As temperatures rise, most of us are happy to shed a few layers. But what takes their place? Colour. It’s often overlooked, but in summer, colour becomes one of the simplest ways to express a bit of personality or ease, without overcomplicating things.

The goal isn’t to be loud. It’s to choose shades that feel right for the season, but will still hold their own once autumn rolls in. Here, we explore the colours that do just that: modern, versatile, and timeless.

It’s easy to fall into a routine of navy, grey and white. They work. But summer offers a moment to experiment, subtly. A small shift in tone can bring a whole outfit to life. It might be a muted green in place of charcoal. A soft pink instead of the usual blue. A splash of reddish-orange that somehow feels bold and easy. The best colours this season are those that don’t try too hard. They simply fit.

Still the king of the wardrobe. There’s a reason blue is always in rotation. Navy anchors everything. Sky blue feels fresh. Washed chambray adds texture. Worn together or apart, they cover everything from workdays to weekend lunches without skipping a beat.

The wildcard in a good way. This is the colour that makes people say, “Nice shirt.” It’s warm and energetic, but still grounded when done in the right shade. Try it as a linen shirt, a knit polo, or even a pair of relaxed drawstring trousers.

Rich, earthy, and quietly confident. Think tobacco, olive, sage, and soft caramel. These shades feel grounded and masculine, but never dull. They work especially well in textured fabrics like linen, brushed cotton, and even suede. Wear them together for a tonal look, or with white and navy for contrast.

Not what it used to be, and all the better for it. Today’s pink is subtle, relaxed, and surprisingly easy to wear. A dusty rose tee or a soft pink Oxford shirt adds a point of difference without making a big deal of it. Try it with navy, olive, or stone. No peacocking required.

Lighter tones, done with purpose. Pastels aren’t just for garden parties. Mint, lilac, and pale blue all have a place in the modern summer wardrobe. The key is balance. Let the pastel be the focal point and keep everything else pared back.

Start with the basics: white, navy, and beige. Add a tone or two from each family, maybe olive and sky blue, or pink and terracotta. Stick to two or three colours per outfit, and let texture do some of the work. Lightweight knits, breezy linens, and soft tailoring all bring dimension without needing bold prints or heavy layering. 

These colours look good in sunlight. They travel well. They work across settings, a long lunch, a beach walk, and a casual meeting. More importantly, they’re easy to mix and even easier to wear. You won’t find yourself retiring them when the season ends.

Good summer style isn’t about reinvention. It’s about refinement. A palette like this lets you keep things simple while still evolving. And in a season that’s all about taking it a little slower, that feels about right.

Shop pieces in timeless summer colours online and in-store.