Summer serenity: mastering coastal chic with a soft color palette
If you’re looking for the perfect summer wardrobe that combines sophistication and coastal charm, you’ve come to the right place. Today I’m sharing another capsule wardrobe in classic coastal style, this one with the cool, soft colors from the Summer seasonal palette.
While hyped as a trend last year, “coastal grandmother” is actually a perennial style that’s pretty much ageless. It can be adapted to most casual lifestyles and environments. What I’ve come to think of as “coastal chic” is an aesthetic that embraces comfort and relaxation, while still looking put-together. Lighter colors and muted patterns in natural fibers exemplify this beach-inspired look.
A casual coastal chic capsule in the Summer color palette
BEIGE PANTS | JEANS | WHITE TROUSERS
EARRINGS | BRACELET | BAG | ESPADRILLES | SANDALS
Summers, your soft, cool color palette lends itself very well to this style aesthetic. The capsule above incorporates both neutrals and color. (I consider denim a neutral, including the light wash jeans shown.) Because the colors are all within the same palette, they will combine easily, and you could create a dozen or more different looks with just these pieces.
The best neutrals from the Summer palette will be soft white, cool beige, soft navy and gray. (And most denim, of course!) Silver-toned jewelry and metallics will best flatter your coloring, though some Summers can wear light rose gold. (Though the stone bead necklace shown above has a gold clasp, it would be worn in back, so can work. Or you could replace the findings with silver.)
SUNGLASSES | BAG | BRACELET | SANDALS
Love “coastal chic” style? Click HERE to see more…
More picks for the Summer palette
I’m seeing a lot of various shades of your blues available now, as well as pinks, lilacs and lavenders. Also keep an eye out for dusty rose, and pastel aqua shades. If your coloring is on the darker end of Summer, you can go with colors that are a little darker and more dusky.
The Eileen Fisher linen tee shown in the collage in white, is also available in several colors. These two (Dusk and Magnolia) are great for Summers!
Also from Eileen Fisher, this Nile color (above, in a linen shirt) is good for summers. There are several pieces offered in this color.
These soft, mauve-ish trousers are an interesting alternative to beige.
If it’s too hot for jeans, or they just aren’t your style, these linen ankle pants could sub in nicely. Here’s a style with a similar look in Plus.
Prefer full-length? These are available in a few colors in Misses, Petite & Plus sizes.
This lilac color is a fun take on a classic striped tee. (I’ve been asked about sizing, and while I haven’t yet tried this style, I’ve found other tees from this brand run pretty true-to-size.)
Subtle stripes and a pretty Rose color…what’s not to love? Sizes 00-16. (Per reviews runs a little large.)
Need something a bit more dressed up? I’ve seen this blouse in person and it’s GORGEOUS! Sizes XXS-XL. (This print is also available in a dress.)
This subtle paisley print tee has 3/4 sleeves and a scoop neck. On my monitor, this color looks soft enough for most Summers. In Misses, Petite and Tall sizes.
Here’s a relaxed (and cooler!) denim jacket alternative. This Blueberry color is fabulous for most Summers. And it’s still available in most sizes.
I haven’t found many pieces in Summer’s jade green, but this one looks good. In Misses, Petite, Plus and Plus Petite sizes.
This classic nautical tote comes in both zippered or open top styles. The pop of pink is fun, or go for the graphite gray for a neutral option.
Shop more styles in Summer colors HERE.
Stay in touch
Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.
Hi Susan,
I’m wondering if either colorway in the Vince pattern would work for softer autumn’s? I looked on my monitor and one looks like it has some peacock/ kingfisher in it and the other colorway has perhaps a rusty red and peacock against a pinkish background. Cant tell if the pink is rosewood enough or is a real mauve summer pink. You mentioned you had seen in person-any further insight? Thanks
Hi Lois, I think both colorways are cool. Unless you are a true Blue Autumn (the coolest end of the Autumn palette), I’d keep my eyes open for something warmer. (I haven’t seen the pink in person, but on my monitor it does look mauve rather than Rosewood.)
I love this post, Susan. Thanks so much for helping us Summers! I’ll need to interpret these top ideas in short-sleeve versions, since it’s too hot for long sleeves in the SoCal summer where I live. (And sadly “no” to the gorgeous eyelet top because I can’t bear to wear a camisole under anything in the summer.) You put so much thought and care into your posts — very inspiring.
Do check out Eileen Fisher, they have a lot of great lightweight shirts & tops with short sleeves in your colors! https://bit.ly/3q0vICY
Good morning! Although I love these colors and styles, how can I use them in a less ‘candy-coated’ way? I’m 67 with grey hair and I’m feeling a bit Betty White when I imagine myself wearing them. Thanks!!
Hi Shawn, yes, you could always go with a more neutral palette or go with deeper colors in your palette. I chose these pieces for the capsule because a) they fit in with the light, soft beachy, “coastal” aesthetic and b) they’re mostly what I’m finding available now in the Summer palette.
Wow, how beautiful! I can imagine that Summer-hued women will absolutely love these options. And what an incredible buy the Lands End tote is — I’ve always had LL Bean ones, but they lack the inner pockets the LE ones have. Hmmm. I may be a convert.
Nice post. I am a winter and classic with a little boho thrown in occasionally for interst. I really enjoy “quiet luxury” which you talked about a month ago. I wish you would revisit the topic, especially the warm weather styles.
Not for me this time. All these colours are not my colours.
Greetje
Beautiful choices for us Summers! Thanks, Susan.
Thank for the coastal chic look for summers. Talbots has linen blouses in summer colors.
Foxcroft has non wrinkle linen blouses for summers. I order them from Nordstrom, but they also have a website.
FYI the link to the pink striped shirt in the top two pictures is taking me to a blue print bandeau dress instead!
Sorry about that, here’s an updated link: https://bit.ly/3MSi7Xt
I’m a spring, verging on summer. These colors are so good.
On a side note, I still have some of my redhead strawberry blonde hair. A clerk in a clothing store told me I’m a fall. Sorry, olive green looks dead on me. I’m a spring, with spring’s blue eyes. I’m a light spring. She told me she’s a summer. She was wearing fall colors, which suited her warm skin, eyes and hair color. I wish people would stop spreading color theory misinformation.
Lovely palette and clothing choices. I’m a summer (dark haired), but rose gold jewelry does not suit my coloring. Silver looks best with light yellow gold coming in second. Interestingly, my soft autumn friend looks amazing in rose gold.
thanks! Yes, it’s usually the lighter, softer Summers who can (sometimes) wear rose gold. Silver is always good.
Thank you so much, I am a summer, and these colors are hard to find online, as I’m not sure if my monitor is showing the true colors. I would love more shoe options.