Craving Color? You’ll Love These Bright Summer Tops For Every Seasonal Palette
Getting dressed and feeling stylish can be a challenge in the warm summer months. For those of us who often rely on layered looks to create dimension in our outfits, heat can limit our styling options. So when it’s too warm to layer, I often lean into colorful summer tops to provide visual interest and a focal point. If you’re ready to add more color to your summer wardrobe, read on!
Color can not only enhance our appearance, but can be energizing and a real mood lifter. The right colors shouldn’t “shout,” but will look in harmony with our own natural coloring. Since my training to become a Personal Color Analyst, I’m always paying attention to color, with an eye toward seasonal palettes (and who will look best wearing it).
Colorful summer tops (with seasonal palette recommendations)
I’ve focused on tops here, as wearing your best colors nearest your face is the most effective way to enhance your appearance. You’ll look healthier, rested, more vibrant, glowing and energized. AND, you may find you need less makeup, which is another nice benefit, especially in the heat.
Button-front shirts
I find a lightweight button-front shirt can be a real workhorse in warmer months. Cotton and linen fibers in relaxed styles will be coolest. Roll up the sleeves, pop the collar, and go.
Eileen Fisher cotton poplin shirt
This cool green “Sea Star” color is good for most Summers and some (Jewel or Bright/Sprinter) Winters. Sizes XXS-XL and Petites available.
(Springs & Autumns, take a look at the “Flame” color.)
Ann Taylor relaxed linen roll-tab shirt
On my monitor, this one looks close to the “Raspberry” color that’s shared by the Winter and Summer palettes. (Though the color may be too bright for Pastel Summers.) Sizes XXS-XXL.
I have a couple of these 3/4 sleeve linen shirts from prior years and wear them often in summer. They soften up with washing.
Autumns, here’s your Peacock blue! This no-iron linen shirt is available in sizes 0 (4) to 3.5 (18). Also take a look at “Moss,” another good one for you.
(Winters, try “Purple Nightshade” or “Delightful Pink.” Springs, look at “Watermelon Punch” and “Sol Yellow.”)
Eileen Fisher organic cotton gauze shirt
This “Esmerelda” color is closest to Winter’s “Emerald” Sizes XXS-3X.
(Winters, also take a look at “Heliotrope,” which is your purple. Autumns, check out “Seaweed,” your dark Olive.)
J.Crew camp collar featherweight linen shirt
Springs, this is close to our Apple green. The “Brilliant Peony” is also good for us, but is a bit pinker IRL than it looks online. Sizes 00-24.
Autumns, I think many of you could wear this lighter green color too.
Tees and popovers
If you haven’t yet checked out Kettlewell Colours, they are a fabulous source for colorful basics, by seasonal palette. You can filter and search products by your color season. I’ve found the pieces to be good quality, and shipping on orders over $100 is free, as are returns. Most items I’ve tried run true-to-size or slightly small.
This lime tee is great for Springs & Autumns, but there are lots of other colors available!
J.Jill slub scoop neck Pima cotton tee
This scoop neck tee with elbow sleeves is offered in several colors, but I thought this paisley print was such a pretty option for Autumns. It’s offered in Regular XS-4X, as well as Petite and Tall sizes.
Eileen Fisher linen jersey top
Cool as an ocean breeze, this linen jersey top is available in a whole flock of colors. This “Wisteria” is good for you Summers. Sizes XXS-3X.
Talbot’s embroidered popover top
I’m calling this one for Winters, though I think some Summers could wear it as well. It’s a linen-cotton blend, offered in Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizes.
I really like the flattering elbow-length sleeves on this scoop neck tee in cotton-modal blend. It’s offered in several colors. This “Oceano” blue is good for Springs. Sizes 00/(02) to 4/(20-22).
Eileen Fisher cotton gauze bateau neck top
This relaxed cotton gauze top allows for plenty of cooling airflow on those days when nature turns up the thermostat. This “Calypso” blue is in the Winter palette, but some Blue Springs could wear it as well. Sizes XXS-3X.
As we embrace the vibrant energy of summer, let’s not shy away from experimenting with colorful tops that bring out our inner radiance. No matter your best colors, there’s a perfect piece out there waiting to enhance your summer wardrobe. So let’s celebrate our unique style and embrace the season with confidence and flair. Here’s to a summer filled with color and joy!
If you’re interested in a personal color analysis and live near or will be visiting the Los Angeles, area please email me at [email protected] for more information and to schedule. And for more about the importance of color, be sure to check out my friend Pam’s post today at Over50Feeling40!
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Hi Susan: these are lovely choices and I’m going to give the Chico’s shirts a whirl–it’s not often the Autumn color are available. I find that linen shirts are just the ticket when layering in warm or hot weather. Thanks again!
Hi Sally, I think you’ll find these shirts are good for you, as they have the neatness and structure a Dramatic Gamine needs.
I love paisley, and the colors for the J.Jill top are perfect for me!