Summer Color Palettes – The Expected and Unexpected

Here is a quick semi-scientific recap on why different colors react to sunlight differently. Clothing colors refract light and heat in varying ways due to their reflectivity and absorption properties. Light colors like white, light gray, and cooler pastels reflect most of the sunlight, helping to keep you cooler as they absorb less heat. Dark colors such as black and navy absorb more light, converting it into heat and making you feel warmer because the clothing itself is warmer. Pretty simple, right? Well, there may be some interesting facets to this science that you didn’t anticipate; hold on, you’re in for a surprise!

A study conducted by Japan’s National Institute for Environmental Studies in 2019 found that while white remained the coolest clothing color studied, yellow was the second coolest! No, not pastel blue or gray; yellow was the second coolest color. Even more interesting, third place came light gray and red! Yes, red was cooler than blue, purple, or green. So, it turns out a warm color (not deep red, but still) can keep you cool in the summer. 

Cool Summer Color Palettes – My Recommendations

Creamy whites and yellows – Summer is the perfect time to pull out all of the creamy off-white clothing you have! Whether it’s an egg-shell polo or a sunny-side-up day dress to wear by the beach, you’ll stay cool and have an unmistakably pleasant look to your ensemble. 

Light grays and smooth reds—As we discovered, red can actually keep you cool in summer. As long as you stay away from deep maroons or crimson reds, you should be feeling just fine. I like the combination of a rosy-coral red dress with some grey sandals, a hat, or even a cardigan to bring along in case it cools off in the evening. 

The power of standalone red—Go for it; wear that red dress and nothing else as you stroll down the beach. Red is an energetic and passionate color that looks fantastic in the blazing summer sun by the shore. While everyone else is in white, be the standout and go for red! 

White, grey, and pastel blue—The tried and true nautical summer colors are old standbys for a reason. They keep you cool and look great whether it’s a formal occasion, like a wedding on the shore, or something more casual, like an afternoon barbecue. Stick with this palette, and you’ll feel comfortable and look great. 

How Do You Stay Cool With Color?

So, how do you beat the summer heat when it feels overbearing? Do you change up the colors inside and outside of your home to create a grand sense of coolness? Do you change up your wardrobe selection? Please share your stories, thoughts, and anecdotes; I always love hearing from you!